The origins of the Irish Saint Terrier are not totally known. In order to understand the history of the Irish Saint Terrier, perhaps a look at his parent breeds will shed some light on the history of the hybrid breed. The Irish Terrier is likely one of the oldest of the Terrier breeds. He can trace his roots back to Scotland, and is thought to be the result of the breeding of a Black and Tan Terrier (a breed that is now extinct) and a larger wheaten-colored Terrier. In the 1880s, the Irish Terrier was one of the most popular breeds in the British Isles. It was brought to America, where the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. During World War I, the Irish Terrier was used as a messenger dog. Over time, the breed has decreased in popularity. The Saint Bernard is a gentle giant who was bred for the cold weather of the Alps. Experts believe that the breed was created when native dogs (to Switzerland) were interbred with Mastiff-type dogs brought to the area by Romans. The dogs were first mentioned in the records of a monastery in 1703. It is believed the dogs were watchdogs of the monastery grounds. The dog has been associated with the search and rescue of lost travellers near what is now the Saint Bernard’s pass, and this reputation has stuck with the Saint Bernard dog. He has the physical characteristics which make him ideal for harsh winters and tough rescue missions in the mountains. In fact, monastery records credit the Saint Bernard with the rescue of at least 2,000 travellers. Over time, the breed made its way to England, where, in 1833, a man named Daniel Wilson suggested that the breed be called the Saint Bernard. 1883 also saw the Saint Bernard make its way to the United States, where Plinlimmon, a Saint Bernard owned by an actor, became a top show dog. The dog became highly popular in the United States, and is still a favorite breed today.
