I've featured some exaggerated Indian-bred dogs in the past here (Pedigree Dogs Exposed India anyone?)and it has provoked outraged comments by those who consider themselves in more 'civilised' breeding countries.
The dog above is clearly a really exaggerated parody of what a St Bernard should be. However, on this occasion the finger of blame needs to point not at his current owner in Punjab but at this dog's American breeder.
This dog is Trademarks Avatar - born in the USA on 24th April 2010.
Here he is as a youngster winning in Indiana in 2011 at a Berrian Kennel Club show.
He was then flogged off to India, and has become a champion there, too.
And here he is today in India.
What should St Bernards be like?
Well how about these?
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| 1955 |
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| 1905 |
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| 1906 |
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| 1910 |
For more moderate current Saints, check out the Barry Foundation in Switzerland which is working on restoring the breed to its original type. Not all of their dogs are perfect, but they're getting some things right. This is Cheyenne, a four-year-old bitch with a lovely moderate head and good eyes - with Trademarks Avatar below for comparison.
