PREPARING FOR EXHIBITION 27 



the day before, with one of Spratt's Patent Poodle 

 Clippers, a little machine exactly like a small horse- 

 clipper, always working against the trend of the hair 

 from the tail along the back to the middle of the body, 

 and from the feet upwards. A pair of scissors, with 

 curved-up points, will be needed for the face and toes, 

 which are the most troublesome parts to do ; but actual 

 shaving with a razor is only done as a finishing touch 

 just before a show. It makes the skin rather tender 

 and is the one part of the toilet, not needful for every- 

 day attire, which calls for expert aid. After clipping, 

 the skin should be well rubbed with a very little white 

 vaseline oil, which brings up a nice gloss and prevents 

 the dog from taking cold. There are various professional 

 poodle clippers in London, among them a lady, who will 

 visit dogs at their own homes for the modest charge 

 of five shillings ; but country exhibitors are generally 

 obliged to resort to home talent for the operation. 



The long hair is now fashionably arranged in a fluff, 

 teased out with a comb, and well brushed until it stands 

 out ; the forelock is tied up on the top of the head 

 with a' big satin bow, and voila, la toilette de monsieur 

 est fini ! the indispensable bracelet and smart collar 

 being alone wanting. 



Entering dogs for a show is a simple enough matter. 

 Having ascertained what show you intend to patronise, 

 send a card to the secretary, whose address will be 

 found with the advertisements of the show in the doggy 

 papers, asking for a schedule. On receiving it, read the 

 rules carefully, and also the matter relating to specials, 

 and enter the dog according to the form enclosed ; if the 

 show is held under Kennel Club rules, exhibits must 

 first be registered with that body. If merely under 

 Kennel Club licence, this is unnecessary. Occasionally, 

 the reply to, or acknowledgment of, such registration, 

 which is made on a form always sent with schedules and 

 stud entry forms, and accompanied by an indispensable 

 half-crown, is so much delayed that the novice-exhibitor 

 trembles with fear lest her exhibit should be disqualified ; 



