ENGLISH TOY SPANIELS 597 



to compare justly the several points of each dog relatively with 

 each other. But the judge would rarely show such incompetence 

 for office, particularly as the smaller specimens are preferred by 

 the fancier and command the highest prices. 



In breeding Toy Spaniels, much care and patience is needed, 

 especially for competition in the show-ring. To begin with, the 

 parents must be carefully selected from the right strains, strong 

 and healthy, not too fat, small, or inbred, and, as far as possible, 

 possessing between them all the points essential to make a perfect 

 specimen. About eighteen months old, or the second season, is 

 the best time to commence breeding from the female, but many, 

 if strong and well, may be used the first season. If small progeny 

 is required, a young mother should be mated to an old but healthy 

 and vigorous sire, and an old mother to a suitable young dog. 



The King Charles must on no account be crossed with a Prince 

 Charles or a Blenheim, as imperfectly marked animals will be the 

 result ; but a Ruby may be used with great advantage, giving 

 brightness and richness to the tan markings, which is one of the 

 attractions of the black-and-tan. The Blenheim and Prince Charles 

 may be also crossed with good results, if they are well selected, 

 as the latter gives a more profuse and richer coat, longer ears, 

 and shorter face, which are sometimes found deficient in the 

 Blenheim. These combinations frequently produce litters with 

 perfect specimens of each, making a charming variety. The Ruby 

 must be bred from the pure black-and-tan ; the slightest suspicion 

 of Blenheim or Prince Charles blood results in white markings 

 appearing on the breast, head, or feet a fatal blemish for the 

 show-ring. It strengthens the Ruby to be crossed with the King 

 Charles, and brightens the tan of the latter. 



Highly bred Toy Spaniels are not prolific breeders, especially 

 if many are kept together. An old breeder says : " From long 

 experience I have found that when only two or three bitches are 

 kept, they will produce more puppies than when there are a 

 dozen, and if my kennels have been overcrowded, which has un- 

 fortunately been the case, I have had no puppies." Of course, the 

 hygienic pinciples relating to feeding, sleeping, and exercise vitally 

 affect the question of breeding. 



The time for the arrival of a family is always an anxious one 

 to the devoted breeder. The mother should have a comfortable 

 bed, made of thick substance that cannot be easily scraped up. 

 It should be placed in a box about 2^m. high, with a wide 

 opening in front so that the mother can enter without jumping. 

 As the puppies arrive, they should be carefully wrapped up in a 

 soft piece of warm flannel, and placed in a small basket kept close 

 at hand. If the mother is restless, and there is a long interval 

 between the completion of the family, the early arrivals must be 



