KENNEL NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 21723, 18 May 1934, Page 2

KENNEL NOTES

[By tllL-WAOQWt.] Everything outside the actual running of the show is now completed for the big fixture next month, and fanciers are looking forward to a good time, exchanging views and opinions and meeting old friends. For a great many of us, of course, the show means much hard work, hut the real fanciers care nothing for this; seeing their efforts crowned with success is sufficient reward. One or two under-currents, set in motion by personal feeling, have made things a little more difficult this year; but the club has triumphed over main' similar difficulties in the past, and will doubtless do so again. ’Twas ever thus, and so long as human nature remains what it is things will always be the same. The best hitentioned body of men and women inevitably finds one or two among their number whose ideas appear to be in direct conflict with those held by the majority. Then, again, a great many societies are not in the fortunate position of having a president who is'tlie right man in the right place. In speaking of the Dunedin Fanciers’ Club the position of chief executive is a difficult one, to say the least, owing to the number and variety of sections over which one man is called upon to preside. Almost from its inception, however, this club has been fortunate hi its presidents, without exception all having been men of discrimination and character, and in that the club may count itself luckier than some. The best of men cannot, however, please everyone; they can but do what they consider best, and so long as the Fanciers’ Club has men of the calibre of its presidents, both past and present, to guide its destinies it need have no fear that things will “ gang agley.” This year appears to be one of the club’s “ off ” years, but the members have worked harder than usual, and hopes of a successful show can now be definitely entertained. A very nice list of “ specials ” has been allocated to the different sections, and the secretary reports a steady influx of letters containing requests for schedules. Fortunately for the Fanciers’ Club the general run of the public is not interested in the domestic affairs of the various societies that exist within its vision. In one section especially a large number of outside entries are practically guaranteed, and no doubt outside exhibitors in other sections will be well in evidence. Several good cups and trophies ard* waiting to bo competed for in the dog section. The Swann Cup is to be presented to the best dog in the show, and a beautiful dinner wagon is for the best bitch. The Collie Club of New Zealand lias a cup running for competition among its members, and has this year added a breeders’ trophy. The South Island Bulldog Club also has a fine cup, presented by the proprietors of Top Dog shirts, for the best bulldog belonging to a member. A nice cup, presented by M'lvor, Veitcli. and Co., is for the best whippet in the show; and another, presented by Mr 6. Smith, for best opposite sex to. the winner of the Walker and Hall Cup, in wire-haired fox terriers. Also on the list is the “ Six Sports ” Cup for best puppy in the show and the two “ Lochiel ’ medals for the breeders of best puppy dog and hitch respectively % Another clip, for best Airedale or Kerry Blue terrier, is one presented by Mr Hogg, the jeweller. Several trophies and cash specials complete a comprehensive list, well worth competing for. As usual, of course, the club .will he presenting N.Z.Iv.C. challenge points in all breeds, all statements to tlie contrary notwithstanding. Most fanciers will now be busy preparing their dogs for the show, and a word of advice here and there might help. Poms, have all untidy hairs removed from about their ears, and their legs are carefully trimmed to give a neat, dainty appearance, the “feathering,” of course, being left. Rqiighhnired terriers are kept tidy with a steel comb, all untidy hairs on the body being removed with the finger and thumb. The cheeks and neck are cleaned particularly well, while the legs are more or less left alone. Sporting dogs, such as spaniels and setters, arc carefully brushed and combed, all untidy and straggly hair being removed entirely. Their coats should be beautifully shiny and as straight as possible when they step into the ring. These dogs should not be bathed later than a week before the show, as this tends to make the coat fluffy instead of Hat. The best way to ensure the coat drying “ straight ” (very few breeds ark supposed to look “fluffy”) is to comb and pat with the hands while the hair is still damp, carrying on until the dog is dry. A few drops of turpentine on the palms of the hands help to draw off the moisture and give the coat a nice gloss. Having got a dog worth showing and spent tunc and money in getting him into show condition. "go a little further and teach him ring deportment. This very often is the hardest part of the lot. He should, first of all, lead quietly, neither pulling back nor forward. He should then be got used to people and noises, so that lie will not suffer with stage fright. It is only a matter of patience, after that, teaching him to stand up and look lus best when you stop and hold him Up For inspection. If is practically impossible for a judge to size up a dog if he won’t stand four-square on his feet. A dog jumping up on lus handler or sitting down behind him is a difficult proposition for a judge, as is one that ft edits shv of being handled. Don t lorir'et fanciers, that ring deportment Counts for a great deal, and where the issue is doubtful may make all the difference between a first or just a place. Iwo uood men will make the. decisions in the dogs; these are Dr A. C. M’Killop and Mr F. W. Pollard, both ot Christchurch. The former will take all breeds with tlie exception of terriers, these being Iclt to Mr Pollard. I he Jaiu.y ii always crying out for new judges, and it was to fulfil this insistent demand that Mr Pollard was nominated. He has handled many winners ol several breeds, chief among them being Irish,. Kerry Blue, and wire-haired fox terriers, so he should have a very fair working knowledge of terrier ((.breeds. Many of Mr Pollard’s best wins were in England and Ireland. Dr M'Killop’is, of course, more than well known to fanciers here find in other parts of New Zealand, and tl)e old proverb “ Good wirii needs ho bush ” is quite applicable in this instance. . A great inaiiy fanciers exhibiting dogs for the first time are anxious fibput their comfort during the night. They are not, as supposed by many, lying on concrete, but on thick wood, with plenty of straw. However, it is possible to remove them if desired.

The sum of £1 must be lodged with the secretary as a guarantee that the animal will be returned the following morning," otherwise people would take their dogs home aiid not bother t<) bring them back, quite losing sight of the fact that; the chib is under an obligation to the visiting public, who pay to see the exhibits, not empty benches.

THE LATEST IN PET DOGS. Recent clog shows reveal a marked tendency towards <t dpiiiinating fashion for dachshunds as domestic pets. The close-haired breed is most favoured. They are regarded as kindly animals, very sensitive and . affectionate, and although hot essentially good watchdogs, they are easily domesticated and are dependable with children.—' Glasgow Herald.’ There appears to bo an idea in the minds of one or two clog people that the Chow Chow is a savage animal, This is entirely erroneous, 'as I have seen children that were absolute stingers playing about with the dogs, and have actually assisted in giving a little boy of three rides on Mr Mazey’s big dog's back. Both Hie child and the dog appeared to enjoy the fun; it is only with a really good-natured dog that one conic) take such a liberiy.