ENGLISH TOY SPANIELS 599 



If a large number of Spaniels are kept, of course they must live 

 apart from their owners, and suitable kennels are required. These 

 should be commodious, dry, and well ventilated, and built as far as 

 possible of sanitary materials, otherwise it is difficult to eradicate 

 contagious disease if it has once entered. 



In rearing Toy Spaniels one cannot be too fastidious; in all 

 kennel matters cleanliness is most important. Of course, heat is 

 required in cold weather. In this respect we think that the 

 regulations usually applied to ourselves are a safe guide. The 

 general temperature should not fall below 60 Fahr., though, however 

 cold, there should always be a current of fresh air. Separate 

 compartments and runs are needed, both indoors and out, if a 

 number of dogs are kept, so that they can be judiciously separated. 

 For sleeping-apartments, baskets, boxes, or, better still, the old- 

 fashioned plain square kennels made of wood, form the simplest 

 kennels. They should be raised several inches from the floor. In 

 winter a blanket makes the best bed, in summer some simple 

 cotton material such as a cot counterpane ; these need to be shaken 

 and aired daily, and changed every week after the kennel is washed 

 and dried. Pillows, cushions, down and feather beds are usually 

 injurious to the long-coated Spaniels, as they quickly become 

 over-heated. 



From a long period of inbreeding, and the unusual development 

 of the head and nasal organs, the Toy Spaniels are not as robust as 

 other breeds, yet if brought up under suitable conditions they are 

 not so delicate as people imagine. If treated as hot-house plants, 

 their constitutions must suffer. It is impossible to lay down hard- 

 and-fast rules. If, however, the same care that is given to 

 children is extended to the Toy Spaniel, judgment will not be 

 much at fault. " I have found," says an old fancier, " during my 

 twenty-five years' experience that what would cure my child would 

 cure my dog." 



If our Spaniels are restless, or unquiet at night, it will generally 

 be found due to some discomfort or oversight perhaps they have 

 not been properly exercised, or need water, or a biscuit, though 

 supper and all food is best eaten outside the kennel ; sometimes 

 another dog with a quiet and peaceful disposition assists to still 

 the disturbance and educate its companion. Experience soon 

 teaches us the needs and dispositions of our family pets and their 

 many whims and fancies, for their individualities are strikingly 

 different. Sometimes a particular favourite will only sleep in an 

 armchair, alone, or perhaps with a bosom companion ; another 

 will only eat a certain kind of food, and in a favourite corner; some 

 will never eat on the floor with other dogs, and require to be placed 

 upon a bench or a chair. 



Our Toys are rather inclined to luxuriate in the idleness and 



