THE KENNEL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23332, 26 October 1937, Page 2

THE KENNEL

By Breeder “ Breeder" will be pleased if dog owners and others concerned will forward him notes of interest for ■ his consideration with a view to their insertion in this, column. SHOW DATES October 29, 30.—South Canterbury Kennel Club. November 11, 12.—Canterbury Kennel Club. Mrs and Miss Hart have mated their good Labrador bitch Lady Patricia of Hartlea (Deekson of Clifton ex Elmwood Shield) to her kennel mate Rajah Lad of Hartlea (Rajah ex Binkle). Messrs Austin Bros.’ Scottish terrier bitch Leithval Radiant is 1 rearing a splendid litter of four —two of each sex —to her kennel mate Leithval Heather Harvester (imp.). Harvester is by ch Heather Realisation ex Loukley Lavender. Another Scottie bitch, Leithval Bunty, is in whelp to Harvester, and. as the pups will be line-bred to Heather Necessity, the Messrs Austin Bros, are confidently looking forward to the outcome of this mating. Mr O’Connor, of Dunedin, has purchased a very promising West Highland White puppy from Mr John Macdonald. of Timaru. The wire-haired fox terrier bitch Moerangi Mannequin (ch Stocksmoor Smartset, imp., ex Glamis Getaway), the property of Mrs L. Kisslmg, of Auckland, is at present on a stud visit to Messrs Austin Bros.’ stud dog Mahaki Smoky (ch Stocksmoor Smartset. Imp., ex Castlecroft Confidence, imp.). Mrs J. M. Helpman. of Adelaide, has returned from England, whore she purchased a long-pedigreed Pekingese, and attended some of the largest shows. By invitation, she acted as judge of the toy breeds at the Northern and Central Counties Show, and is said to have given great satisfaction. The Melbourne-bred Pomeranian Oakland Sensation, which won a challenge certificate at the Kyabram Show

last year, has been awarded a challenge at the Poona (India) Championship Show by Captain W. L. Kenwick, who judged all breeds at Poona on his way to England. . Dog breeders all know how obstinate some cases of eczema are to .treat. Consequently anything new in this line is of great interest. In the Veterinary Record (Engjand) a contributor mentions the use of methylene blue. He explains that intravenous inoculation of a sterile 2 per cent, solution of methylene blue, in 5.0 c.c. doses, are given every two or three days. The puritus stops after three or four injections, and a complete cure is effected after seven or eight. In four severe cases in which the usual treatment had no effect a series of injections of methylene blue completely cleared up the trouble. Mr G. S. Thomas, the American judge who adjudicated at the recent Melbourne Royal Show, commented favourably upon the average quality of the dogs he had seen in Australia. Ha considers the 60-day period of quarantine required by the authorities in Australia quite sufficient to cope with the possibility of anv disease. He disagrees, however, with the attitude of refusing admittance to dogs from any other country than England, and quoted a case of a Californian who intended living in Sydney, and brought two wire-haired fox terriers from the United States. These dogs, owing to quarantine restrictions, had to be returned to America, thence to England, where they did six months’ quarantine, and were to come to Australia, but the owner by this time had to return to California. ALSATIANS AS SHEEP DOGS Mr G. S. Thomas considers that Australian Alsatians are a good lot. He likes all dogs, particularly the bright, alert types, and fails to understand why there should be any feeling against this breed. In the United States they are referred to as German Shepherds, and are used so much in working sheep that they are now regarded as the national sheepdog. Welsh Corgis are now used extensively as cattle heelers, as well as being a popular companion dog and show breed. Chow Chows, too, are great favourites in most of the States, as also are Welsh terriers, which are liked for their neatness, style, and compact size. The exhibiting of dogs is taken very seriously by the American people. The president of the American Kennel Club receives a salary of £.2000 a year, and the secretary £I2OO. Mr Thomas enjoys judging dogs, and travels many thousands of miles each year to fulfil his engagements. The better the quality of the dogs the easier he finds (hem to judge. Mr Thomas will judge in Tasmania. South Australia, and NewSouth Wales before going to New Zealand, and if he finds any really good specimens will offer to buy them. POINTS FOR THE NOVICE OWNER By the Rev. G. B. Gillies It is a mistake to rush to a show without any idea of how to exhibit. Many times a good specimen of his breed is put out of a show ring cardless just because his owner knew no more than that he was expected to take him into the ring. My advice to the novice is this: Having made up your mind to show your dog. make it your business to attend some shows solely as a looker--OIIt has been said that the looker-on sees most of the game, and certainly it is true that one can learn a lot by sitting at the ring side watching carefully how the more experienced breeders make the most of their exhibits. , You will soon see the difference between a good shower and a bad shower and one that it put down to the minute - ... . ~ , If there is anything you don t understand don’t be afraid to ask. I have found that most exhibitors are kind and helpful to the novice. Practice for Dogs Having seen other dogs in the ring go home and teach your dog to walk and stand just as you have seen the experienced handler make his dog do. There is a certain "ring craft” necessary. and both exhibitors and dogs

need to practice it at home before the show.

In this home training, it is wise to teach your dog to permit a stranger to handle him and to examine his mouth. Many a pet dog, who walks round the ring all right and stands nicely, cringes and exhibits nervousness whenever the judge puts his hands on him. When you get to the show, try to take things as quietly as possible. You may not think it, but if you get * het up” and excited it will affect the dog. Dogs are very susceptible to the temperament of those who are handling them. , , Some dogs will be quite good showers at home, but get quite nervous in the ring: this may be caused by their being among strange dogs and strange people, but I am certain that a great deal of this is caused by the lack of confidence of the owner, which conveys itself to the dog. . When in the ring, keep your , mind on your dog. If all are requested to walk round, be careful that your dog is not bitten.