Dogs in the Home.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIV, Issue 4, 26 January 1910, Page 7

Dogs in the Home.

AKE THEY “UNHYGIENIC"? A civil “ war" is likely to rage in London over the long-haired pet dog. vrhiek has been condemned as “ unhygienic ” certain veterinary surgeons and others. Dog-lovers are dividing themselves mu two Caunps the “inuX” *ho would entirety banfcft the long hatred dog from London; and the “pro**.” whs that the long haired dog is perfectly harmless, and shall do exactly as it likes. Lady Paget, the well-known exhibitor of Pomeranians, was seen by a reporter. She took up the cudgels for the longhaired dog very determinedly. “ I ear. see no objection to long-haired dogs,” she said. “ They do not catch colds easily, and they are just a.- clean as the smooth-haired dog. “ Pomeranian*, for instance, are most affectionate and intelligent animals, anf as for tbeir coats harbouring germs, it is impossible if they are well brushed.” Lady Pagei sent for some of her dogs, and four beautiful little Pomeraniafu came jumping into the room, their coati as glossy as silk. ” Would any doctor be hard hearted enough to banish these little animals from London ?” concluded Lady Paget. Lady Sibyl Grant, the eldest da tighter of Ix»rd Rosebery, whose Irish wolfhound* are famous, was also seen. I certainly believe that keeping a dog in the house is a bad hab.f.” sh< said. “It is a habit, however, which 1 for one am quite unable to give up. My dog does not climb upon the furniture, because he weighs ovex lOst. Let niv introduce him.” A huge Irish wolfhound, almost as tall as a donkey, walked into the room. “I wonder whether anybody would dare Vo say he rs unhygienic?” asdeed his owner. u Personally, 1 think that both long haired and smooth-haired dogs are equal ly liable to catch germs tn their coats if there are any about. “The practice of continually fondling a dog should certainly be avoided, because it is exceedingly tiresome for th* dog"