FOX TERRIERS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 149, 27 June 1925, Page 20

FOX TERRIERS

POPULAR BREED OF DOGS

HINTS. TO BREEDERS,

Fox terriers are seldom out of the public mind for many weeks together, as befits dogs that are "of universal distribution. Essentially of English extraction, they are now to be found in every part of the world. Although the United States and India buy most liberally from English breeders, France and Belgium, and several other countries on the Continent in a lesser degree, are .sue-* cumbing to the attractions of this likeable and-useful little dog. In these circumstances it is only to be expected that the output of literature should be considerable, writes A. Croxtdn Smith, in the "Daily Telegraph." The Rev. Dr. Rosslyn Bruce, admitting that he has 127 volumes ou his bookshelves,'all of which deal more or less with smooth fox terriers alone, proceeds to write a comprehensive work on the subject of breeding. Now I have a little monograph from Captain Sydney ,R. "Vernon, of High Wycombe, entitled "Breeding and Rearing Fox Terriers." His remarks are applicable to thewhole of the terrier family, or: anyjjther small, hardy breeds. Bigger dogs need somewhat different treatment, one of the objects being to ■ get size and bone -without unsoundness... ' ■'■'.'■' :■'■■-• '■':,■'■■•■ "■'•■.' .' -'■

Captain Vernon is able, to offer' sound advice that should be particularly helpful.. After the puppies are born.he gives the dam a small quantity of lukewarm, "invalid-food" mixed' with milk, containing ■ a little 'dill water. While she is performing: her nursing: duties, 'liberal feeding is! desirable. 1 If "mother and family"are doing well,;-:natural feeding may :be "continued until 'the fifth or sixth week, but all.must depend upon the size of the litter arid other circumstances. In any case, the puppies should receive, a little milk or patent food at about four weeks, the quantity being gradually increased. On bejng completely' weaned they should be - fed every three . hours.

the meals recommended by Captain Vernon being so balanced as to afford plenty

of variety. Ho starts with one of tha weaning milk foods, carefully mixed with water just off the boil, and milk. This can be repeated at three subsequent meals, made more substantial by the addition of crushed puppy biscuits. The other meals may be. of finely-chopped meat, well-oleaned tripe, etc. At eight weeks the puppies should be dosed for worms, | and a fortnight later he would inoculate them against distemper. The autlior-'s ■ views'■ up'6n"-.in-bfeeding differ from the practice of some of his fellow enthusiasts'. "Never be induced to breecl from closely-in-bred dogs, however much it may be desired to emphasise certain points." It would have been interesting to know how.far he is prepared to go before considering the practice merits the term "intensive." The fundamental aim. of all breeders should be the production of sound healthy stock, free from nervousness or any constitutional weakness, for which reason consanguinity is dangerous unless; the parents are entirely above suspicion. I have a shrewd belief that the deterioration and ultimate decay /of certain kennels that have enjoyed an enviable supremacy for some years, have been attributable to. a reluctance to introduce outside blood. They cannot be self-contain-ed indefinitely without meeting with disaster. ; .'■..'■-..'.'•

'■■ A good many years ago the late Dr. Sidney Turner wrote: "A timely .outcf.oss would- save many, a falling line, and must bo resorted to sooner or later in every breed; sooner, if the number of •dogs composing the breed be small; later, but as surely, if the number be large." Dr. Turner, doubtless,, had in mind extreme cases,, with probable reference to mastiffs, of which at that time he had some, of the "Vest: .Is there a; middle' ground, however, upon which .we. may operate with safety? Practically all pedigree animals, I believe, are in-bred, leven racing pigeons, which are expected to exhibit in a high degree intelligence as well as'powers of endurance. Without these qualities in combination; jiigeons have no chance of making, a respectable showing in a long-distance race. . ..•-■;. / The analogy of the wild, perhaps, is not perfect,' for one notable reason.: Among many species of wild creatures the degree of relationship is r most likely much closer; than in in-bred dogs^ but, on.the male side at least, the race is perpetuated by the strongest "and most vigorous.The weaker 'are driven: .away ; , by < their

more powerful rivals. In domestic animals, on the other hand, the tendency is to use the most notable prize-winner, without inquiring too -closely into the medical ■ history of, himself or his near forbears. It.may be.that this tendency is responsible' for more mischief than m-breeding. Intelligently applied, within the limitation prescribed by prudence, the principle seems to be necessary for the fixation of type, ana the reproduction of the most desirable features. These' objects -would have .no justification if: they resulted in the establishment of; a race of. degenerates, incapable'of doing' their proper work, and that would probably come to an end' by ultimate'sterility. Scientists ' are not." in '.agreement concerning the danger's of in-breeding' or otherwise, but. the. practical man' shouldbe capable of '. judging.;for;himself how far he can safely: go without endangering the constitution,^ courage/ or" intelligence of his stock." ..".: :".:'. ■• ■■ ''-