THE KENNEL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3352, 12 June 1918, Page 43

THE KENNEL.

By TURROR. Fanciers and breeders of dogs are cordially invited to contribute to this column. "Terror" will endeavour to make this department as interesting and up-to-date as possible, but in order to do this he must have the co-operation of his readers, hence he trusts this invitation will be cheeriully responded to.

The secretary oi tho Dunedifl Fanciers' Club reports that dogs will not be so numerous at this month's show as usual, the entries showing a falling off of 31. This is, of course, not surprising, so many fanciers being now away at the front, and also because/' railage of exhibits is more a matter for consideration than in prewar times. Buildogs will apparently be well in evidence, both as regards number and quality. There are also good entries in Iriuh terriers and spaniels, and, to a lesser degree, smooth-hair fox terriers. —lt i 3 reported that there is evidence of a striking advance in the popularity of Airedales, the entries being in excess of late years. On the other hand, Skye and Scotch terriers, pugs and other smaller breeds are, temporarily at any rate, out of favour. Evidently there will be variety and quality at this month's show, even if the number is not quite up to the mark.' Pekingese, fanciers (Eng.) and breeders are incensed over 'the statement of Lord Claude Hamilton at a conference of tho National Utility Poultry Society in London (Eng.). He said that there was an enormous number of useless dogs about, and he would have every Pekingese dog killed and made into meat pies. His Lordship may have been quite patriotic in his remarkable utterance from the point of view of the food shortage in England, having in his mind the edible quailties of the dogs in China. But these pies would prove very costly. When we note that Mrs Ashton-Cross's champion Chu-e-rh of Alderbourne, for which £2OOO was refused, and Mrs Weaver's Phantom of Ashcroft, which she recently sold for £SOO to go to America, are two out of a great many other valuable dogs of this breed, it can easily be understood what a hornet's nest the speaker got into through his remarks. Dogs should have access at all times to pure water, placed in such a position in the kennel that it is impossible for them to foul it. It should also be changed daily. Hot food should never be given to dogs, as it is most injurious. In making a meal for the dogs, a free use of boiled vegetables should be given, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, celery, etc. _ln summer time a largo proportion of boiled rice should be used in the food, which should consist of hound meal or sound brown bread soaked in the broth of sheep's heads or butcher's bits, with the bones put in. A certain proportion of bone substance is necessary for the health of the dog. The Show Ring. This is a subject of special interest to the beginner, and to be successful he must givs tho greatest study to his animal's temperament, as well as to their diet and exercise. Dogs ought not to be exhibited unless in good health and condition. Some dogs are not perfectly mannered like others, and the best have defects, which the skilful handler will endeavour to hide a 3 much as possible. For instance, some dogs are painfully nervous in the ring; others will become spitefully disagreeable, and give 'then* undivided attention to getting hold of an opponent;* 4 and will assume a setter-like attitude the whole time. Needless to say, this crouching detracts greatly from a dog's appearance, and does not give the 'judge an opportunity of gauging; his merit*. A skilful handler at once grasps the situation, and sets 'to work to bring other matters under the dog's notice, and N will in some instances, if h- 1 is the dog's owner, request some friend to take his place as leader, and leavo the ring calling or whistling to the dog on the pretence of going home The sarrw cours-j more frequently appliesin cases of nervousness, or dog,? whose erect or semi-erect, or even badly carried ears are the trouble. In most cases the animate will stand up and set themselves and their ears in position. On entering tho ring exhibitors should walk on the off side of the dog 3. This gives the judge a good view of 'the _ animal, and assists him in giving his decisions. Showing a dog cannot be learnt in a few days, and as our annual show will be next month, I would advise all young exhibitors to start to get their dogs used to the lead. Mango Cure.—Black sulphm 2oz ; kerosene, loz; olive oil, 4oz; cocoanut oil, 4oz; castor oil, 4oz; Wright's solution of coal tar, loz. With this dress the dog all over onoe _ a week, but beforo each ! dressing have him thoroughly washed, using ! mercurial soap, and carefully dry before applying the dressing. Worm Mixture.—Santonine, 20 grains; liquor senna dulc, loz; glycerine, £oz; syrup, 3£oz. Shake well. For small puppies one-quarter of a teaspoonful one hour before first morning meal; foj; retrievers, one-half to three-quarters of a teaspoonful one hour before first morning meal. The ! dose may be gradually increased according to age of dcg.