Our kennel name is taken from a small piece of history embedded in the Hospice and captures the quintessence of this magnificent breed; the warm, loyal companionship that these dogs give of themselves, so unconditionally. Desaix, one of Napoleons favourite young generals visited the Hospice in 1800 with the French army on the way to Marengo. Whilst staying at the hospice and playing with the dogs Desaix said that they made him "feel at home". Desaix lost his life during the famous battle that was to make Napoleon master of Europe for more than a decade and Napoleon, remembering how happy and contented Desaix had been during his stay at the Hospice with the dogs, ordered that his young generals body should be taken there. "Let him in the home he chose" said Napoleon "the dogs will guard him well!" Even today, the name of general Desaix can still be seen inscribed on a marble plate located in the Hospice chapel, where his body lies.
THE DESAIX COMMITMENT
We have dedicated a large part of our lives to studying our chosen breed and striving for its improvement in both phenotype and genetic health through responsible breeding practices. We actively screen all our St Bernards for heritable diseases in an attempt to reduce +/or erradicate their incidence and severity over time. It is our belief that all St Bernards are entitled to be phenotypically correct (as commanded by the FCI Standard no'61 for the St Bernard) and enjoy a long, healthy and happy life. Through fulfillment of our short and long term goals our ideals will be fully realised. The qualities so unique to our breed must be preserved to allow future generations to gain as much pleasure from their St Bernards, as we have gained from our breed, the majestic St Bernard, in the past.
