320 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



youth ; and there is no doubt that with regard to the Bulldog 

 great mortality occurs in attempting to breed from maiden 

 bitches exceeding three years old. In almost all breeds it is 

 the case that the first three litters are the best. It is accord- 

 ingly important that a proper mating should be considered 

 at the outset, and a prospective sire selected either through 

 the medium of stud advertisements or by private arrangement 

 with the owner of the desired dog. For the payment of 

 the requisite stud fee, varying from a guinea to ten or fifteen 

 pounds, the services of the best dogs of the particular breed 

 can usually be secured. It is customary for the bitch to be 

 the visitor, and it is well that her visit should extend to two or 

 three days at the least. When possible a responsible person 

 should accompany her. 



If the stud dog is a frequenter of shows he can usually be 

 depended upon to be in sound physical condition. No dog 

 who is not so can be expected to win prizes. But it ought to 

 be ascertained before hand that he is what is known as a good 

 stock-getter. The fee is for his services, not for the result of 

 them. Some owners of stud dogs will grant two services, 

 and this is often desirable, especially in the case of a maiden 

 bitch or of a stud dog that is over- wrought, as so many are. 

 It is most important that both the mated animals should be 

 free from worms and skin disorders. Fifty per cent, of the 

 casualties among young puppies are due to one or other of 

 the parents having been in an unhealthy condition when 

 mated. A winter whelping is not advisable. It is best 

 for puppies to be born in the spring or early summer, thus 

 escaping the rigours of inclement weather. 



During the period of gestation the breeding bitch should 

 have ample but not violent exercise, with varied and whole- 

 some food, including some preparation of bone meal ; and at 

 about the third week, whether she seems to require it or not, 

 she should be treated for worms. At about the sixtieth day 

 she will begin to be uneasy and restless. A mild purgative 

 should be given ; usually salad oil is enough, but if constipa- 



