38 THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG 



be a noted prize-winner ; nor need he be alarmed if either 

 happens to be momentarily out of coat or show condition. 

 If both are correct in type and built on similar lines, 

 sound, healthy, and well matured ; if there is no undue 

 degree of consanguinity; if he has made reasonable allow- 

 ance for the laws of atavism, natural variability, and pre- 

 potency, and has judiciously followed the line of least 

 resistance, he may fairly count upon the production of a 

 litter very far above the average. 



Let him mate the two promising animals then with 

 the knowledge that, however lacking he may be in 

 experience of the details of an intricate science, he has 

 taken every reasonable precaution against the deterioration 

 of the breed. He will probably reap his reward. 



But it is sad to reflect how often, for want of a little 

 guidance, the majority of these important considerations 

 are entirely neglected by the beginner. 



" Why did you mate your bitch with so-and-so ? " 

 you inquire in perplexity of some enthusiastic tyro. 



" Because he took his championship in a strong class 

 at Cruft's ! " is his triumphant response. 



Or, if he be possessed of that little knowledge which is 

 proverbially so dangerous a thing, he will gravely explain 

 to you that, his bitch being an exceptionally small one, 

 he selected the biggest dog he could find. He has a 

 vague idea that the one fault will counteract the other, 

 that the two wrongs may somehow make a right. 



Instead of following the line of least resistance, he has 



