76 KENNEL SECRETS. 



existing circumstances, and a fixed quantity suited to all 

 dogs even of the same size is absolutely impossible, for 

 one weighing sixty pounds may require as much food as 

 one weighing one hundred pounds ; while one will keep 

 fat with one-fourth the quantity given another of the same 

 size and breed. But the intelligent breeder is scarcely 

 likely to stumble badly here, for he will duly consider the 

 individual peculiarities, the amount of exercise taken or 

 work performed, and the state of the appetite, health and 

 seneral condition ; after which he will be able to estimate 

 with near certainty the amount of food necessary to keep 

 his dogs properly nourished. 



In some instances the appetite might be a safe guide in 

 regulating the supply of food, but it is frequently perverted 

 and gluttonous, also oftentimes more or less impaired, con- 

 sequently alone it can scarcely be depended upon as a 

 rule. Yet unless a dog is a veritable glutton he is not 

 likely to go far over the line if allowed at his evening 

 meal all he will eat with very evident relish, but when he 

 turns away as though satisfied, or begins to pick over what 

 is left of his food for the daintiest and most toothsome 

 morsels, it can generally be accepted that he has had 

 about all that he actually requires, ■ and it is time to 

 remove his pan. 



A far better plan however is to watch the dog carefully, 

 note his general condition, measure the quantity of food 

 given him in a week or so, then strike an average, and 

 thereafter give him about the estimated quantity as long 

 as he is doing well, or lessen or increase it a little as he 

 puts on or loses flesh. And this wisely followed there 

 will be no " stuffing ; " the dog will lick out his pan, and 

 very likely wish he had a little more ; and once in condi- 

 tion he will keep there. 



The appetite of the dog, like that of his master, is 



