Saint Bernard

It would be difficult to mistake the St Bernard for any other dog, for this gentle giant is depicted everywhere as a symbol of rescue and care. A descendant of mastiff-type dogs brought to the Swiss Alps by the Romans at the Hospice of St Bernard for rescuing travelers lost in the St Gothard Pass. There are two coat-types: rough-and smooth-coated.

A well-proportioned, massive dog of substance, the huge head has a broad, slightly rounded skull and a short, deep muzzle. The nose is black, The dark eyes are medium-sized and should have a benevolent expression. The triangular ears are also medium-sized and lie close to the cheeks. The neck is thick and muscular with a well-developed dewlap. The deep-chested body has a straight back and muscular loins and is carried on straight, heavily-boned legs. The feet are large, which no doubt help the dog progress through snow. The tail is long.

There are two coat-types Rough-coated: Flat and dense and full around the neck. Smooth-coated: Close-fitting and hound-like with feathering on the thighs and tail. Colours are orange, mahogany-brindle, red-brindle, or white with patches on the body of any of these colours.

Fortunately, this massive dog is an extremely benevolent character with a steady, calm nature. Walks are usually taken at a leisurely pace, but a St Bernard can pull extremely hard, so needs to be kept under control. The dog is inclined to drool and is not one of those large breeds that can curl up into surprisingly small spaces; indeed, owners tend to fit themselves into whatever space is left over. Feeding is an expensive undertaking.

The St Bernard has a placid, affectionate nature, but because of ifs massive size and strength requires careful handling.

Beagle

The smallest of the pack hounds, the Beagle is an English breed used for hunting hares, the hunters following on foot. The breed has been in existence since at least the reign of Henry VIII, and is deservedly popular in many countries, including America, Britain and France.

The Beagle is a bustling, active and enthusiastic dog of compact build. The head is medium to broad with a slightly domed skull. The nose should preferably be black. The ears hang down to the cheeks and are thin, fairly long, and rounded. The eyes are brown or hazel, with a friendly look. The medium-length neck is carried on a short, deep-chested body. The strongly boned, muscular legs end in round feet. The tail is moderately long and is carried high.

The coat is dense, short and waterproof, and may be in any of the recognized hound colours apart from liver.

Bold, lively and affectionate, the Beagle is also blessed with stamina and intelligence. Ever ready for action, it is as happy hunting in a pack as it is simply being a pampered family pet. The short coat is quick to wash and dry, after even the muddiest of romps, but once free of the leash, seemingly deaf to its owner's calls.

The Beagle's smooth shorthaired coat is easy to maintain and needs little grooming to keep it looking smart.

Pug

The Pug is thought to have originated in China, where the dog was the companion of monks. It arrived in Europe with traders in the 1500s and subsequently become very poppular in the Netherlands and in Britain.

This is a square, muscular dog reminiscent of a miniature mastiff. The head is large and round with a short, blunt muzzle; the skin has clearly defined wrinkles. The huge, dark eyes are set in the sockets in a way that makes them seem globular; they are also highly expressive. The ears are small and thin, and there are two types: drop rose ears or folded button ears, the letter being preferred. The neck is strong and think ans is carried on a short, wide-chested body. The fairly long legs are strong and straight. The tail is curled tightly over the trip.

The Pug has a coat which is short, smooth, soft and glossy. Colours are silver, fawn, apricot, or black; light colours should have clearly contrasting markings, including a dark mask and ears.

The sturdy Pug is a real character among dogs. The body language and manner of moods, from alert watchfulness to an appealing request for attention. A playful and hardy dog, the Pug enjoys exercise and is easy to feed and groom.

The Pug is a sturdy, muscular little dog, rather like a miniature mastiff. It may look tough but it is actually quite a softies, being gentle, even tempered and patient with children.