At that period the foremost breeders and exhibitors of the St. Bernard were Messrs. Smith & Baker, Leeds; the late Mr. Shillcock, Birmingham; J. F. Smith, Sheffield; Joseph Royle, Manchester; Captain Hargreaves, South port; Messrs. W. S. Clarke, Wishaw, N.B.; J. Storey, Durham; William Hamlyn, Devonshire, and others.

Since the first introduction of the St. Bernard into England, its most enthusiastic admirers have been found amongst women, Miss Hales and Miss Aglionby following close upon the Rev. J. C. Macdona with their imported specimens Hermit and Hilda. Since, women have bred and owned the best, notably Mrs. Jagger, Mrs. Hannay, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Semple, Mrs. Spencer, Misses Waller, Mrs. Steele, Miss Browne, and others.

The most noted St. Bernard between 1890 and 1900 was Sir Bedivere. He was followed by Mr. Shillcock's Champions Plin-limmon, Lord Bute, Duke of Maplecroft, and Princess Florence; Messrs. Smith & Baker's Champions Le Prince, La Princesse, Duke of Florence, etc.; Captain Hargreaves's Sir Hereward (the most noted sire since the days of Bayard and Thor); Joseph Royle's Champion Lord Douglas and Lord Hatherton; Mrs. Jagger's Champion Frandley Stephanie, Lady Mignon, and Champion Florentius (Fig. 24); Mrs. Jones's Champion Duke of Surrey (Fig. 25); Mrs. Semple's Baron Richmond; and many more noted dogs could be named owned by women.

Whilst both the original St. Bernard Club and the Northern Club recognised the same scale of points, friction arose. The Northern Club changed its name to that of the National St. Bernard Club, and became antagonistic to the older club - a state of things that has done harm to the breed.

Thus, from making a trade of the breeding of these noble dogs, the bickerings arising from the various ideas held upon the question of type, and no doubt the great expense entailed in rearing and keeping these leviathans, there are signs that the St. Bernard is waning in public favour. This may be only a passing cloud, and perhaps when the dog is bred more to original type, he will again become first favourite amongst canine pets.

Schumacher regretted the deterioration of the St. Bernard when the Swiss breeders bred to please the English buyers. Yet we have certainly improved upon the original pure Swiss type of dog.

At the present time there is, again, an absence of once wellknown names amongst the ranks of St. Bernard exhibitors. At the close of 1901 the best dogs are all in one kennel, owned by Messrs. Inman & Walmsley. Notable amongst the numerous Champions in this kennel are Wolfram, The King's Son, Tann-hauser, Viola, Judith Inman, and others. When competition is almost confined to one kennel, the breed is in a perilous state.

Fig. 25. - Mrs. Jones's Rough-Coated St. Bernard Champion Duke of Surrey.

The present-day St. Bernard is not taking a stirring part in a picturesque by-gone life, when appearance would be sacrificed to usefulness, but kept more for its striking appearance or as a companion. When so much time and money have been spent upon the introduction and improvement of the breed, there is no reason why it should not be restored to its former prestige, if left to original type. There is no more desirable possession than one of these canine aristocrats, if owners have suitable surroundings and not too needy pockets. If bred, the would-be breeder should master the points of a high-class St. Bernard, and purchase not only a good female, but one with a faultless pedigree. To mate her properly, a novice cannot possess the knowledge that comes from long experience; but, at least for a beginning, the bitch can be mated to the best-known male specimen.

The pups must be fed on the best of food, containing most bone-producing properties, and such helps as Parrish's Food, cod liver oil, lime-water, etc., are not to be ignored in the rearing of a St. Bernard, especially as judges still demand monsters in size. Too long walks or running after vehicles are fatal to size and bulk in a St. Bernard, though more natural and healthy; yet for the present size and weight of St. Bernard's, limited but regular exercise is best. Weights and measurements of celebrated dogs could be given, but they were the victims of early forcing. Such a large animal, however, wants to mature slowly and naturally, attaining to its best at three years old.

If a St. Bernard is purchased, a novice should not be dazzled by the number of prizes a dog has won; often such prizes are of no value, on account of the poor competition. It is wisest to ask advice from well-known and respected breeders and exhibitors, or seek the advice of the clubs.

So many good books are published containing advice both on how to rear pups and prepare adult dogs for the show-bench, that such details must be omitted here. Suffice it to say, a dog no more than a man can exist upon past reputation; but still there is a grandeur of form even about the present-day dog unsurpassed in any other breed. If bred and kept under the conditions suitable for such a large animal, there is no more noble companion or more picturesque animal than the St. Bernard.

The following is the description adopted by both clubs: -

Head

Large and massive, circumference of skull being rather more than double the length of the head, from nose to occiput. Face short, full below eye, and square at muzzle ; cheeks flat, and great depth from eye to lower jaw. Lips deep, but not too pendulous. From nose to stop perfectly straight and broad. Stop somewhat abrupt and well defined. Skull broad, slightly rounded at the top, with somewhat prominent brow.

Ears

Of medium size, lying close to cheek, and not heavily feathered.

Eyes

Rather small and deep set, dark in colour, not too close together, the lower eyelid drooping so as to show a fair amount of the haw, the upper lid falling well over the eye.

Nose

Large and black, with well-developed nostrils.

Teeth

Level.

Expression

Should betoken benevolence, dignity, and intelligence.

Neck

Lengthy, muscular, and slightly arched, with dew-lap well developed.

Shoulders

Broad and sloping, well up at the withers.

Chest

Wide and deep; the lower part should not project below the elbows.

Body

Back broad and straight, ribs well rounded. Loin wide and very muscular.

Tail

Set on rather high, long, and, in the long-coated variety, bushy. Carried low when in repose, and when excited or in motion, slightly above the line of the back.

Legs And Feet

Fore legs perfectly straight, strong in bone, and of good length. Hind legs heavy in bone; hocks well bent, and thighs very muscular. Feet large and compact, with well-arched toes.

Size

A dog should be at least 30in. in height at the shoulder, and a bitch 27m. (the taller the better, provided the symmetry is maintained), thoroughly well proportioned, and of great substance. The general outline should suggest great power and capability of endurance.

Coat

In the Long-coated variety should be dense and flat; rather fuller round the neck, so as to form a ruff; thighs well feathered. In the Short-coated variety it should be close and Hound-like, slightly feathered on thighs and tail.

Colour And Markings

Orange, mahogany-brindle, red-brindle, or white, with patches on body of either of the above-named colours. The markings should be as follows: White muzzle, white blaze up face, white collar round neck, white chest, white forelegs, feet, and end of tail, black shadings on face and ears.

Dew-Claws

Of no value.

Objectionable Points

Dudley, liver, flesh-coloured, or split nose; unlevel mouth and cankered teeth; snipy muzzle; light or staring eyes; cheek-bumps; wedge head; flat skull; badly set or heavily feathered ears; too much peak; short neck; curly coat; curled tail; flat sides; hollow back; roach back; ring tail; open feet or hare feet; cow-hocks, straight hocks; fawn, black tan and white, or self-coloured.