Care and Diseases of Breeding Animals 



to avoid their getting together. Oftentimes through 

 carelessness doors are left open and instantly the 

 animals seek each other. During her period of sea- 

 son the bitch should be fed more lightly than usual 

 and the bowels should receive added attention. 

 Under no circumstances should she be bathed while 

 in this condition. 



Mating. — ^When breeding is contemplated, the 

 male should be selected with great care. This is 

 particularly important in the small toys and in Bos- 

 ton Terriers. Consideration should be given, not 

 only to the individual but also to his ancestors. 

 The size is of greatest importance. A small dog 

 may be the offspring of much larger parents, in 

 which case his get would in all probability be of the 

 larger type. The next consideration is the weak 

 points of the bitch, for if possible a male should be 

 selected whose characteristics are strong where hers 

 are weak. The correct time for mating is usually 

 considered as the tenth day of season ; some breeders 

 prefer to have two services, one on the tenth and the 

 other on the thirteenth day. This, however, should 

 be decided by the owner of the sire. The mating 

 should be superintended by some one who has had 

 experience in the procedure. If the bitch is afraid 

 of the dog or acts the least bit combative, the inter- 

 course should not be forced, for the unwillingness 

 of the bitch usually is significant of an unsuitable 

 union. The date of each service should be recorded 

 and the day of expected parturition determined. 



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