sheep's heads — SHOWS 



object is to test the working capacity of the dogs engaged, 

 and the usual practice is to work each dog separately upon 

 three strange sheep, and to decide the question of supremacy 

 by the time he takes in fulfilling the conditions of the trial. 

 These usually consist in driving the sheep round certain 

 obstacles, between gaps in a short row of hurdles, and 

 finally penning them in a small enclosure made of 

 hurdles and provided with a very narrow entrance. The 

 shepherd is allowed to accompany his dog and direct his 

 movements — in short, to give him every assistance, but 

 he may not touch the sheep, though he may help the 

 dog by moving his arms when they are being driven into 

 the pen. 



Sheep's heads well boiled form a very excellent food 

 for dogs, the broth being a welcome addition to the meal 

 which is so much used in many kennels. (See Feeding^ 



Showing Dogs. (See Exhibiting.) 



Shows. — The rage for dog-shows has extended during 

 the past few years all over the country, with the result that 

 almost every town enjoys an annual exhibition. No doubt 

 these institutions bring a good deal of money into the 

 district, but it is a matter of considerable doubt whether 

 a multiplicity of shows is actually beneficial to the canine 

 race. They certainly inflict a considerable hardship upon 

 dogs which are hurried from town to town all through 

 the summer months, and they have unquestionably been 

 the means of producing the professional exhibitor, whose 

 existence is a very doubtful blessing to the community and 

 of more than questionable benefit to dog flesh. When 

 shows were first established they were the mediums for 

 attracting sportsmen who were genuinely desirous of com- 

 paring the merits of their respective animals, but now that 

 they have become a business it can scarcely be denied 

 that the commercial aspect is of paramount importance — 



174 



