142 The 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 cestrum 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. 
