Alpine mastiffs dog - History, behavior, pictures and background

The Alpine Mastiff is considered to be a major contributor to the modern day Mastiff dog. This breed was apparent in 1700 and 1800 Rome and was thought to have accompanied the Romans across the Alps. However, there are traces of the dogs going back to the twelfth century with Monks at the Grand Saint Bernard Hospice. Today, the Alpine Mastiff is considered one of the original Molosser dog breeds and it is extinct.

Many historians believe that sometime in the early 1800s other breeds such as the Great Dane and Newfoundland were introduced into the blood lines of the Alpine Mastiffs. There is a rumor that Alpine Mastiffs were bred at Chatsworth House by William Cavendish the 5th Duke of Devonshire which is believed to be true. Beginning in the 19th century, the breed had been redeveloped and given the new name of St Bernard.

The St Bernard was brought to Liverpool and London in 1829, and it was the largest dog in the area at the time. Although the breed is ancient, it was not recognized by dog clubs until 1880. The breed has a long history of saving lives, especially around the Swiss Alps. Possibly the most famous St. Bernard in history was named Barry and was honored with saving over forty people in a ten year time span. The original specimens of the Alpine Mastiff breed had a short coat; it was not until the Newfoundland was introduced into the breed that the dog’s developed long coats that are found on modern-day St. Bernards.

Alpine mastiffs dog - History, behavior, pictures and background