THE BIG DOGS 151 



amiable Great Dane is not an impossibility, 

 though he may be rare. It is, or has been, the 

 custom to cut the ears of this animal, but a 

 sentiment in favor of nature's work is grow- 

 ing among the more intelligent dog-raisers. 



Practically equal in size to this canine giant, 

 and a much more beautiful animal, is the great 

 St. Bernard, whose value when perfect is far 

 up in the tens of thousands. His well-known 

 history gives him a reputation for nobility of 

 character which is borne out by facts, and no 

 dog of his size is his equal in gentleness, sa- 

 gacity, and attachment to his friends. As a 

 protector he is vigilant and faithful, and at the 

 same time he possesses more sense and discre- 

 tion than most of his kind. Children seem to 

 be his special care, and he cannot be excelled 

 as a country companion for them. 



There are two kinds of St. Bernards the 

 rough and the smooth coated. The former is 

 more beautiful, but is also much more care. 

 His slightly wavy coat needs so much atten- 

 tion to be kept in proper condition that he 

 actually should have a servant for his own 

 use. In color he should be red and white in 

 varying combinations, with patches of dark 



