Exhibition Dogs 57 



the quantity as he stops eating until he has had all that is necessary. As 

 the effect of this meal is at once apparent in the shape of the dog, it should 

 not be given until it is assured that the class will be called at once. 



It will also be necessary to see to the coat. If the dog has become 

 fouled and dirty on the trip, washing may be necessary, but if the brush will 

 suffice, try that. If the dog is not foul, but simply somewhat dirty with 

 "clean-dirt," as the children say, there is a better plan, and that is the use 

 of powdered magnesia. There are special preparations, but that is good 

 enough; it is procurable everywhere and it is cheap. Stand the dog on a 

 newspaper — put on a box if he is not a large dog — take a handful of the 

 magnesia and rub it well into the coat. When you brush it out, as you must, 

 it will leave the coat clean, and really the white will be almost whiter than 

 that of the washed dog, besides having the luster on it. Bear in mind that 

 this is a very different thing from putting black on a black-and-tan terrier 

 where nature has put tan hairs, or the rubbing of a red composition on an 

 Irish terrier that is not dark enough in shade. This is a custom not alto- 

 gether unknown in England, where a very prominent — in fact, about the 

 most prominent — exhibitor has been disqualified for seven years. The 

 punishment is not too severe by any means, and now if the trimmers are 

 only dealt with in a similar way, some good may be done. 



Returning to the magnesia, we may say that there is hardly a fox- 

 terrier shown but is so treated before being taken into the ring. The same 

 thing may be done to the white legs and frill of the collies, or for any kind 

 of white dog. However, be sure to have it completely brushed out before 

 showing; finishing off with the hand-glove. Your terrier is now ready for 

 the judging. 



With collies and dogs required to show coat, it is advisable to over- 

 come the heat and dryness of our dog-show halls and the sun-heat of our 

 summer and fall shows by getting up an imitation Scotch mist or a sample 

 of English rainy days. Two hours before your collie is likely to be called 

 up for judgment, take him off the bench and rub a wet sponge or towel up 

 and down his coat. Do not make him dripping wet, but have him well 

 dampened through the coat. Let him shake himself, and put him back on 

 the bench. The dog has to dry out and no more in order to be at his best, 

 so keep one eye on your dog and the other on the ring. If he is not drying 

 out quick enough, use a dry towel or take him off the bench and walk him 

 about or turn him into the exercising-ring to run about. If you have timed 



