What do saint bernards carry in their canister when they worked in the snow?

Question

I always see pictures of the saint bernard dogs in history and in cartoons with canisters around their necks; usually with a cross on it. So what's inside? Water, Liqueur, Meds.

Answer 1

This web site tells the story of the St Bernard dog rescuing lost travellers in the snow. It does say that the flask contains spirits - alcoholic spirits - to revive the traveller.

http://www.web-books.com/Classics/YoungF...

This site tells us of a St Bernard named Barry. It describes the contents of the flask as Brandy. We should realise that medicine was not as advanced as it is today and therefore alcohol was scene to warm people - not slow down the breathing the way it is today. That is why it was given to those found lost in the snow.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-ar...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_(dog)

For a little about the breed of dog.

http://www.caninecrib.com/dog/breeds/StB...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Bernard...

Cheers!!!

Answer 2

I did a quick Wikipedia search:

"St. Bernards are often portrayed, especially in comics, cartoons and old live action comedies such as Swiss Miss, with small barrels of brandy worn around their necks. This was supposedly used to warm the victims that the dogs found, although in reality, alcohol (which acts as a vasodilator) would worsen the situation of a person suffering hypothermia. However, the monks of the St. Bernard Hospice deny that any St. Bernard has ever carried casks or small barrels around their necks; they believe that the origin of the image is an early painting. The monks did keep casks around for photographs by tourists."

Answer 3

Actually..  most of the search and rescue dogs do NOT have those little canisters!  If they had anything, it would be first aide supplies.

The whole idea of the little barrel started from an old painting in which a St Bernard was depicted wearing one..  since then its been seen in cartoons and other pics.

The monks who raised the St Bernards will tell you that they dont actually use the barrels, but they do have some around to use as props for photos.

It is NOT alchohol!  Many cartoons show the dog pouring himself a drink after rescuing a person.  Its an old wives tale that alchohol warms the body.  It feels "warming" when it goes down, but alchohol actually slows the metabolism and can increase the chances of hypothermia.

Answer 4

Im pretty sure it was liquer/alcohol, usually something like rum  

Answer 5

I thought it was rum...It is alcohol just exactly which i am not sure...

Edit:

NM I just read it was Brandy--but it IS wikipedia

Answer 6

brandy

Answer 7

well think about it if it has a cross on it it is probably medical supplies like the first aid pack have crosses on them and even some ambulances have crosses

Answer 8

Brandy to revive people who were out in the cold.

Answer 9

I always thought it was vodka, to be honest. I'm almost positive it's a liquor because liquor won't freeze. And I know the Russian soldiers drank Vodka to keep them warm during the war.

I could be wrong but I think it's vodka.