600 BRITISH DOGS 



comfort usually at their disposal. But when we are dressed for a 

 walk and invite them to accompany us they quickly testify to their 

 fondness for an outing. There are perhaps few prettier sights than 

 to see a family of these different-coloured Spaniels sporting in 

 a garden or a meadow, and especially when trained to play with 

 a ball. Activity of this kind is always beneficial, as they should 

 never be allowed to get fat, gross, or lazy. A coarse, snuffling 

 Spaniel is an abomination ; but they must be kept out of the wet, 

 as their long hair holds the moisture, and damp feet are most 

 injurious to them. 



At some time or other the house Spaniels must be taught 

 "society manners." This they soon learn with a little indulgence 

 and training. It is usually best to let them out of doors from three 

 to four times a day of course in the early morning, and the last 

 thing at night before putting them to bed, at other times after the 

 luncheon hour, and at tea time. 



Apart from other dogs, the trouble to which the sensitive 

 Toy Spaniel is most liable is "eczema." The best preventative 

 is strict attention to the laws of hygiene. The most effective 

 treatment for its removal pays equal attention to internal as well as 

 external requirements. For both purposes the old-fashioned remedy 

 of sulphur still holds its own. 



The food of our Toy Spaniels should be of the very best, given 

 regularly twice a day to grown dogs, and four or five times to 

 puppies, according to age. When two or three only are kept scraps 

 from the table will suffice. A little lean meat chopped very fine, 

 and mixed with vegetables and breadcrumbs, moistened with gravy, 

 varied sometimes with plain suet pudding, boiled rice, and of course 

 pet dog biscuits, which may be given at all times, make an excellent 

 diet. Occasionally the much-coveted bone may be given, but it 

 must not be likely to splinter. Pure, fresh drinking-water kept in 

 porcelain or enamelled dishes should always be within reach. 



Our pet dogs run more risk from over-feeding than from neglect. 

 They are usually too much indulged with rich and highly seasoned 

 foods, whereas they cannot be fed too plainly ; but once addicted 

 to an unnatural diet it is difficult to remedy the mistake. Grown 

 dogs should be fed from small vessels, so that their long ears may 

 fall over the sides, otherwise they become matted and dirty. Small 

 enamel dishes are the best, and they are very inexpensive. 



To keep the coat of the Toy Spaniel clean and in the best 

 condition it requires daily brushing and combing. A long, 

 moderately hard brush, and a strong comb with teeth set wide 

 apart such a brush and comb as we use for our own toilet is 

 most suitable. Both must be kept scrupulously clean. A small- 

 wire-tooth comb occasionally passed through the coat, besides 

 keeping it in good order, also serves to dismiss any unpleasant 



