Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe GRAND ST. BERNARD, Switzerland, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- After 400 years, the St. Bernard monks in Switzerland have stopped breeding St. Bernard mountain rescue dogs, ABC News reported Wednesday. Although the dogs have saved more than 2,000 lives since the monks started keeping records in 1700, there are just four monks remaining, and the dogs' rescue work is now mostly done by helicopters and electronics. Advertisement "What is essential is not just the dogs, but primarily the people we receive," said Father Hilaire, who added he and the other three monks have neither the time nor money to properly care for the energetic big dogs. Working in pairs, when the dogs came across hikers or skiers stranded in the snow, one would instinctively lie on top of them and lick them to keep them warm while the second dog would go search for help. The dogs never did carry casks of brandy around their necks, which was a liberty taken by 19th century artists. News the monks are selling the last litter of six puppies has upset nearby residents, who consider the animals part of the area's character.
