CONTENTS. xi 



PAGE 



exhibitors. Golden rule for all to follow. Hints for show manage- 

 ments. Delusions about disinfectants. Unwarrantable inflictions 

 upon dogs and visitors. Measures of relief advised . . . 185 



PART III. BREEDING. 



CHAPTER I. 



SELECTION OF SIRE. 



Methods of the average breeder. Glaring faults uncovered. Why 

 failures are so common. The prime essentials to success. Lines on 

 which sires should be chosen. Breeding sporting dogs. Advan- 

 tages of in-breeding. Its pernicious effects. Influence of the 

 previous sire. Unsound theories combated. Where misalliance 

 occurs. Importance of pedigree. Interesting experiments in hy- 

 bridizing. Valuable lessons therefrom 197 



CHAPTER II. 



IN SEASON. 



Too early mating and maturity. Effects on the mother. On the off- 

 spring. Is mating at the first season justified ? The method of 

 "shaping." Maturing periods. Signs presented during the " rut- 

 ting season." When to mate is possible. Successful service. 

 Absolute essentials in both subjects of a union. One common cause 

 of great mortality among puppies. Breeding at every season. 

 Obesity and sterility. When a cure is possible. The treatment 

 required. The right condition for breeding 214 



CHAPTER III. 

 BEFORE WHELPING. 



Exercise during gestation. Its infinite importance. Essential precau- 

 tions. Signs of pregnancy. Some pronounced absurdities. Diet 

 of the bitch in pup. Highly instructive experiments. The real 

 effects of raw meats. Bone-making materials. The one that 

 promises best. The whelping quarters. Important measures against 

 worms. Bed and bedding. Popular fallacies regarding them. 

 Abuse of cathartics and laxative foods 229 



