228 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



no superior at killing rats and all kinds of vermin. He has 

 an exceptionally fine nose, and makes a very useful dog for 

 rough shooting, being easily taught to retrieve. If he has 

 any fault at all, it is that he is of too jealous a disposition, 

 which renders it almost impossible to work him with other 

 dogs, as he wants all the fun to himself, and if he cannot get it 

 he will fight for it. But by himself he is perfect. As a com- 

 panion he is peculiarly affectionate and faithful, and remark- 

 ably intelligent ; he makes a capital house-dog, is a good guard 

 and is very safe with children. 



Bedlingtons are not dainty feeders, as most writers have 

 asserted, nor are they tender dogs. If they are kept in good 

 condition and get plenty of exercise they feed as well as any 

 others, and are as hard as nails if not pampered. They are 

 easy to breed and rear, and the bitches make excellent mothers. 

 If trained when young they are very obedient, and their 

 tendency to fight can in a great measure be cured when they 

 are puppies ; but, if not checked then, it cannot be done 

 afterwards. Once they take to fighting nothing will keep them 

 from it, and instead of being pleasurable companions they 

 become positive nuisances. On the other hand, if properly 

 broken they give very little trouble, and will not quarrel 

 unless set upon. 



