I i 



CHAPTER VI 

 On Exhibiting 



iF you want to ruin a breed," sneers the cynic, " make 

 it popular as a show dog." 



And the arguments which he advances in support of 

 his contention have a sufficient spice of plausibility to 

 allow the shallow epigram to pass for wit. Undoubtedly 

 he can adduce proofs, difficult indeed of refutation, that 

 many breeds have, in the acquirement of particular show 

 points, deteriorated in others no less essential. 



But the balance generally readjusts itself. Some day 

 there comes along an independent judge, with the courage 

 of his own opinions and the true welfare of the breed 

 at heart. After careful consideration he displaces a sup- 

 posed invincible champion in favour of an unknown dog, 

 because he realises that the novice possesses the true 

 characteristics of his breed without the exaggerated 

 peculiarities which have become the fashion of the 

 moment. 



Strong in the certainty of his convictions, he will 

 readily explain the reasoning which led to his decision, 

 and he is perfectly prepared to stand or fall by it. He 



