St Bernard dogs, one of Switzerland’s national symbols that were internationally renowned for helping in alpine rescues, are now saving people in other ways.

The Barry Foundation – a non-profit that took over breeding of the dog in 2005 from the world’s oldest St Bernard kennels high in the Swiss mountains – has helped the dogs transition to their new role as therapeutic and educational support dogs for vulnerable people.

“The St Bernard today is a breed that works on the social front,” Andrea Zollinger, spokeswoman for the foundation, said during a visit to its kennels in the city of Martigny, near the borders of Italy and France.

“The dogs work in hospitals, in nursing homes with senior citizens. They help people undergoing therapy, meet with children and prisoners. They work wonders.”

The dogs take part in some 600 engagements across Switzerland every year.

They support the wellbeing of people with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs, and assist medical professionals in carrying out psychosomatic and psychosocial rehabilitation.

“They happily take part,” Zollinger said.

“They love it.”

Visitors can also see the dogs at Barryland, a theme park that has a museum and facilities for the dogs.

Historically, St Bernard dogs were used to aid pilgrims and other travellers making the treacherous journey across the Alps, forging the dogs’ reputation as dutiful companions with an extraordinary capacity for rescue.

These days, alpine rescues tend to enlist the help of smaller dogs that can be more easily transported by helicopter compared with St Bernards.