A BIRMINGHAM DOG SHOW 253 



I do not exactly know with whom the idea of 

 dog shows originated. My old friend, the late 

 Major Irving, told me it was with Frederick Bur- 

 dett ; others have informed me it was Mr Brailsford, 

 the father of the present men, and formerly keeper 

 to the Earl of Derby, the present Earl's father. 

 Whoever it originated with, it was a happy idea, 

 and has given endless amusement to thousands. 



As I have often stated, I do not think shows have 

 improved the breed of dogs, but they have brought 

 many strains forward which were known nothing 

 about before, except to a few. 



Dog shows have opened the door to a good deal 

 of roguery ; unscrupulous breeders have bred dogs 

 for size, head, coat, and colour. To effect this they 

 have mixed up strains ; the consequence is that, 

 although it cannot be detected by the judges, the 

 animals are, in reality, nothing more or less than 

 mongrels ; this has been done uiore particularly in 

 the sporting classes, and with fox-terriers especially. 



But dog shows are wonderfully popular all over 

 the kingdom. It has not rested with us alone, for 

 the French have for years had exhibitions, and this 

 year there was one at Vienna. 



It has often surprised me there is so much 

 wrangling, and so many letters from disappointed 

 exhibitors, after a dog show. The same thing does 



