BREEDING AND RAISING OF PUPPIES. 



Bitches come in season on an average of twice a year, about every five to 

 seven months, and the question is often asked whether it is advisable to breed 

 a bitch during the first period of oestrum. The answer depends much upon the 

 breed and state of maturity. As a general thing, it is not well for a young bitch, 

 which can not be fully developed at the age of ten months, to undergo the strain 

 on vitality, which maternity causes. Some terriers mature quickly, but the 

 large breeds should certainly not be bred until at least eighteen months old, and 

 in any case it is wise to allow the first period to pass. 



Another question asked, is whether a bitch should be bred at every period, 

 or rather, whether it is wise to do so. This depends a good deal upon the vigor 

 of the bi'tch, but unless a bitch be looked upon as a mere machine to produce 

 puppies for the benefit of the owner's pocket, it is well to allow the bitch to be 

 served every other period. When a bitch is bred twice a year and ha a litter- 

 each time, the strain upon her vitality must be very great, and unless the mother 

 is more than ordinarily vigorous, later litters will show a corresponding weakness. 



A bitch first shows signs of coming in season by bleeding. Now, if you are 

 watching for her and take note of the day the bleeding begins, then one method 

 to determine when she is ready 'to take the dog is to count from this day, and 

 from the tenth to twelfth day she is ready for the dog. This rule does not 

 always work, however, for I've had bitches that were ready and willing to bfe 

 served even in the sixth day and yet others would not take the dog till the 

 fifteenth day. Quite a good plan is to take her out for a walk on chain when 

 you think she is about ripe, and let her meet the first dog she sees, or, if you 

 have a dog on your place, allow her near this dog for a minute, and if she would 

 accept this dog, then you can be certain that she is ready to be bred and take 

 her to the dog you have selected. If you try this plan, he careful or el^ she 

 might fool you and get served by this dog she had met. Dogs are quick workers. 



After a visit to the dog, the mother will carry her progeny about 63 or 64 

 days, as a rule, but they sometimes whelp a few days sooner or later, and you 

 need not be alarmed unless they go by from five days to a week, when very likely 

 trouble is in store and assistance to be given, or better yet, call in a good veterin- 

 arian. I have had bitches whelp a week ahead of time; such cases are rare, how- 

 ever, and have raised the pups by extra attention given for a few days as to often 

 putting the pups to the teats to nurse if they did not get there themselves. We 

 can not reckon the time exactly. Much depends upon her health and strength, 

 and even mental idiosyncrasy. 



The best time for the visit is early spring, as the puppies have then all the 

 long summer before them to romp and get strong in. 



At the time of mating, particularly, exercise should be well regulated, and 

 must/ be insisted on. Whilst at this period exercise is essential, exhaustive work 

 would i3e detrimental. The amount of exercise should depend on the individual, 

 a gross and lusty bi'tch needs plenty of freedom, while one the reverse would 

 need less exercise, in proportion to her physical strength. 



For a couple weeks before bitch is due to whelp, she must have a daily walk 

 up to within a day or so of the time due, but this must be gentle as she is very 

 heavy. 



