Meet the famous swiss mountain rescue dog!
“Nobleness, devotion, sacrifice” is the motto of the Saint Bernard dog, the Swiss national emblem.
With his clumsy look and his big benevolent eyes, the star dog of the Beethoven movies is a favorite of young and old. Take advantage of your stay in Valais to meet this mountain hero.
The legendary avalanche dog
Working with the canons to rescue travellers, the St-Bernard dogs originate from Grand-St-Bernard Hospice at an altitude of 2500m. Strong and gently, they embody the friendship and welcoming tradition of this emblematic location. Barry is the most famous representative. In summer, visitors can see the dogs on the Grand-St-Bernard pass. The breeding facility is currently entrusted to the Fondation Barry.
The Barry Foundation
Following its creation in January 2005, the Barry Foundation took over the breeding kennel from the Great Saint Bernard Pass Hospice (Holy Order of the Great Saint Bernard Monastery) together with the kennel’s famous Saint Bernard dogs. In accordance with the tradition of Saint Bernard breeding at Great Saint Bernard, the Barry Foundation mainly breed short-haired dogs. An average of 20 pedigree puppies are born in the breeding kennel each year. A team consisting of a vet, a breed specialist and 10 keepers is responsible for ensuring the dogs’ comfort and optimal development as well as providing professional training.