CHAPTER VIII 
Notes on the Care of the Shepherd 
Ty^THILE the shepherd is a hardy breed that has 
* * not been coddled and really requires very little 
attention, there are a few fundamental principles that 
should be adhered to for the dog’s sake. First of 
all the matter of feeding claims our attention. The 
diet of a healthy shepherd can include anything 
that a human being consumes with two exceptions, 
namely, potatoes and chicken bones, the first be¬ 
cause the digestive fluids of the dog do not seem 
to disintegrate them properly and the second be¬ 
cause its sharp points have often caused great in¬ 
testinal disturbances. A general mixed food, such 
as table scraps, is ideal for the dog; meat should, 
of course, predominate, for the dog is primarily a 
carnivorous animal and meat is his natural food. 
An occasional bone is also necessary to keep his 
teeth in good condition. The various dog cakes are 
also very good especially when moistened with 
broth. Most dogs thrive best on one meal a day and 
this should be given at night, those dogs, however, 
whose digestive tracts are easily disturbed are some¬ 
times better fed with a morning and a night meal, 
but these should then, of course, be of smaller pro¬ 
portions. Breeding animals, both stud dogs and 
brood bitches should have a very large proportion 
of meat, milk, and eggs, and all dogs should at all 
times have access to plenty of cold, fresh water. 
One of the great errors that is often committed 
by the layman is the frequent washing of the shep- 
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