70 THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG 



may be easily removed by whitening, and there can be 

 no objection whatever to its use for mere purposes of 

 cleaning, provided always that it be so thoroughly 

 brushed out that no trace of it remains. Use it exactly 

 as you would use soap, of which you would never think 

 of leaving any in the coat, and for exactly the same 

 purpose. 



This point is all-important, because the rules of the 

 Kennel Club wisely decree that a dog may be disqualified 

 if it be proved that any whitening has been used, and 

 remains, on any part of the dog. The necessity for this 

 excellent rule is very obvious. 



On no account whatever is any preparation to be 

 used for the purpose of altering the texture of the bob- 

 tail's coat. Get him just as clean as you possibly can, 

 but set your face sternly against any suspicion of "faking." 



Before the show day arrives the beginner will have 

 provided his dog with a well-fitting collar, not loose 

 enough to be slipped, nor tight enough to cause incon- 

 venience. A plain round leather one is the best, because 

 it may be so arranged as to be quite invisible under the 

 dog's heavy coat, while a broad, flat one detracts from 

 the shapeliness of a well arched neck. Ornamentations 

 in the shape of brass studs are bad, having a tendency 

 to catch in the hair and to pull it out. 



The beginner will also have supplied each of his 

 exhibits with a steel chain, strong but light, having a 

 hook at either end and at least three swivels. 



