Bernardines are a very sweet breed of dog that originated in Switzerland and were originally bred as human rescuers. What is very little known is how they actually got their name.

Bernardines are a large breed of dog with a black and white coat, a soft look and are often presented with a small barrel around the neck.

They are considered quiet and loyal dogs, and their "sacred" name gives them absolute confirmation of their good nature, but the legend of their name is rarely known.

 

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St. Bernard was raised to rescue people in the large St. Bernard Crossing in the Swiss Alps, where travelers lived and rested. The crossing, named after the Italian monk Bernard of Menton, was in fact the first missionary to baptize the inhabitants of the Alps, one of the last in western Europe to have ancient pagan customs.

In many illustrations or plays about this dog, a barrel of brandy often appears around his neck. Of course, this barrel serves to "revive" and recover all those lost people through the alpine storms and avalanches, warming them while waiting for a human crew for rescue. This beautiful image of the Bernardines follows them both in their portrayal on television and in movies.

You probably remember "Beethoven", a favorite movie from the 90's where this dog was presented as a good and loyal friend of a chaotic family.