140 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG. 



is also frequent micturition. The duration of cestrum is usu- 

 ally from ten to twenty days 



During menstruation the animal is generally more or less 

 feverish, and it is therefore advisable, particularly in high- 

 bred bitches and those on which unusual care has been be- 

 stowed, 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 func- 

 tion is over. 



BREEDING. 



The subject of breeding is one requiring far more consid- 

 eration 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 com- 

 patible with safe breeding. This for more than one reason 

 is desirable. Like begets like. A large sire generally pro- 

 duces 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 de- 

 ficiency 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 care- 

 fully 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 



