74 THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG 



fortably in his master's room, even in a strange hotel, than 

 he would do on the show bench. Moreover, he has an 

 opportunity for a run both night and morning, which he 

 will thoroughly appreciate. 



It frequently happens that dogs go off their feed 

 entirely during a show, and can scarcely be tempted to 

 touch anything. But there are two appetising meals 

 which should be tried if they decline everything else, one 

 of which will often prove successful. These are : half a 

 pound of the best beef-steak, raw and cut up small, or a 

 well fried sheep's liver. 



In this chapter it is assumed that the owner accom- 

 panies his dogs to the show and exhibits them himself. 

 This the beginner should always do. The animals 

 naturally fret less and show better than they would in the 

 hands of strangers. 



Apart, however, from considerations of kindness and 

 common-sense, it is not, of course, essential for the owner 

 to be present. He may, if he so please, despatch his dogs 

 to the fixture in their hampers. They will be duly 

 benched, fed, exhibited in the ring, and subsequently 

 returned. But they won't enjoy the experience. 



So much for the ordinary routine of the ordinary 

 shows. Beyond these there are certain fixtures selected 

 and duly advertised by the Kennel Club, known as 

 championship shows. At these latter a challenge certifi- 

 cate is awarded to the winner in the open class of certain 

 specified breeds. Sometimes this challenge certificate is 



