KENNEL NOTES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20512, 2 September 1936, Page 8

KENNEL NOTES

(By

"Mastiff.”)

“Mastiff” will be pleased to answer questions, which may be addressed C/o “The Timaru Herald,” relative to dogs. Particulars are to hand of Mrs Kellahan’s orange sable pomeranian bitch which arrived from Auckland by aeroplane. Known as Sunshine Gold Lady she was bred by the well-known breeder, Mr W. C. Reid, an experienced fancier of poms. Her pedigree leaves nothing to be desired, as her sire, Brighton Free Gold claims as his sire the famous imported Sunbright FancyFree, who was purchased for more than £2OO in England. Her dam, Sunshine Sable Mite, also bred in the purple, being from the choicest miniature stock. Mrs Kellahan also has a very promising shaded orange dog pup, Rhingold Marchweil, only three months old, but already looking “the goods.” With such a foundation this keen fancier should make many an older exhibitor look to his laurels. Opihi Blue Mist, an Old English Sheepdog, has gone to Miss E. A. Braclay, Dunedin, from Mr F. G. Saville’s kennels at Fairlie. This pup was sired by the well-known Ch. Opihi Rupert ex Opihi Sunshine Susie. A very choice Blue Roan Cocker Spaniel dog pup, High Spot of Minerette, has just been purchased by Mr and Mrs G. Barbour from Mr G. Marsden, Minerette Kennels, Blenheim. The dog is by Gun Metal of Seen ex Queen of Minerette. The sire is by Ch. Cobnar Pip (imp.) ex Ch. Sunspot of Clifton, while the dam is by Ch. Avon Ambassador out of Bareta Blot. Mrs M. D. Spiers of the Glenshu Kennels, Oamaru, has secured from Dr. Smith Morton the black Scottish terrier, Cumbrae Dusk, by Ch. Totteridge McDuff ex Ornsay Posie (imp.).

Mr F. G. Saville has disposed of the Old English Sheepdog Grey Knight )f Opihi to Mr M. Craig, of Bluff. Knight is by Ch. Opihi Rupert ex Opihi Sunshine Susie. This same breeder has also sold a Sealyham pup, Opihi Philip, to Mrs M. J. Fogarty, Greymouth. Cocker Spaniel Volumes could be filled with tracing the evolution of th*' spaniel, as its antiquity is beyond all doubt. Mention of them is made in extracts from the earliest English literature and the Cocker undoubtedly played a very important part in the early days in helping to establish the Field Spaniel. Competition at earlier shows for these dogs usually comprised classes for “Field Spaniels under 201b’’ and itwis not until 1883 that the breed was given a separate title. Progress was now definitely asserted, and a Cocker Spaniel Club was formed in England, which has flourished, having fostered the interest of the Cocker both in the field and on the show bench. Type has not varied as much as one might think. The shortening of the back without loss of neck and the re-

tention of good galloping shoulders and action, did for a time lead breeders to get mai.y a trifle bigger than desired, but eventually, through unremitting care, the lovely modern dog has been produced. His delightful nature, handy size, great intelligence and hardy constitution admirably fit the cocker for any walk of life, and it may be justly stated that this breed is the most popular at the present time, a position which he has maintained for many yeais. Dogs of a better type are appearing, and interest in this fascinating breed is increasing by leaps and bounds. Many beautiful colours are now being bred, including some very beautiful roans, orange, lemon and liver. In this country, however, colour is restricted, the most favoured being the always popular black, blue-roans and black and white. A few red-roans have been bred, but are the result of a black sire bred from coloured stock. Several good specimens have been imported during the last few years, and

these are doing much to improve the type. Competition in shows is very keen and for several years the Cocke| Spaniel classes have been by far the largest >n shows throughout the world; As the Cocker is definitely a worsting dog, it is essential that it be possessed of a nicely developed square muzzle and jaw, with distinct stop. The skull and forehe should be well developed, with pients’ of room for brain power, clearly chiselled and not cheeky. The hazel O’ brown coloured eye is full but ot prominent, harmonizing with the co’our of th? coat, and having a general expression ot intelligence and gentleness, decidedly wide awake, bright and merry. The lobular ears are set on low and should not extend beyond the nose, being well clothed with long silky hair, which must be straight. The body is compact and firmly knit together, giving the impression of a concentration of power and untiring activity, with the neck strong and muscular and neatly set on to fine sloping shoulders. These points combine to make up l dog which is renowned for his work with the gun, is a reliable house dog. and a perfect, companion, being possessed of a very "merry” disposition. Next week: Pomeranian.