482 British Dogs. 



is almost impossible to keep dogs free from skin diseases, and such a 

 situation induces other ailments also. 



Concrete is the best flooring, and it should slope from the dormitories 

 down to the bottom of the yard, along which there should be an open 

 gutter running down to a grated entrance to the main sewer, so that the 

 kennels can be readily cleansed with water, and get quickly dry. If due 

 attention is paid to cleanliness in this way, disease will be less likely to 

 appear and have less inducement to linger, and disinfectants need only 

 be occasionally used as preventives. 



It is generally necessary and convenient to lodge several dogs in the 

 same dormitory, and these companions should be such as are usually on 

 good terms with each other, for there is no large kennel in which indi- 

 vidual dogs are not quarrelsome and spiteful against some other, whilst 

 with those they like they are quiet and agreeable. 



Sometimes there is one dog of such a mischievous tendency, and so 

 cantankerous, that he proves a perfect nuisance, and there is nothing 

 for it but to separate him, or he may spoil the temper of many others. 



Where stud dogs at the service of the public are kept, kennels separate 

 and secluded should be reserved for strange bitches, and these should be 

 invariably cleansed, disinfected, and the walls limewashed on the depar- 

 ture of each one. 



The sleeping benches in the dormitories should not be more than a foot 

 from the ground, and with a front board to prevent a dog crawling under 

 it. It should work on hinges, so that it may be lifted up and kept so by 

 a hook in the wall or other simple contrivance. This enables the kennel 

 man to get at every crevice and corner in cleaning out, which is very 

 essential. 



The doors must be big enough to admit the attendant, and if the lower 

 part is made to swing, so as to be self-closing, cold and draughts will be 

 avoided, and both sufficient light and ventilation can be provided for by 

 a latticed window in the wall of the dormitory. This window should be 

 so made as to entirely close, if necessary, in very severe weather. 



Bedding. For bedding pine shavings are recommended, because the 

 heat of the dog evaporates some of the turpentine they contain, and 

 this is obnoxious to fleas. Pine shavings may be used in the summer, 

 when dogs are as well without bedding, only that on bare boards they 

 are apt to wear the hair off parts ; but shavings are too cold for winter, 



