86 THE DOG IN HEALTH. 



In any case, muzzle, ears, and nose black, with same color 

 round orbits and extending up between them. 



The St. Bernard. — Of a dignified, sweet, and noble 

 expression of countenance, of majestic size, and beauti- 

 ful coat, color, and markings, with unbounded good na- 

 ture, courage, and sagacity, it is not surprising that this 

 breed is by far the most favored of the large dogs of 

 the day, though it is possible that some reaction may 

 follow his present amazing popularity for reasons to be 

 given later (p. 368). 



Great importance is attached to size, to head, and to 

 markings, even to the detriment of the general soundness 

 of make-up of the breed, we fear ; though, so far as ex- 

 pression and character go, it is well to lay great stress on 

 them, for we must have the dog as well as the animal 

 form, which is somewhat apt to be overlooked by those 

 breeding show-dogs. Of what use is a mere mountain 

 of flesh without true character — i. e., without the proper 

 disposition and intelligence? These the judge can often 

 only ascertain by the expression and bearing of the dog, 

 and they should count high in the estimate of the animal 

 as a whole. 



Head. — Like the whole body, very powerful and im- 

 posing. The massive skull is wide, slightly arched, and 

 sloping at the sides with a gentle curve into the very well- 

 developed cheek bones. Occiput slightly developed ; su- 

 pra-orbital ridge (brows) strongly pronounced, forming 

 nearly a right angle with the horizontal axis of the head. 

 Between the two supra-orbital arches and starting at root 

 of muzzle runs a furrow over whole skull, producing a 

 decided stop, which extends upward, getting more and 



