| The
following photos are taken from dog shows very early in the years of 1980 in Norway. At this time we did see much more dogs and people at the shows then we are seeing today. |
 |
| After
each speciality show, we always had anice and friendly dinner withfollowing dancing. Maybe there are some one out there who will recognise themselves on these old photos. |
|
  |
  |
In the beginning of the years 1980, there was a Dutch male, Ch Helmuth V Wijk Heim;
an import to Sweden to Karin Byrevik, Dein Hard’s Kennel.
This dog had a big influence on the developing of the breed in this period.
Both in Sweden as well as in Norway.
Ch Helmuth V Wijk Heim
And in 1981, the first import from USA, Ch Mar Don’s Cottonelle,
was imported to Bernegården’s kennel in Norway.
Cottonelle and Helmut did produce a very great dog for this time, Ch Bernegården’s Gulliver.
He became a best in show winner, at the Swedish Saint Bernard show, already at the age of 15 months.
Ch Bernegården’s Gulliver
Gulliver himself did produce some of the greatest dogs in this period; well-known dogs are
Multi Ch Bernegården’s Laramie, Int Ch Bernegården’s All Alone and Ch Bernegården’s Vagabond.
All of these dogs Best in show specialty winners,
the two first ones also group and Bis winners at all breed shows.
Ch Bernegården’s All Alone
Another very important import from USA was Ch Castlewood’s Yamaha.
This dog was also imported by Dein Hard’s kennel
Ch Castlewood’s Yamaha
Cottonelle was also mated to Yamaha, a combination who produced 9 champions
We did very fast see the improvement in the breed in Norway, after importing dogs from USA.
These dogs were to enormous help getting better structure, balance, body and movements on the breed.
Suddenly Saint Bernard’s was able to compete for the groups and the Best In Show level.
Not just as a one-time winner, but time after time.
