210 The Fox Terrier. 



would, no doubt, have continued in favour, and certainly 

 there could have been little incentive for breeders to take 

 the trouble they now do in the production of the most 

 perfect specimens. Let grumblers rail as they will, I 

 believe that dog shows have, like other institutions, their 

 place and duty in this world, and their absence would be 

 lamented. Individuals are about w T ho decry them; some for 

 one reason, some for another. A few self-called humani- 

 tarians allege that distinct cruelty is perpetrated upon that 

 dog who, entered for an exhibition, is compelled to recline 

 amid luxurious straw, and fastened by chain and collar for 

 one, two, or three days, as the case may be, to be gazed 

 upon by a curious portion of the British public. Others say 

 that such shows have caused the dog's appearance to be 

 improved at the expense of his utility. In some few cases 

 the latter may have been the case, but this is not general. 

 As to the former complaint, were those, who make it, better 

 acquainted with their subject, they would know that before 

 the era of shows thousands of dogs were kept in the cellars 

 of our large towns, their duty being to kill rats at the 

 instigation of their owners, or to fight with each other when 

 sufficient money was forthcoming to provide a " stake " for 

 the purpose. The canine race has attained a higher position 

 than this, and the very dogs that the sporting Boniface 

 once held for such purposes, he now treats as he would his 

 kinsmen, keeps them in good health by fresh air and exer- 

 cise, in order that their jackets remain clean and fresh, and 

 so give their owners a chance of taking honours at the 

 neighbouring shows. Canine exhibitions have undoubtedly 

 increased the value of the dog, and accordingly he is now 

 better treated than at any previous part of his history. 

 I have heard it stated that dog shows do not improve 



