THE BORZOI, OR RUSSIAN WOLFHOUND 135 



impossible to say with any degree of certainty how so young a pup 

 will turn out, and to pay less is to probably buy a " weed." 



One of the best methods in starting a kennel in this as in 

 other breeds is to purchase a good bitch, a winner for preference, 

 and mate her to the best dog whose pedigree is suitable. Do not 

 think to breed good stock from a third-rate bitch the dam is 

 quite as important a factor as the sire, perhaps more so. Again, 

 do not seek to save a sovereign or so in the stud fee. Like 

 produces like, with certain modifications, therefore do not try 

 to breed champions from a second-rate stud dog, however low 

 the fee. 



Having decided on the stud dog, it is always a wise precaution 

 to dose a bitch thoroughly for worms, before having her served. 

 If possible, accompany the bitch and see her properly mated. 

 After her return she will require nothing but a little extra grooming, 

 and if in whelp will probably exhibit an increased appetite, which 

 must of course be satisfied. No jumping or violent exercise should 

 be permitted during the last fortnight, but steady exercise only. 

 Borzois as a rule make excellent mothers, and, if healthy, seldom 

 have any difficulty in whelping. The bitch's food for the first 

 few days after the birth of the pups should be sloppy but 

 nutritious. 



Unfortunately, Borzoi pups are not the easiest of dogs to rear. 

 They require plenty of room for exercise, and are liable to suffer 

 badly should they contract distemper. Apart from these drawbacks 

 they require no different treatment from other large breeds. Feed 

 little and often : use oatmeal, rice, well-boiled meat, and butchers' 

 offal, with good hound meal as the staple food, and as much new 

 milk as they will drink. 



Few breeds require less "preparation" for the show-bench 

 (except the legitimate bath) than the Borzoi, and the " novice " 

 shows on equal terms with the " old hand." For washing, nothing 

 is better than rain water, if procurable, as it tends to soften the 

 coat. If a little liquid ammonia be added, it will greatly assist 

 in removing any dirt or grease. A good brushing and combing 

 after the bath is all that is necessary. A Borzoi should not be 

 shown in too fat a condition, or the symmetry of outline, one of 

 the chief beauties of the breed, is lost. Some exhibitors go so far 

 as not to feed their dogs before leading them into the ring. 



The general management of the adult dog may be summed up 

 in a few words : Regular food say dry biscuits in the morning 

 and a good feed at night time plenty of exercise, and grooming, 

 for which purpose an ordinary dandy-brush is perhaps the best. 

 To keep the coat in perfection, the dog should be brushed every 

 day, and the feathering and tail carefully combed out. If this 

 is done, washing will seldom be required, except before shows a 



