St. Bernard dogs take the lead through Valais vineyards

“It felt so intensive, being in contact with these good-natured, affectionate dogs in such a small group,” says Inga Feller Devaud, one participant on a previous St. Bernard walk, launched again this year by the Barry Foundation on Thursday.

Obviously a satisfied customer . . . and it’s very hard not to like St. Bernards, who possess a trusting, unquenchable affability – not unlike Boxer from Animal Farm, if you disregard the slobber.

“St. Bernards are great family dogs,” says Anja Ebener of the Martigny-based non-profit foundation and hospice dedicated to managing the national breed. “They love to be around humans and are very interested in them as well.”

The 90-minute hike pads unhurriedly through a section of the Valais wine route, which sounds promising, but the foundation has yet to schedule some pre-arranged stopovers to put the local vintages through their paces.

“We’re thinking about that next year but so far it’s not the case. We have chosen the trail because it’s a beautiful area on the sunny side of the valley with a great view,” the practical Ebener says.

Three dogs are charged with keeping everyone amused: Jella, Ivoire and Helios, to provide their thoughtfully chosen names. Dog handlers from the foundation are on hand to answer questions and provide control.

Only ten hikers (including children) are allowed per walk. “It’s good for the participants so that they can have a chance to lead the dogs and interact with them as much as possible,” says Ebener.

Hikes are scheduled every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until April 30. Weather is generally not an issue. “We do it whatever the weather because the dogs have to go on walks every day in any case. But it’s best to call on the day about the conditions,” says Ebener.

A 45-franc fee per adult (5 francs for children 6-16) covers the walk plus a visit to the foundation’s kennels in Martigny where five fresh puppies, born at the end of November, are now on view.

The Barry Foundation was named after the dog of the same name, which reportedly saved some 40 people from the clutches of avalanches on the perilous St. Bernard pass during the early 1800s.

Original St. Bernards, such as Barry, were leaner canines with shorter hair but were decimated by consanguinity. An appalling serious of snowslides which rocked the Swiss Alps between 1816 and 1818 took many more.

Breeders elected to cross remaining dogs with Newfoundlands, generating a larger body and longer coat.

The result however, reduced their efficacy as rescue experts and their services were gradually phased out with the advent of more sophisticated methods of locating avalanche victims.

However, the tradition is not quite dead yet. The Barry Foundation continues to train a single St. Bernard in the art of snow rescue and the animal is expected to attend a special competition later this year.

Participants meet at 1.30 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the breeding kennels: 52 route des Chantons, Martigny

Barry Foundation tel: 027 722 65 42