DOGS I THEIR MANAGEMENT. 399 



tions may, to weak eyes, invest them with very opposite 

 attractions. 



At this place it is not intended to enter at length into 

 the plan to be pursued in rearing the pups ; but the 

 method in which they ought to be weaned must be 

 pointed out. Some persons remove the entire litter at a 

 stated period ; various dates being fixed by different in- 

 dividuals when the young ones can do for themselves. 

 A pup can survive if taken from the mother at the expi- 

 ration of the third week ; but it must be a strong animal, 

 or it will feel such an early separation from the source 

 of its natural nourishment. 



The stronger the pup, the more attached is the bitch 

 to it ; and I have known these animals to pine and ne- 

 glect the rest, when the favorite has been taken from 

 her. If, however, the healthy are beloved, the weakly, 

 in almost a stronger degree, are the objects of dislike. 

 In many breeds where the value is regulated by the 

 lightness of the weight, the one most prized by the 

 owner is the one that too frequently dies. The causes 

 of this disappointment are many. Pups have neither 

 politeness nor generosity. They scramble at their meals ; 

 and the one that is not able to contest for his share is 

 certain to get the least. Thus the debilitated hope of 

 particular litters comes but badly off. It is pushed aside 

 by its brothers and sisters, whose vigorous greediness 

 appears to endear them to their mother. For the boister- 

 ous gluttons she will accommodate her position, and 

 fondly lick them in return for their energetic appetites ; 



