May 23rd, 2009 by admin

Many of the first dogs to set foot on British soil were imported from the hospice in Switzerland. The first recorded St. Bernard to arrive in England was a dog named ‘Lionn.’ He was imported from Switzerland in 1815. St. Bernards gained popularity when Queen Victoria took an interest in them in the late 1840s. In 1862, when the first official dog show was held, Revenrand Cumming Macdonna became a strong devotee of the breed and began importing many fine quality dogs from Switzerland. His most famous dog was ‘Tell,’ bred by Herr Schindler. Records indicate that Tell was never defeated in the show ring.

By the late 1870s, the breed was well established in England and its popularity at dog shows was increasing. In 1882 the first St. Bernard club was formed. By the early 1900s, the Swiss and English were at odds with each other as to what was the right direction to take in the development of the breed. This intense rivalry caused the Swiss to form their own kennel club, and the Swiss standard would later be accepted by all countries except England.

The Bowden Kennel, operated by Mr C Walmsley and Dr. Inman, was very influential in establishing the St. Bernard in the UK. Unfortunately, early breeders from both England and Switzerland were more concerned with breeding massive dogs, and the direction of the breed suffered tremendously because of it.

BEAR DOG
The St. Bernard used to be referred to as the ‘Alpine Mastiff’ or ‘Berihund’ (bear dog) Hospice.

GENUS CANIS
Dogs and wolves are members of the genus Canis. Wolves are known scientifically as Canis lupus while dogs are known as Canis domesticus. Dogs and wolves are known to interbreed. The term Canine derives from the Latin derived word Canis. The term dog has no scientific basis but has been used for thousands of years. The origin of the word dog has never been authoritatively ascertained.

The Bowden kennel recognized the importance of soundness and type in its development, and the kennel went on to produce many fine dogs. The Three most famous included Tannhauser, who won 16 Challenge Certificates; Viola winner of 14 Challenge Certificates; and Ch The Pride of Sussex, a top winner for the breed.

Through the late 1920s and 1930s many other kennels and breeders started to make a substantial name for themselves, helping to further the breed’s development. The Abbotspass kennel, operated by Mrs Staines, and the Pearl Kennel, owned by Mr and Mrs J Redwood, were two of the first. Other influential St. Benard breeders of this era included Dr and Mrs Cox, Mrs. Briggs, Mr A K Gaunt, Miss Watts and Mr A E Thompson, to name just a few. Many of these individuals kept the breed alive through both World Wars.

Throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s, Ken Gaunt and his wife Kathleen of Cornagarth kennels has established themselves as reputable St. Bernard breeders. They had many top winning dogs and several of time. The greatest accomplishment for the breed in General was Gaunt’s purchase of Marshall van Zwing Uri. This dog was unlike any other specimen in England and helped to improve overall soundness in the breed. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s numerous other topnotch breeders and kennels emerged on the scene, each contributing to the breed’s development in different areas.

By the 1970s, Richard and Rachel Beaver’s Lindenhall kennels had established themselves and produced many fine champions. Some of their top dogs included Ch Linderhall High Commissioner and Ch Linderhall Capability Brown, a smooth that went on to win six Challenge Certificates. An historical win was claimed in 1974 by Miss M Hindes’s Ch Burtonswood Bossy Boots, the first member of the breed to win at Crufts Dog Show, Englan’s most prestigious exhibition. John and Marry Harpham of Whaplode kennels produced many top winnings dogs of the 1980s. One of their most successful dogs was Ch Whaplode Unique, who dominated the breed in the early ‘80s and won Best of Breed at Crufts in 1981. Michael and Ann Wensley of the Swindridge kennels also made a substantial producing many champions.

Today many of the same lines and kennels from the past continue to prove influential in the types of dogs that are produced. When Mr and Mrs Gaunt passed away in the mid 1970s, the Conagarth prefix in England had produced nearly 80 champions. This is truly a great accomplishment. The Coatham, Burtonswood and Swindridge kennels, and several other quality kennels like them, will continue to play a major role in the breed’s history for years to come.