30 A MANUAL OF TOY DOGS 



the judging is over. It is, of course, needless to warn 

 gentlewomen against any show of feeling at being 

 overlooked, etc. ; but the fact that lamentable exhibi- 

 tions of disappointment do occasionally take place is 

 one not to be denied, while, of course, strict justice is 

 occasionally lacking. Still, taking things for all in 

 all, a very little experience will enable the novice to 

 take her proper place in the show world, where she will 

 be sure to meet with much kindness and unselfish help 

 such, at least, is my experience ; while exhibiting adds 

 a zest to dog owning unobtainable by any other means. 

 The principal shows where toy dogs are catered for 

 are the Kennel Club Show, in October ; the Toy Dog 

 Shows and Cruft's, generally held in February, at 

 the Agricultural Hall ; with the shows arranged by 

 the Ladies' Kennel Association, the best of which, from 

 a toy owner's point of view, usually takes place in the 

 summer, and with the provincial fixtures, such as 

 Birmingham, Manchester, and Bristol, and numerous 

 licence shows in all parts of the country, at all of which 

 there is generally a fair classification for toys. All 

 shows may be found advertised in the Illustrated Kennel 

 News and other dog papers. 



CHAPTER VII 



THE CHOICE OF BREEDS 



THE choice of a breed to take up is generally dictated 

 by personal preference, and fashion has a large spoke 

 in the- wheel. Just at present, the fashionable breeds 

 among toys are certainly Pomeranians, or Spitz toys 

 commonly known as " Poms," Japanese spaniels, 

 Pekingese or Chinese spaniels sometimes called Chinese 

 pugs, toy bulldogs, and Griffons Bruxellois. Of the 

 choice of a breed for profit I have spoken before, and 

 will now consider the question from the point of view 



