CHAPTER IV. 



BREEDING. 



The Difficulties of Breeding Typical Dogs The Keynote of 

 Uniformity Breeding Hints The Question of Mating 

 Valuable Points as to Selection of the Sire The Im- 

 portance of Pedigree Care of a Stud Dog Rational 

 Mating The Bitch and Her Puppies. 



IT IS safe to assume at the very outset that there 

 is no occupation that presents a more interest- 

 ing, complex and, at the same time, uncertain 

 proposition than the breeding of Boston Ter- 

 riers. The old adage, that "like begets like" 

 does not always apply, for, as was intimated 

 in the previous chapter, the results, even when 

 special care is exercised, are liable to be not only 

 disappointing, but actually ludicrous. This statement is not in- 

 tended to discourage prospective breeders, for it should be 

 coupled with the assurance that although the results are not 

 always calculated to inspire one with delight, yet the study 

 necessary and the experience gained never fail to prove most 

 interesting; therefore this fact should serve as an incentive and 

 stimulus to those about to enter the field, providing they are 

 guided by the right motive, namely, to breed so as to obtain the 

 very best possible results, not for themselves, but for the breed. 

 Many rules and regulations as to breeding have been elabor- 

 ately set forth by numerous writers, and success attends a care- 

 ful following of these in most breeds; but, alas, they do not 

 apply to Boston Terriers. Those of us who have tried the ex- 

 periment can cheerfully testify that the Boston Terrier is a law 

 unto himself and seems adverse to complying with rules and 

 regulations that govern the breeding of dogs in general. Expe- 

 rience alone qualifies a man to advise others, irrespective of the 

 length of time he has been engaged in breeding Boston Terriers, 

 for one often attains a lot of experience in a few years, particu- 

 larly if he has conducted his breeding along liberal and pro- 

 gressive lines. Even the most skilled and careful breeder, how- 



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