THE DACHSHUND 179 



exhibited. Unfortunately, however, he has been little, if ever, 

 used for sport in the sense that applies in Germany, and this 

 fact, coupled with years of breeding from too small a stock (or 

 stock too nearly related) and the insane striving after the 

 fanciful and exaggerated points demanded by judges at dog 

 shows, many of whom never saw a Dachshund at his legitimate 

 work, has seriously affected his usefulness. He has deteri- 

 orated in type, lost grit and sense, too, and is often a parody 

 of the true type of Dachshund that is to be found in his native 

 land. 



To the reader who contemplates possessing one or more 

 Dachshunds a word of advice may be offered. Whether you 

 want a dog for sport, for show, or as a companion, endeavour to 

 get a good one a well-bred one. To arrive at this do not buy 

 from an advertisement on your own knowledge of the breed, 

 but seek out an expert amateur breeder and exhibitor, and get 

 his advice and assistance. If you intend to start a kennel for 

 show purposes, do not buy a high 1 priced dog at a show, but 

 start with a well-bred bitch, and breed your own puppies, 

 under the guidance of the aforementioned expert. In this 

 way, and by rearing and keeping your puppies till they are of 

 an age to be exhibited, and at the same time carefully noting 

 the awards at the best shows, you will speedily learn which 

 to retain and the right type of dog to keep and breed for, 

 and in future operations you will be able to discard inferior 

 puppies at an earlier age. But it is a great mistake, if you 

 intend to form a kennel for show purposes, to sell or part 

 with your puppies too early. It is notorious with all breeds 

 that puppies change very much as they grow. The best look- 

 ing in the nest often go wrong later, and the ugly duckling 

 turns out the best of the litter. This is especially true of 

 Dachshunds, and it requires an expert to pick the best puppy 

 of a litter at a month or two old, and even he may be at fault 

 unless the puppy is exceptionally well reared. 



To rear Dachshund puppies successfully you must not over- 

 load them with fat give them strengthening food that does not 



