CHOICE OF WHELPS. 271 



be considered well through the danger attendant upon their 

 weaning time at ten weeks old ; at which period the dogs 

 ought to weigh from 18lbs. to 20lbs. apiece, and the bitches 

 somewhat less. 



Now is the time to decide upon the whelps to be retained ; 

 it is true that the breeder should have already noticed the 

 best-shaped whelps at the end of the first week; but if these 

 have not been well weaned they should be rejected, choosing 

 in preference those which have stood that ordeal, without 

 loss of shape. I do not here allude to mere loss of flesh; it 

 may so happen that an accidental cold or diarrhoea will pull 

 down one of the very best of the litter for a short time; but 

 this is picked up again in a few days, and is not of the slightest 

 consequence. If, however, a whelp looks staring in his coat, 

 grows round in his back, or shows decidedly bad feet, I should 

 certainly set him on one side, particularly if his elbows are 

 out or in too much. At this time the feet begin to show their 

 form, and you may make a very good guess as to their future 

 shape, which you cannot do while in the nest. But with regard 

 to the shoulders and the general length of the frame, I think 

 there is no time equal to the first week after birth, when, if 

 by taking the whelp up by the tail, he brings his fore legs 

 well over his head, and shows good back-ribs and sufficient 

 length of body, you may rely upon it that, if he keeps his 

 health, he will at full growth display these points again, even 

 if, during his puppyhood, they have apparently been obscured. 

 There is, however, great difficulty in making such a selection 



