32 The Care of Animals 



surprising how easily and economically stock can be 

 taken care of. 



Dogs are usually selected on account of their beauty, 

 size, markings, intelligence, or some individuality that 

 may appeal to the fancy of the chooser. In deciding 

 this matter the question of male or female is often 

 important. If intended for a house dog, bitches are 

 frequently preferred, as they are generally more tidy 

 in habits and often more easily trained than male 

 dogs. The disadvantage, provided one does not wish 

 to breed them, is the period of heat which occurs about 

 once in six months, beginning usuallj* when the bitch 

 is about one year old. During this period there is 

 a tendency for the bitch to leave home and for other 

 dogs to gather and remain about the premises. When 

 bitches are kept without spaying, and it is not desired 

 to breed them, during the period of heat they should 

 be completely isolated at a considerable distance from 

 other dogs, preferably in such a place as a barn loft 

 or cellar, where the dogs will not be attracted. They 

 should be kept isolated for at least ten days, or during 

 the whole period of heat. If the bitch is not to be 

 kept for breeding purposes it is usually best to have 

 her spayed, preferably before she has come in heat at 

 all. Spayed bitches make excellent house dogs, the 

 only objection to them being that they take on fat 

 readily. In some communities unspayed bitches are 

 taxed heavily in comparison with male dogs, but a 

 certificate showing that the bitch has been spayed 

 usually brings them under the same tax rates as other 

 dogs. 



