KENNEL NOTES.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20630, 20 August 1932, Page 5

KENNEL NOTES.

[l3y Cai.eii.]

(QuPtics for answer in this column eboulcl be aridrested to "Caleb," care 'L'hb V'hBSS, C'hristchurcl], (ltid to rnauro publication on any Saturday muni be received not Inter than the Tuesday preceding.]

Bonny Beauty, the Bulldog bitch owned liy Mr H. S. Mitchell, of the Aotea Kennels, New Brighton, is rearing two dogs and four bitch puppies by her kennel-mate Aotea Rangi. All these youngsters are of outstanding quality. Mr F. G. Savillc, of Fairlie, has disI posed of a fine Old English Sheepdog | dog puppy by his imported pair G'acdmon of Pastorale ex Big Gem Robbery J to Mr H. F. Fcnn, of Ethclton. Another youngster of the same breeding has gone I to Mr M. Morrah, of Waipukurau. Mr C. W. Eden, of Blenheim, has secured a very promising Labrador Retriever dog puppy by Don ex Ingestre Sally (imp.) from its breeder, Mr Allan Boon, of Now Brighton. Another puppy from the same litter has gone to Mr J. Harris, of Christchurch. Mr H. Ramsay, of New Brighton, has secured the grey Alsatiau bitch Diana of Silverdalo from Mr G. B. Darby, of St. Albans. Mr Ramsay has disposed of a pleasing lilack-and-tan dog puppy by Danko Picardy of Kilmartin ex Atlieid von Erichsohn of Lvmere to Mr J. Marshall, of Dunedin. Mrs R. Y. White, of Papanui, reports that, the litter of English Setter puppics- recently whelped by her winning bitch Chips, from the young dog Brooke Peppercorn arc showinj; consideralih: premise. Bred as they are, these youngsters should bo seen to advantago at future shows. Mr J. Craddoek, of Merivale, has secured a pleasing Bulldog puppy by St. Kiida Dinty ex Rosville Lady Melroso from its breeder, Mr A. Robinson, of St. Albans, Hamilton Show. At the recent Hamilton Show, where Mr W. C. Leversedge, of Christchurch. judged all breeds, the honour of best iu show went to the English better Tawhio, owned by Mr F. J. Docherty, with Mr G. TL Priscott's Greyhound Phar Lap runner-tip. Washing and Grooming. The most carefully kept dogs are those tbat are regulsrlv exhibited in competition at shows. No dog that is not perfectly clean and in good condition can lie expected to win prizes. Grooming and conditioning have become a high art which the ordinary dog-owner cannot hope to emulate; but there is no reason why the ordinary dog should be dirty, or have fleas, or skin diseases which make him uncomfortable and un-sig-htly. There is 110 secret process, it all depends upon judicious feeding, regular but not excessive exercise in the epen air, clean bedding, decent housing, and frequent grooming. • A bath is not often necessary. For the larger breeds an occasional swim, followed by a good run, is beneficial? but for the smooth-coated kinds, such as Great Danes. aud Greyhounds, a sponging is better than a bath, and nearly all the smooth-haired dogs, including the Bullt'og, the Bull Terrier, the Whippet, aud the smooth Fox Terrier, tau be kept it' sweet condition b\ dry cleaning with the comb, thp dumb-brush, and the hcuud-glove, the bare hand or an okl towel. Wire-haired dogs ought not lo be washed more often than is necessary for mere sanitation, and the occasions' should be less frequent in winter than it. summer. Brushing aud combing ar.-

the best means of keeping the coat and sl;in cleau, and it ought to bo done daily. While it is being done, the skin should , be examined to see that there arc 110 signs of eczema or fleas, and the eyCs, ears, teeth, and tongue looked at. Many owners of valuable dogs use the tooth-brush and powdered charcoal for cleaning the dog's teeth. A dog with a totil mouth is very objectionable, and tlx: teefh should be kept perfectly clean and free from tartar. A bite from, a clean-mouthed dog may bo paipful, but it is quit.? Ii ami less. A foul-mouthed dog cannot possibly be healthy.

/ The Rough Coated Collie. There is not a morn graceful and physically beautiful dog to "be seen thau the show Collie of the present period. Produced from the old working type, he is now practically a distinct breed. His qualities in the field are not often tested, but he is a much more handsome and Attractive animal, and his comeliness will always win for him many admiring friends. The improvements in his style and ajjpearanc-e hai-e been alleged to be due to an admixture of Gordon Setter blood. In the early years of exhibitions he showed the shorter head, heavy ears, and much of the black and tan colouring which might seem to justify such a supposition, but there is no evidence that the cross was ever purposely sought. Gradually the colour was lightened to sable, and a mingling of black, white, and tan came into favour. The shape of the head was also improved. Type has been enhanced, the head with the small ornamental ears that now prevail is mote classical. Scientific cultivation and careful selection' of typical breeding stock has achieved what may bo considered ' the superlative degree of quality, without appreciable loss of stamina, size, or substance. Forty years or so ago, when Collies wero becoming fashionable, the rich sable coat with long white mane was ini highest request. Tn ISBS eh. Metehley Wonder captivated his admirers by theso rich qualities. He was the first Collie for which a very high purchase : price was paid, Mr Sam Boddington having sold him to Mr A. H. Megson, of Manchester, for £530. High prices then became frequent. Mr Megson paid £I6OO to Mr Tom Stretch for Ormskirk Emerald. No Collie has had' a longer ' or more brilliant career than Emerald, and, although he was not esteemed as a successful sire, he was certainly the greatest favourite among the show dogs of the years before the war. The coat is of considerable importance. It should be very dense, the outer coat harsh to the touch, the inner or undercoat soft, furry, and very close, so close as to almost hide the skin. The mane and frill should be very abundant, the mask or faco smooth, as also ! the ears at the tip?, but they should ! carry more hair towards the base; the ' forelegs well feathered, the hind legs | above the hocks profusely so; but below ! the hocks fairly smooth, although all i heavily coated Collies are liable to grow ] a slight feathering. The hair on the; brush should be very profuse. Colour j in the Collie is immaterial. Tn general character he is a lithe, active dog, his deep chest showing lung power, his neck strength, his sloping , shoulders and well-bent hocks indicating j speed, and his expression high intelli i geuce. lie should be a fair length on i the leg. giving him move ot a racy thau i a cloddy appearance, tn .1 few words.; a Collie should show endurance, activity, .-aid intelligence, with fret; and true : actio u. j The main lault- to be avoided arc a i domed skull, high peaked occipital bone; heavy, pendulous, or pricked ears; weak j jaws; snipy muzzle: full, staring, or , light eyes; crooked legs; large, flat, or! hare feet; curly or soft coat; cow hocks; j brush twisted or carried right over the I back; under-shot or overshot mouth. j

Answers to Ooxxespondents. Collie.—S#e* above article. "Waiau."—lodine should be given internally only under veterinary supervision. If the bitch is deficient in milk give her plenty of creamy cow's milk mixed and thickened with cornflour; alstf Robinson's patent barley.- Massage the breasts. "Silky."—Your dog appears to have a. tapeworm, for the expulsion of which fanciers depend mostly on arcca-nnt. In order that the tapeworm may re-ceive-the full benefit of the remedy; give the dog a dose of castor oil tie day before inthe morning, and let him have no food during that day except a little beef tea. The "bowels arc thus empty next morning, so that the parasite cannot shelter itself an.vtvhere, ant} is therefore sure to be acted on.