A MANUAL OF TOY' HOGS" 



CHAPTER I 



TOY DOGS FOR PROFIT 



PERHAPS the question which is most frequently asked 

 anent toy dogs is whether the keeping them as a plea- 

 sure and hobby can be combined with profit by means 

 of breeding them and selling the puppies. To such a 

 query it is very hard to give a definite reply, for this 

 reason whether or not toy dog breeding can be made 

 profitable depends, firstly, on the character of the enter- 

 priser, and, secondly, on that inscrutable factor Fate. 

 Some of us devote ourselves to our dogs, take endless 

 trouble for them, and spend money on them freely, with 

 the poorest possible return ; others, while not making 

 nearly so much fuss about their pets, manage to turn 

 out healthy litters at regular intervals, and sell them at 

 remunerative prices. All that can be done is to put 

 before the novice " how not to do it," and leave to each 

 individually the chances called luck, for which their 

 star is answerable. Taking one year with another, and 

 presupposing patience, perseverance, affection for the 

 dogs, and some business-like qualities in the aspirant, 

 I am of opinion that toy dogs can be made to pay their 

 expenses, and leave a margin of profit ; this in the 

 case of non-exhibitors. Where exhibiting is contem- 

 plated, the luck element is still more to the front, and 

 a degree of experience, both local and general, is essential 

 to success. If success, however, in winning prizes is 

 once attained, the sales of puppies become much more 

 assured, and higher prices are naturally obtainable. 



