142 TJie Management and Diseases of the Dog, 



bred bitches and those on which unusual care has been 

 bestowed, that they should not unnecessarily be exposed 

 to damp and cold. Seclusion, except during the visit of 

 the male, is also prudent until the period has passed. 



The food should be moderate, unstimulating, and if any- 

 thing slightly relaxing. 



The suspension of the discharge and return of the 

 external genitals to their ordinary size and shape denote 

 that the function is over. 



BREEDING. 



The subject of breeding is one requiring far more con- 

 sideration in the canine world than has hitherto been given 

 to it. In this work, wherein I have confined myself to 

 narrow limits, I shall only suggest the following remarks 

 as worthy of notice : — 



1. The sexes should be as proportionate in size as is 

 compatible with safe breeding. This for more than one 

 reason is desirable. Like begets like. A large sire 

 generally produces offspring which the female is unable to 

 give birth to. Again, this incompatible mating is attended 

 with danger to the animals at the time of connection. I 

 have frequently had mastiff-bitches sent to my dogs, in 

 which, from their deficiency in height, it was impossible 

 for the dog to perform the act required of him without 

 injury in various ways. 



2. During the period of oestrum the bitch should be 

 carefully secluded, for the canine race know no distinction, 

 and ignore all propriety at this season. Again, mental 

 impression is with them exceedingly strong ; though I will 

 not go so, far as to say a passion formed for a dog of low 

 degree will have its influence on offspring begat by other 

 blood. But I do say, and I do so from experience, that 

 connection with conception, particularly in maiden bitches, 

 influences the marking and character of future litters. 



