USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING DOGS. 251 



is not always possible to enforce stringent rules without injuring some sus- 

 ceptibilities. 



The first three points surely do not need much explanation — but they do 

 need emphasis. Dogs intended for show must be so fed and groomed that 

 they are in full condition of health, but not gross; and their skins are free 

 from — we will not say mange, which is a product of filth, but from eczema, 

 a blood irritation affecting the skin; that they are constantly well-groomed 

 fo keep their coats in proper order, there is not anything as good for a 

 dog's coat as regular grooming; that have no trace of worms. Worms must 

 be sought after from a month to six weeks before the show comes on; the 

 more or less drastic treatment necessary to dispossess them will naturally 

 reduce the animal to a condition not up to show standard; and as one dose 

 is never enough (really) to free a dog from worms it is well to begin in time. 

 Let him have one or two or three good dosings, well in advance of the show- 

 time, and then all that should be needed afterward is an occasional mild 

 aperient pill or capsule just to keep the pests from getting a lodgement again. 



Age of Maturity. — The larger breeds of dogs, like St. Bernards, Mastiffs, 

 Great Danes, or Newfoundlands, do not mature until two years of age; 

 setters and pointers at twelve to fifteen months, while fox terriers and dogs 

 of this size, and including smaller breeds, will, as a rule, mature at a vear 

 old. 



Determining Age of Dogs. — Many novices will appreciate a few lines 

 upon the subject of how to determine the age of a dog. Fortunately, 

 there is not the amount of roguery in the canine fancy as there is in 

 "horsey" circles, but now and again no doubt the amateur gets "bitten." 

 To a certain extent the age can be determined by examining the teeth. 

 A dog of mature age has forty-two teeth, and these are complete in num- 

 ber at the age of about eight months. This clearly indicates the age 

 so far, but after that there is no method so certain, and a good deal of 

 judgment is needed. As a rule the teeth of an old dog will be dark and 

 lacking in the pearly look of a young animal's teeth — but even this must 

 not be too much relied upon, as cunning dog dealers take care to use a 

 tooth brush freely if such be necessary, and, moreover, dogs' teeth vary 

 a great deal, as ours do. 



Generally speaking, the age of a dog can best be adjudged by a combi- 

 nation of appearances. Old dogs are quiet and stolid, whereas youth car- 

 ries activity with it. Moreover, curious as it may sound, grey hairs will 

 tell a tale in dogs as well as in our own case, for it is often noticeable that 

 a dog has become gray in the face and about the ears. So we have several 

 points to judge by, i. e., appearance of coat as regards greyness; general 

 demeanor; condition of teeth. To these may be added the state of the 

 claws, which in some breeds are curled round and often disposed to be 

 sore and festering. Finally, we may suggest as good advice that the 

 opinion of an expert be taken in any case of doubt. The novice should 

 never purchase a dog at a show or upon any such sudden inspiration with- 

 out being guided by a competent adviser. 



Treatment of Field Dogs. — During the season when sportsmen pass 

 bench shows and put their dogs in trim for the pursuit of Bob White, 

 sporting dogs need to be dealt with at this season, because there are cer- 

 tain ailments which affect them in a greater degree than other clogs; and 

 a knowledge of how to properly treat cases of sickness among field dogs 

 is, of course, very essential, unless they are to be entirely incapacitated. 



In the first place, it is most essential that when a dog has been at 

 work in the field he shall be attended to at once on his return home at 

 night. The dog should be thoroughly groomed; if wet let him be rubbed 

 dry with a rough towel. So many careless gamekeepers allow dogs to 

 come in wet from the field and send them to kennel without any attention 

 ■ — the result is that they get either rheumatic or asthmatical. Another 

 important thing is to examine the feet and ears with a view to the removal 

 of all thorns and other foreign substances which are likely to set up in- 

 flammation, and then will incapacitate the animal for some days at least. 

 It it should be found on examination that the feet are sore and inflamed, 



