THE ST. BERNARD 43 



known 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. 



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: 



