THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG 



an annual one, usually in conjunction with the Collie 

 Club. 



In 1897 Dr. Edwardes-Ker, in his report to the 

 club, writes as follows : " The Old English Sheep Dog is 

 gradually and surely pushing its way into a prominent 

 position in all classes of society, who cannot fail to observe 

 that there are few dogs of any breed which can compare 

 with this variety on the score of sagacity, hardihood, and 

 courage which attributes tend most materially to 

 constitute a good companion, who can rough it anywhere 

 with anyone." In conclusion he pleads : " Above all things 

 let us beseech you sheep dog breeders to avoid consan- 

 guinity, and its consequent race of imbecile individuals, if 

 your object and aim is to maintain that hardihood of 

 nerve and limb which assists to form the essential 

 characteristics of this picturesque and rugged breed." 



In 1899, in the new edition of Modern Dogs, it is 

 pleasant to find that Mr. Rawdon Lee has modified his 

 earlier opinions. " Within the past few years," he writes, 

 " the bob-tailed sheep dog has become much popularised, 

 and at many of the South Country shows several classes 

 are provided which invariably attract good entries. For 

 instance, at the most recent show of the Kennel Club 

 there were fifty entries ; at a comparatively small show 

 held at Streatham, Surrey, early in 1898, there were forty- 

 six entries; and at the same time that this dog has become 

 so popular his quality has been greatly improved indeed, 

 it is seldom a bad specimen is benched." 



