DOG LORE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 56, 20 October 1911, Page 8

DOG LORE.

(By Laverack.)

The schedule for the dog section of the Stratford Show has boon completely levised and the fancier who is dissatislied will indeed he hard to please. Certainly never beforo in tiic history of Taranaki have such numerous cfassfs been provided. Indeed, a perusal of the schedule causes one to wonder both at the numerous breeds of dogs and the source from which they sprang. famous artists in representing the Garden of Eden, have introduced a rough Skye terrier lying contentedly curled at the feet of Adam and Eve. This, to my mind, is a stretch of the probabilities, as I. refuse to believe that any dog of a recognisable breed lived at a time so remote. There is, however, no incongruity in the idea that in the very earliest period of man’s habitation of this world he made a friend and companion of some sore of aboriginal representative of our modern dog, and that in return for its aid in protecting him from wilder animals and perhaps in guarding his sheep and goats, he gave it a share of his food, a corner in his dwelling, and grow to trust it and care for it. there is ample evidence to prove the existence of a semi-domestic dog in prehistoric times. Probably the animal uas originally little else than an ununasally gentle jackal, or an ailing wolf driven by its companions from the wild marauding pack to seek shelter in alien surroundings. One can well conceive the possibility of the paitnership beginning in the circumstance ol some helpless whelps being brought homo by the early hunters and being afterwards tended and reared by the women and children, file present-clay savage of New Guinea and mid-Africa docs not, as a rule, I am sure, take the trouble to tame and train an adult wild animal lor lus own purposes, and primitive mnn was surely equally indifferent to tlie advantage of harbouring a dangerous guest. But a litter of woolly whelps introduced into the homo as playthings lor the children, would grow to regard themselves, and be regarded, as members of the family, and it would soon be found that the hunting instincts cl the maturing animal wore of value to Ids captors. The savage master, treading the primeal forests in search of food, would not fail to recognise the helpfulness of a keener nose and sharper eyes even than his own unsullied senses, while the dog in his turn would find a better shelter in association with man than if ho were hunting on Ids own account. I lids mutual benefit would i csult in somo kind of tncit agreemeat of partnership, and through the generations the wild wolf or jackal would gradually become gentler, more doqle and tractable, and the dreaded enemy of tlio flock would develop into the trusted guardian of the fold. J hanks to the skill possessed by modern breeders, that is to say the breeders of the past century, in evolving new varieties of dogs out of these which existed in bygone days, wo nave now at the present time some tnousand different varieties.

Iruly the. dog is justly termed man s most faithful friend.' Who of ns has not seen the look of sorrowing expectancy in the eyes of our pctiT We have all, that is to say all of us who have owned and loved a dog neen longed and waited for'by our faithful canine friend. The weary man of business returning to bis home after a day of mental strain will always feel sure of a loving welcome from Giis favourite dog. There is no tinge of selfishness about the greeting no receivcs ; —no suggestion ef reploach, no curtailment of the wealth of Jove outpoured—just a demonstration more or less effusive and, if the latter, none the less genuine, of debgfit and welcome. There is no stronger reader of character than a dog. Ho is a past master in the art of studying expression, and he endeavours to reflect the feeling of those he loves by sympathetic caresses. It is the nature of the faithful canine friend to rejoice with those he loves when they rejoice, and to grieve with those who grieve. No half-hearted sympathy is his, and there is no limit to his devotion. His master is to him a god, and it is his privilege, according to his lights, to share the joys and sorrows of him he loves. To tno dog the moaning of such words as success or failure are unknown, do him his master is all in all, and snould misfortune come, the burden must ha shared between the two the worshipped and the worshipper, the dog’s devotion continuing to* the end. Entries- for the Stratford Kennel Club Show close on the' 25th Novomber, and there is every prospect of this being the finest exhibition of dogs yet seen in Taranaki. Many people possess good dogs and yet ‘have no idea of the value of their animals, whilst on the other hand it frequently happens that the owner may have formed very erroneous opinions regarding the merits of his favourite. Consequently, exhibitors of dogs, if they are to enjoy the pursuit, snould practice philosophy, so as not to be elated by an unexpected success or unduly dejected if they meet with failure. They may remember, top, that not only do the opinions of different judges vary, but that the condition in which tiic dog is exhibited has often very much to do with his winning a prize or being rejected; and therefore their first care should be to bring the animal into the ring m the best state of health possible, this laudable desire is easily effected by treating the dog as he is justly entitled to lie treated. Property bath its duties, and it is unkind, not to say positively cruel, for anyone to buy and keep a dog unless he is able to devote tiiat attention to him which is needed to keep the animal healthy, happy, and in good spirits.