134 THE DOG IN HEALTH. 



etc., beyond mediocrity, good results in a fair proportion 

 of the litter may be looked for if she be mated with a dog 

 not only free from these faults, but possessing the oppo- 

 site qualities even slightly in excess. But from two ex- 

 tremes or from two decided opposites good results need 

 not be expected from a single mating. Faults when pro- 

 nounced can only be corrected by degrees. 



It will be found that bitches with poor digestion, and de- 

 fective in stamina generally, and those that in addition are 

 liable to any form of disease, rarely make good breeders 

 or nurses. If they are not able to cope with the environ- 

 ment under ordinary circumstances, how can they be ex- 

 pected to do so when they are handicapped in providing 

 for half a dozen other creatures from their own resources ? 



Dogs lacking in health, vigor, and resisting power 

 should not be used in the public stud, especially where, if 

 they happen to be famous winners, they may be much in 

 demand, and so have their vitality diminished still more. 

 It is difficult enough to raise pure-bred puppies when the 

 parents are both all that can be desired in these respects. 



It will very often be found, for the reasons stated, that 

 a show bitch is a poor breeder, while a more homely but 

 strongly-made and vigorous creature, judiciously mated, 

 provided she come of good stock, will produce offspring 

 much superior to herself in form and other qualities. 



THE CARE OP THE STUD DOG. 



There is plenty of evidence to show that the condition 

 of the dog chosen to mate with a bitch is not a matter 

 of indifference, but may have a marked effect on the 

 constitution of the progeny. He should be in such con- 



