458 British Dogs. 



every breeder. Both of these gentlemen are well known as scientists 

 and most successful practical breeders of various domestic animals, 

 and both have succeeded in establishing new varieties. Mr. Boulton's 

 black spaniels possessed such a distinctive family character that they 

 could be recognised at a glance. As a result of Mr. Boulton's great 

 experience, he has come to a conclusion of much importance, namely, 

 "that the sire influences the progeny principally in colour and outer 

 contour, and the dam in constitution and all vital characteristics and 

 peculiarities of temperament, instinct, and family or hereditary stamp, 

 quality, or feature." Whether that view receive complete endorsement 

 from other breeders or not, no one of any practical experience will 

 undervalue the importance of breeding only, or with rare exceptions, 

 from pure bred dams. It would be impossible to establish a kennel 

 of even character and high quality from brood bitches of different and of 

 mixed blood. 



(Estrum or Heat of Bitches. The desire to reproduce is not constant 

 in the dog, but occurs at periods varying in individuals even of the same 

 variety, in some as often as every six months ; but whether six, seven, or 

 eight months, the period is generally kept to with tolerable regularity, 

 so that an observant breeder who keeps a kennel record can tell pretty 

 nearly when his bitches will be in season. 



It is not necessary to describe in detail the symptoms of heat there is 

 general disturbance and excitement of the whole system ; it is, I believe, 

 in many instances possible to tell by the eye of the dog, certainly the 

 expression is altered, as well as the manners and action. Often, with 

 the careless owner, the fact first becomes evident to him by the nuisance 

 of a pack of strange dogs about the place, making night hideous by 

 occasional prolonged sounds, between a howl and a whine ; but before 

 that he should have been aware of a change in his dog, and have kept 

 her up. On examination the external organs of generation are seen to 

 be enlarged and vascular, and for some days, about the middle of the 

 time, there is bleeding from the vulva ; when this has stopped is by most 

 breeders considered the most favourable time for her to visit the selected 

 mate ; the period of heat lasts about three weeks. 



Thirst is an accompaniment of heat, and the bitch should have access 

 to water constantly. If it is not intended that she should breed, care 

 must be taken to keep her locked up, for many show great cunning at 



