464 British Dogs. 



she kittened five young ones appeared perfect in every other respect 

 except the tail, which was in each one of them distorted near the end 

 and enlarged into a cartilaginous knot." Owners of long and straight 

 tailed bull bitches may perhaps learn from this how to give the caudal 

 appendages of expected puppies the desired kink. 



From the foregoing it will be seen that even very close intimacy 

 between a bitch during oestrum and a dog she fancies may influence the 

 progeny, although the dog has not warded her ; and further, that if a 

 second dog gains access to her at any time during heat, the probabilities 

 are strong that superfoetation, or a second conception, will take place, 

 resulting in two distinct sets of pups, half brothers or sisters to 

 each other. 



I am aware that Dr. Gordon Stables, in his book, " The Practical 

 Kennel Guide," expresses an opposite opinion ; he says, " It is usual to 

 keep her (the bitch served) a week, after that time there is no danger, 

 even if they should meet and be embraced by mongrels," adding, " I am 

 quite convinced of this." He gives no reasons for his opinion, and has 

 the misfortune to be diametrically opposed to our best physiologists and 

 most observant breeders. 



Stud Dogs and their Services. Having selected and engaged the services 

 of a stud dog, unless the owner is a man in whom you can place implicit 

 confidence, either go with the bitch yourself or send a confidential agent. 



The mere " dog fancier " is too often a man who considers his gains 

 only, and does not hesitate to substitute one dog for another when to do 

 so will ensure him a fee, and when the pups disappoint expectations the 

 blame is laid on the dam. The true dog-lover, being really interested in 

 dogs and their improvement for their own sake is above the temptation 

 to practice such a fraud, and if his dog is temporarily disabled from any 

 cause will, of course, honestly say so. 



In like manner, having higher objects than gain, he will not only let it 

 be known that approved bitches only will be allowed to visit his dog, but 

 will exercise a wise discretion in carrying that resolve out, rigidly exclud- 

 ing all worthless animals, which, put to the best dogs, it is hopeless to 

 expect to bring forth anything but weeds and thereby deteriorate the 

 breed. 



Breeding New Varieties. Of the very numerous varieties now classified 

 at our dog shows many are of quite recent production. The very plastic 



