KERNEL NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22227, 3 January 1936, Page 2

KERNEL NOTES

EBy Taiiz-wagoeu.] ON BUYING A DOG,

You must keep your eyes open, uso what judgment you have, and do not always believe everything you are told when buying a dog. The majority of breeders are perfectly reputable, who understand current values and will not bo afraid to disclose the faults as well as to eulogise the merits of any dog they may be selling, yet there are some people, iidt invariably dealdrs, who place an exaggerated value upon their animals, or are inclined to minimise defects that may become serious. Hence my warning. I am often asked how much should bo given for t a puppy, and have to confess my inability to answer, except in general terms. Horses and dogs are not like commodities that have a certain conventional value. So much depends upoli their quality, their breeding, the reputation of the breeder, and even tlie breed. Where the demand is great the price goes up, as in other things, if the supply caniiot meet it. By studying the advertisement columns devoted to dogs and breding one should bo able to form an approximate idea. 1 It is worth while giving -some thought to the kind of dog you will have. After all, it is us important as adding a piece of furniture to your possessions, since you have the expectation that he will live with you for some years: how many, OUO cannot possibly say, but it may bo anything from 10 to 15 years, Discuss the matter dispassionately, and visit a dog show before deciding, if that is convenient, unlbss you already have any marked preference. My advice is to run to the little extra that a well-bred dog will cost. The pridO that you will take in him is legitimate, and I warrant you will give him more intelligent care than if ho were a nondescript. My experience is that most men and women are anxious to find out all they can in regard to dogs, but that their inquiries frequently come after they have made up their minds, which is something like ■locking the stable after the horse has gone. Unless you consider the matter carefully y6u may find yourself saddled with one of a breed that is altogether unsuited to your circumstances, to the house in which you live, to your capacity for taking walks, and to your nervous system. I may be asked what one’s nervous system has to do with it, but I think there is some sense in taking that into account. If your nerves are easily set on edge got _ a dog of easy-going temperament instead of one that is perpetually on the move and fills up the intervals in between by yapping. If you ax - e an indifferent walker, do not get an Alsatian or some other that can do with any thing from five to fifteen miles a day. On the other hand, should you prefer long walks at a good pace, give bulldogs Or any of the other sluggish breeds a miss. Try as far as possible to find a dog that will fall comfortably into your daily habits without forcing you out of your routine or making you attempt things that are beyond your ability. If you go the right way to ascertain it, there is a dog for every home. Why be sO hasty as to buy the wrong one? Dog keeping be a pleasure, not a penance. The. nSht sort of dog will act as a recreation and tonic. He will prevent you from growing dull, his companionship and the attention he demands will take your mind off business or household cares. If'you have young children-the little acts of kindness that have to be bestowed Upon him will he a wholesome training for them. I am assuming, ot course, that you will not permit them to tease or ill-treat him, as some young people do, more from thoughtlessness than from any innate metal kinks. It is almost impossible to give any guidance about the points for which one should look in choosing a puppy. Pick the bold one that is plump and has all the appearance of being vigorous and well-grown, They change so much as they develop that even the most experienced breeders, Who are familiar with the peculiarities of their strain, arc sometimes deceived. You will have to depend, therefore, upon the judgment of the seller, who will at least h© abl© to tell you if the puppy is likely to be pretty good on reaching adult age. It is a good plan to go to some approved breeder, w’hose name may be found in any show catalogue. Most of them have for disposal puppies that are not likely to bo np to show form when they mature. In all probability, however, you may not bo able to get an older dog from them, as it is the Usual practice to get rid of thote that are Hot wanted as soon, as possible. When the day comes for the choice to he made a little observation should show you whether the dog that you contemplate buying is in good health or not. His eyes should Be bright, his manner alert, and he should look to be full of vitality. A nervous puppy that shrinks away when you speak to it, and tucks its tail between its logs, may overcome the infirmity with confidence, but you cannot be sure that he Will do so. Part the hair and examine the skin to see if it is free from eczema or rash. There may be traces of vermin, but that is not a serious matter, although they should be speedily got rid of. Except in the wire-haired breeds, the hair should be soft and glossy, and I should choose a dog that had a plenitude of loose skin; so much so, indeed, that you may gather it up in the hand. A tight-skinned puppy or a dog in poor condition has something wrong with it. It may he nothing'worse than worms, which can be removed by a suitable dose of medicine, but it may lie a bad doer, or suffering from some ailment that you cannot detect. Take no risks.