Musée et Chiens du Saint-Bernard, Dog museum in Martigny, Switzerland.
The Musée et Chiens du Saint-Bernard in Martigny is a facility dedicated to Saint Bernard dogs and their role in Alpine rescue. It combines exhibition spaces with areas where these animals live and spend time with people who come to visit.
Saint Bernard dogs were developed by monks in the 10th century at the Great Saint Bernard Pass to assist travelers in rescue. The Barry Foundation took over the breeding program in 1995 and continues this alpine heritage today.
The dogs are named after Saint Bernard of Menthon, the patron saint of the Alps, reflecting their deep connection to mountain life. Visitors encounter these animals as living reminders of how communities have relied on them for survival in harsh terrain.
The museum is undergoing renovations until summer 2025, but guided walks with the dogs continue in areas around Martigny and nearby valleys. Visitors can join these walks to spend time with the animals while exploring the local landscape.
One of the most famous dogs, Barry, is said to have rescued about 40 people during his life before his death. His remains and life story form a significant part of what the institution preserves and shares.
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