CARE OF THE NEW-BORN. 26 1 



beyond walls ; and it can safely be accepted that the ex- 

 ceptions are seldom met with among the largest and 

 heaviest varieties, which are ever likely to prove flat fail- 

 ures unless under the most healthful influences from the 

 very first. 



In the fact that for several days they are very feeble 

 and extremely sensitive to cold appears one of the first 

 great dangers encountered by puppies born in inclement 

 seasons ; hence the advice in the foregoing chapter, that 

 during the whelping the temperature of the room be about 

 80° Fahr. And this degree should be maintained until the 

 little ones — very wet when they come into the world — 

 have thoroughly dried and gained measurably in vitality. 

 Then the temperature may be allowed to fall to 75°, 

 where it should stand until the following day. After that, 

 if the puppies are vigorous they ought to be able to bear 

 a temperature of 70°. But no lower degree will be safe 

 for the next four weeks ; nor will any very considerable 

 fall be allowable before the fifth or sixth month. 



These limits are set for fairly hardy breeds, yet there 

 are some, black-and-tans, Italian greyhounds and other 

 toys, for instance, which require a higher degree of 

 warmth. In fact these varieties can scarcely be too warm 

 during the earliest days of life. 



It can safely be accepted that if a puppy becomes 

 chilled during the first two or three days the chances are 

 nearly all against recovery, also that when this happens in 

 a room kept as warm as it ought to be the victim is natu- 

 rally weakly, and even were warmth restored it would 

 scarcely be possible to rear him. 



Doubtless inferring as much from the limitations of the 

 human mother, whose milk secretion is often as long 

 delayed without injury to her child, some who have 

 publicly discussed the subject of breeding have stated 



