The St. Bernard. By Hugh Dalziel. (L. Upcott Gill.)—Mr. Dalziel
gives us plenty of the St. Bernard's history,—for, indeed, it has more real history than any other breed of dogs. There has always been much discussion as to the various strains which have given us such a noble breed. Mr. Dalziel himself cannot tell us much about this, except that the bloodhound, the wolfhound, the boarhound, and the Newfoundland, have all contributed some of their qualities to the St. Bernard. The pedigree is traced for us, the points discussed, and the various standards are compared by the writer. He, by the way, is decidedly averse to dew-claws, and contemptuous of their public estimation. We think he is right, but he should know that a prejudice having once taken hold of a breeder's mind, becomes rooted; nothing can tear it away. Mr. Dalziel's monograph is sure to be useful in increasing the knowledge of a remarkable animal.—The Collie. (Same
author and publisher.)—The history of the Collie, unlike the St. Bernard, is wrapped in obscurity, and its origin is un- known. Mr. Dalziel thinks that the origin " is the result of selection carried on through a long series of years." At any rate, the collie has now become a distinct breed, though the steadiness of its characteristics still varies considerably. As a selection with a view to an end, it may lay claim to as great a success as the St. Bernard. Any one who has seen hundreds of sheep driven by a couple of dogs at the most, or seen the sheep- trials which the northernmost counties add to their flower-shows, will appreciate their method and intelligence. In spite of what Mr. Dalziel maintains, we must, however, say that the temper of the collie is decidedly uneven ; but he is a handsome dog, and makes an affectionate and devoted companion.
Previous page
