226 KENNEL SECRETS. 



Beyond doubt, considering them as a whole, and how 

 they are usually fed and otherwise cared for, were it the 

 rule to breed only at alternate periods, bitches generally 

 would be better for it, and they would have healthier 

 puppies. But assuming that the bitch is of large size and 

 not mature before she is two and a half years old, she 

 would not likely breed much after her sixth year, or if she 

 did her litters would be very small. Consequently she 

 would have only about four good litters ; and but few 

 breeders would consider her a profitable investment. 



Those viewing 'this matter fairly must be ready to ac- 

 cept that he who considers only the welfare of his bitch 

 will allow her to go by occasionally, while he who values 

 his very largely for her produce and the income she yields 

 will breed her as often as he can. But all can be assured 

 that unless bitches are well cared for in every way they 

 cannot be bred at every season and retain full health and 

 vigor. 



Here the writer is reminded of that ancient absurdity, 

 which long ago ought to have been swept from the minds 

 of breeders, that puppies of the first litter must necessarily 

 be less strong and healthy than those of subsequent litters. 

 As a matter of fact, all conditions being favorable, the 

 first puppies are likely to be a trifle the best, provided 

 always their mother had fully matured before she was 

 bred. And the reason for this statement, which must 

 surprise some, is, that considering the care given the 

 average mother, her subsequent confinement to small 

 quarters, and other abuses so often inflicted upon her, she 

 would, as a rule, be in better health and vigor in her third 

 year of life than ever afterward. Moreover, the younger 

 the dam — provided, again, that she is mature — -not only 

 the better and stronger her puppies but the larger her 

 litters. Beyond all this, there have been cases where 



