CHAPTER VI. 



BUYING A DOG. 



How to Select a Dog Remarkable Intelligence of the Boston 

 Terrier Each Dog's Peculiarities and Characteristics 

 The Best Way to Buy Reputable Dealers "Over Dis- 

 temper" Some Advice on Veterinarians The Dog. vs. 

 the Bitch as a Companion. 



THE QUERY is often heard, "Why are Boston 

 Terriers so sought after as household pets, 

 and why are they so expensive?" In the 

 first place, as stated in the previous pages, 

 being a very handsome and sporty looking 

 short-haired dog, they are peculiarly adapted 

 for our homes. Coupled with this, they are 

 of a very affectionate disposition and possess an even tempera- 

 ment. As an all-round companion they appeal most forcibly to 

 all lovers of dogs, for whilst they are not aggressive, still should 

 circumstances so require they are fully capable and willing to take 

 care of themselves or their masters. 



As to the second query, it is readily answered by stating 

 that the demand for well-bred and house-broken Boston Terriers 

 far exceeds the supply. The reason for this is not only be- 

 cause they are so highly appreciated, but because they are very 

 difficult to raise. It may seem a strange statement to make, but 

 it is none the less true, that about 65 per cent, die at birth or 

 prior to reaching maturity, and generally the best in a litter are 

 the ones that ?re lost. This, however, is not an exclusive pecu- 

 liarity of the breed for all dog fanciers know that "the good die 

 young" and it is always the best of the lot that passes away. 

 Hence their very scarcity keeps up the prices. It is true that 

 poor specimens are often sold for the proverbial "song," but 

 the writer is dealing in this little volume with only the correct 

 type of pedigreed stock. Mid has no use for "Yah Hoo's" and 

 "Muts." The question is also asked, "Are they intelligent?" 

 The reply is that under careful instruction they can be taught 

 any known trick quite as readily as any other breed; they 

 possess peculiar reasoning power, and whilst they not only be- 



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