FANCIERS' COLUMN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3399, 7 May 1919, Page 40

FANCIERS' COLUMN.

The Otago Witness has been appointed the official organ for the publication of announcements of the Dunedin Fanoiera' Club.

THE KENNEL.

By Terror.

Fanciers anil breeders of dogs ar© oordially invited to contribute to this column. "Terror" will endeavour to make this department aa 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 cheerfully responded to.

Speaking of bull terriers, and acknowledging that he is treading on dangerous ground, a contributor to Our Dogs says: "After a careful overhaul and a chat with somo of the ' Old Brigade,' the conclusion arrived at is that bull terriers are not improving. At the Great Joint Show there was a splendid entry and some nice specimens, but, on the other hand, there were a lot of low' category, . and on the whole the contestants were not in the same street as in the days when Messrs Pratt, North, George. Pegg, Monk, and others, were in full swmg. With the exception of perhaps a couple of specimens (I specially refrain from mentioning names) there was nothing to compare with the champions of the past, the groat deficiency being in muzzles and shoulders, and the correct bull terrier eye. Again, a bull terrier should be hard apd game bitten, always on the lookout for something. I am afraid several last week looked more like dropping off to sleep in their collars and, curiously enough, the owners appeared to think it was quite all right." These remarks remind me of statements of my own respecting a breed more in evidence at a Dunedin show than are bull terriers; but, "curiously enough, the owners," as correspondence shows, " appeared to think that their dogs wore quite all right." It is not right, however, when we see a row of terriers of any description looking like so many sleepy sheep instead of terrier-like, constantly oh the lookout for "something." Haying made reference more than once to the advantage to tho fancy to be dorived by holding field trials of sporting breeds, I haye pleasure in quoting " Vindex," -the kennel scribe fox the Adelaide Observer, as follows : -s~" The first field outing in connection with the S.A. Cocker and Gun Dog Club took place recently, when about 20 members -made the trip, accompanied by eight dogs, made up o| setters, and pointers. It was at first intended to make this a competitive afternoon, but at the last moment the committee decided to give all the dogs an oppoxtunty of qualifying for tho more serious trals to follow. Regarding this trial, a correspondent sends the following:—'This club held tho first of a series of field trals recently, near Smithfield. The outing was most enjoyable, the sport provided first class, and those who made the journey were loud in their praise for the manner in which it was Conducted. Some of the dogs showed by their work that they had been well trained, while it was evident that the young dogs only require a little more practice to bring them into line with, the older ones. The club is well off for good sports, and thanks to Messrs Whiting, Elliott, Bland en, and Colligan,, who kindly lent theh- motor cars, the ]ourney < both ways was made in good time, and it was pleasant. The club intend holding a second trial before long, and with such enthusiasts as Messrs Whitehead, Archibald,. Blandcn brothers, Colligan, Whiting, Elliot, Painter, Bennett, King, and Wisdom to keep things moving, the outing should be well worth attending.' " We had some particularly good specimens of pointers and setters in Otago some few years back, and there may be some now for all I know to ,the contrary, but little was known or is _ known of them now (if they are still in evidence), merely beoause their chief interest—namely, for sport—is not brought into prominence. There are several breeds which will never be greatly valued merely for show purposes, for they have arrived at whatever excellence they possess after many generations of breeding for utility only; yet once manifest to the public their utility in sport, and there need be no doubt but that they will excel in attracting as show exhibits. If Adelaide can arrange field trals surely Dunedin can do so.

Dear "Terror," —It is with interest I read through your valuable notes of tho approach of tho coming Dunedin Fanciers' Club show to be held in June; also of the newly imported Irish terrier Professor, who, I am sure, Messrs Edgar and Henderson will be proud to own such a dog with so lonjr a record. Some time ago Mr Henderson" wrote me saying that he and Mr. Edgar wore putting on a gold medal each to be competed for at this show. Mr Henderson's medal was to be of the vakte of £3. Now I would like to know through your -valuable columns if these trophies still stand good, as at the time the two fanciers said that they had nothing to show this year. Trusting the new purchase will, not alter the conditions of such a sporting gift, as I believe the. Dunedin i Club will bo rather pleased to receive same, if not already received.—l am, etc.. The More the Miseries. I am most frequently appealed to for advice on skin and coat matters by fanciers who are intending to exhibit their dogs. Now.. as the shows aro coming on, it seems an appropriate opportunity for making a reference to the subject of preparing dogs for show. Many fanciers do not realise the necessity for preparation until the time has gone by for doing any real good. They try to get a dog ready just two or three days before he is senl to a show, and the result is that he does not show off to advantage. Dogs need to be prepared for weeks before a show; the coat must, of course, be got into excellent condition by grooming and careful attention. The appearance of the coat is a most important item. Then a dog needs to be put through some sort of training in order that ho may carry himself to advantage and show his various points. He must be taught to behave himself well when he is being examined, and he must be goodtempered. These things count for so much when a dog is being_ exhibited. Of course, this training takes time, and it cannot be rushed in at the last moment. In time i-fc will become a habit to always carry himself to adyantage > and to look stylish if this careful training be carried on from pupriyhood. Tt is claimed for the collie that when well trained and accustomed to his work he Es the most sensible Quadruped in creation, the huge elephant alone excepted. Saya the Sportsman's Cabinet) "Tho sheep

dog is i.o completely absorbed in what sooins the sole business and employment of his Jii'e that # he does not bestow a look or indulge a wish beyond the constant protection of the trust reposed in him and to execute tho commands of hia master, which he is always incessantly anxious to receive, and, in lact, is always invariably looking for, by every solicitous attention it is possible to conceive. Inured to all weathers, fatigue, and hunger, he is the least voracous of his species, subsists upon little, and may bo considered truly emblematical of contenjt. Though there is an appearance of somniferous indolence in tho extcror, it is by no means a constitutional mark of habitual inability j on the contrary, tho sagacity, fidelity, and comprehensive peneration of this kind of dog is equal to any other; but that there js a thoughtful, expressive gravity annexed to this particular race, as if they were absolutely comoious of their own utility in business of importance and the value of the stock so confidently committed to their care."

Whether there is .reason to suspect young puppies to be suffering from or not, it is well to periodically doctor them. in anticipation with some mild laxative medicine, which cannot possibly hurt them, and yet will keep the worms in check. It is bad policy to await dosing until the pups have fits —one of the symptoms of the presence of worms. A good general puppy medicine which will keep puppies healthy and at the same time check the growth of worms can be obtained by mixing two parts of flowers of sulphur with one part of jalap powder. This can by given" in small doses, say three grains of the mixture for every pound tho puppy weighs, to be given once or twice a week, according to the discretion of the owner. With regard to adult dogs, many novices go to a great deal of trouble in dosing their animals for worms, when, if they were to go about the matter m a proper way. two dosings would in any case prove amply sufficient. There is a right way and there is a wrong way of dosing a dog for worms. This wrong way is_ to go about it in a half-hearted fashion without thoroughly appreciating tho object to be attained, and with the result that half a (Dozen dosings do nothing more than distress the animal, without dislodging nis undesirable guests. The right way is to begin methodically. Try to ascertain hrst of all the prooer time to dose. As adult dogs almost invariably suffer from tapeworm, it will be necessary to watch until some segments of-tapeworm are seen to be passing away. These are easily recognisable, and their appearance is a sure sign that the time ■ has come for. one drastic dosing, which will dislodge. the pest and free the animal entirely and anally. Having decided that the right time has come, ■let the animal go to bed one rnght without any supper, or, rather, with a teaspoonful, or a dessertspoonful, or a tablespoonfrd (according to the size of the dog) of sweet olive oil. Then next morning first thin"- give one or two capsules (oi suitable sTze and strength, obtainable from veterinary ohemists) of extract of male fern, which is an invaluable remedy for tapeworm. When these have been given wait half an hour or so. and then administer a good drastic dose of castor oil. Immedi ately after this lot the dog drink some hot soup whioh he will probably do quite willingly, and which will assist the action of the castor oil. One dosine of this kind is usually successful, and needs only to be followed by a similar dosing after an interval of about 10 days.