BREEDING AND RAISING 31 



Hound bitches generally come in season 

 when eight or nine months old, especially those 

 reaching this age in the spring months. They 

 should never be bred until the second heat, 

 which in this case should be in the fall. It is 

 too great a tax on the energies and system of 

 the bitch, the pups are apt to be weak and puny, 

 and the strain may affect the constitution of 

 the bitch through life. If one expects strong, 

 vigorous pups with stamina and constitution 

 when they attain maturity, they should never 

 breed a bitch under eighteen months of age. 



Bitches generally come in heat every six ofl 

 eight months, on an average three times in two 

 years. They should be separated from the 

 dogs at the very first sign of heat, which are 

 generally excessive spirits and playfulness, un- 

 due levity on the part of the quiet, sedate old 

 lady being an infallible sign. The next stage 

 is the swelling of the parts, followed by the 

 discharge. If it is a strange bitch, let her be- 

 come accustomed to her new surroundings be- 

 fore service. Do not keep near dogs. Remem- 

 ber their remarkable noses are doubly keen 

 under such circumstances. Take the greatest 

 possible precautions to isolate her, then double 

 your precautions. There is not only a chance 

 of her getting out, but a greater one of dogs 



