228 i BREEDING 



the regular meals, causing a smaller quantity to be consumed owing to 

 desire to get something nice or an artificial repugnance to substantial food' 

 if there is a possibility that "sugar" will be forthcoming. 



BREEDING AND RAISING OF PUPPIES 



Bitches come in season on an average of twice a year, about every five 

 to seven months, and the question is often asked whether it is advisable 

 to bceed a bitch during the first period of oestrum. The answer depends 

 much upon the breed and state of maturity. As a general thing, it is not 

 well for a young bitch, which can not be fully developed at the age of ten 

 months, to undergo the strain on vitality, which maternity causes. Some 

 terriers mature quickly, but the large breeds should certainly not be bred 

 until at least eighteen months old, and in any case it is wise to allow the 

 first period to pass. 



Another question asked, is whether a bitch should be bred at every 

 period, or rather, whether it is wise to do so. This depends a good deal 

 upon the vigor of the bitch, but unless a bitch be looked upon as a mere 

 machine to produce puppies for the benefit of the owner's pocket, it is well 

 to allow the bitch to be served every other period. When a bitch is bred 

 twice a year and has a litter each time, the strain upon her vitality must be 

 very great, and unless the mother is more than ordinarily vigorous, later 

 litters will show a corresponding weakness. 



A bitch first shows signs of coming in season by bleeding. Now, if you 

 are watching for her and take note of the clay the bleeding begins, then 

 one method to determine when she is ready to take the dog is to count 

 from this day, and from the tenth to twelfth day she is ready for the dog. 

 This rule does not always work, however, for I've had bitches that were ready 

 and willing to be served even in the sixth day and yet others would not take 

 the dog till the fifteenth day. Quite a good plan is to take her out for a 

 walk on chain when you think she is about ripe, and let her meet the first 

 d )£ she sees, or, if you have a dog on your place, allow her near this dog 

 for a minute, and if she would accept this dog, then you can be certain that 

 she Is ready to be bred and take her to the dog you have selected. If you 

 try this plan, be careful or else she might fool you and get served by this 

 dr? »he had met. Dogs are quick workers. 



After a visit to the dog, the mother will carry her progeny about 63 

 or 64 days, as a rule, but they sometimes whelp a few days sooner or later, 

 and you need not be alarmed unless they go by from five days to a week, 

 when very likely trouble is in store and assistance to be given, or better yet, 

 call in a good veterinarian. I have had bitches whelp a week ahead of time; 

 such cases are rare, however, and have raised the pups by extra attention 

 given for a few days as to often putting the pups to the teats to nurse if 

 thay did not get there themselves. We can no reckon the time exactly. Much 

 depViVs upon the health and strength, and even mental idiosyncrasy. 



The best time for the visit is early spring, as the puppies have then 

 all the long summer before them to romp and get strong in. 



At the time of mating, particularly, exercise should be well regulated, 

 and must be insisted on. Whilst at this period exercise is essential, ex- 

 haustive work would be detrimental. The amount of exercise should de- 

 pend on the individual, a gross and lusty bitch needs plenty of freedom, 

 while one the reverse would need less exercise, in proportion to her physical 

 strength. 



For a couple weeks before bitch is due to whelp, she must have a daily 

 walk up to within a day or so of the time due, but this must be gentle as 

 she is very heavy. 



tp have a goed litter of puppies, a bitch must not onky possess blood 



