THE AMERICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



usually produced in a litter, though occasionally there may 

 be six; but should this occur, a foster-mother will have to 

 be secured, or hand-raising resorted to, in order to save 

 those that the delicate mother is not able to nourish. It is 

 therefore wise to provide for such an emergency, that the 

 whole litter may be saved, for generally the smaller and 

 more desirable ones would succumb first to lack of care. 



The food most suitable for the Italian, .at all times, is 

 table-scraps. These should be carefully prepared by mix- 

 ing bread, cooked meat, and potatoes with a little gravy, 

 milk, or the like. If too much meat is given, they are apt to 

 contract skin disease, which is quite difficult to overcome. 

 "But he won't eat anything but meat," you may say. 

 That may be so now, but by reducing the quantity and 

 gradually mixing other articles with the meat, you can 

 bring about a radical change, even in the case of an old dog. 

 Begin with the puppy, and you can mold his taste to your 

 liking. 



The Italian must have plain food and a certain amount 

 of vegetable matter, and all should be free from pepper, 

 mustard, and acids. You should vary the diet more or 

 less, giving different articles of food every few days. 



Preparation for the bench show is simple enough, but a 

 few suggestions may not be amiss. Be especially careful 

 not to have the dog too fat. This is a common fault, and 

 can be overcome by reducing the diet and giving plenty of 

 vigorous exercise; but they should be round and smooth, 

 with coats glossy, the bony frame-work showing the least 

 bit, and with as much muscle as can be developed conven- 

 iently. As, however, they are not designed for field-work, 

 muscle is not so important. They need not be washed very 

 frequently, as their cleanly habits will obviate the necessity 

 for this; but rubbing with a damp cloth, followed by a vig- 

 orous application of a dry flannel and the dry hand, will 

 serve the purpose much better. The rubbing will also 

 serve to develop the muscles. Get the dog accustomed to 

 the ways of the street and to strangers, and your task is 

 finished. 



