SIMPLER FORMS OF KENNELS. j 



had he persevered, victory was within his grasp : what use, then, is the elaborate range of kennels 

 which he has erected ? The stock can be sold, perhaps at a profit, or without much loss ; 

 but the outlay upon the buildings can never be recouped ; and the disgust with which the 

 owner contemplates his ill-success is heightened by the loss entailed. We propose, therefore, 

 to suggest expedients, the majority of which we have seen in use, by which dogs can be 

 warmly and comfortably housed at a comparatively nominal sum, though we must of course 

 also describe a higher class of kennel architecture and fittings. 



Unfortunately some owners are compelled, from want of space, to keep their dogs chained 

 up, instead of in yards where they can be loose. In such instances, as also in the case of 

 watch-dogs, it is very desirable that the kennels provided should be of a slightly different 

 construction from those generally met with. In the latter the fault lies in the opening being 

 placed in the front, so that both wind and rain are able to reach a dog, even though he is 

 crouched at the back of his kennel. A great improvement is gained by the opening being 

 made in one side, as this gives the dog an opportunity of getting out of the way of such 



FIG. 2. KENNEL, WITH SIDE ENTRANCE. 



inconveniences, and the benefit he derives from the extra protection must be obvious to every 

 one. Fig. 2 gives an exact representation of an improved kcnuel such as we suggest; and if 

 dogs must be kept on the chain, we strongly recommend that this style of kennel be adopted. 

 It is also the best pattern that can be adopted for all detached kennels, whether the inmate 

 be confined or at liberty during the day ; and may be given as our model of a kennel for any 

 dog sleeping or kept in a back-yard. The next best is an ordinary kennel, or even simple 

 barrel, arranged with face towards the wall, as described further on. 



All out-door kennels in which dogs are destined to sleep should be raised from the 

 ground, for double reasons, as the damp would rot the floor of the kennel and also give the dog 

 cold. A couple of pieces of three-inch quartering placed underneath, or even some bricks, serve 

 this purpose in every way. It is not good to chain a dog to his kennel, for if he is a powerful 

 animal he may drag it from its position. A stout piece of quartering or a post should therefore 

 be buried from a foot or so in the ground, and the chain fastened to the piece which is above 

 the surface. A staple is not so good a fastening for the chain to be fixed to as a screw ring, 

 the latter not being nearly so likely to become loosened by the constant jerks it will receive. 



The simplest and most economical arrangement for a regular kennel is a stable, if such 

 accommodation is to be obtained ; and the addition of a dry and secure stable-yard attached to 

 the same is a considerable further advantage. The means by which the various stalls can 



