THE KENNEL.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VIII, Issue 381, 11 November 1897, Page 14

THE KENNEL.

A glance round the benches at the recent Dog Show showed the absence of any so-called foreign breed and a dearth of quality in many of the varieties that were present. To an observant fancier the present seems the right time for the introduction of some of the breeds so far strangers to New Zealand, or at any rate this part of it. Big dogs seem to be quite out of favour with fanciers, or surely somebody with a little pluck would have introduced the Great Dane. lam not quite certain whether there are any specimens of this handsome variety in the colony, but I am sure the importation would well repay the man who had the enterprise to bring the breed in. The Great Dane is a dog of fine character, noble appearance, and extreme docility, and he commands admiration and attention at any show which he graces with his presence. A breed enjoying a great “ boom” in the Old Country just now is the Borzois or Russian Wolf-hound. The Borzois is a popular favourite with the fair sex, and the Princess of Wales has a very fine kennel of this attractive breed. In' appearance the Borzois is somewhat like a long-haired greyhound, but with more bone and substance. The coat is not so harsh as that of the Deerhound, and is somewhat longer. The Russian has an amiable temperament, and rapidly gains friends and admirers wherever shown. That fine old English dog, the Mastiff, seems to be entirely neglected here, and in England the popularity of the breed is sadly on the wane. No doubt this is due to “rise” in Great Danes and the introduction of the Borzois, for without doubt the fancy follows the money, and is quick to feel the pulse of popular favour. All the same it seems a pity that such an old-time favourite should be relegated to a back seat. The Blood-hound is another breed seemingly unknown to the colony, but there is.evidence in some pigdogs I have seen that the breed has at some time or other been in New Zealand. I should like to see two or three specimens come to stay. In small dogs there are several varieties which would repay both honor and money to the man who took them up. The Dachshund is always popular on the show-bench, commands a ready sale, and is an attractive and amiable companion. The Basset-hound, a sortof hound-marked half-brother to the Dachshund, is another splendid breed for the amateur, as well as for the fancier. Both these dogs are keen hunters, and with a pack of Basset-hounds great sport can be had with the hare. I know two packs of these hounds in Sussex; they have great followings, and their keenness and stamina are equalled by their courage. The Dachshund and the Basset have long been established favourites at Hume. The late Sir Everitt Millais, who wrote so much on the scientific breeding of dogs, was a great admirer of both breeds, and his powerful advocacy did much to place them high in public estimation. His dogs, Model and Garenne, were perfect specimens, and will always be remembered. Besides these “ foreigners,” there are many breeds which should appeal to the fanciers here, The Dandie Dinmont, the Scots Terrier, the Skye, the Beddington, the Airedale, the Wire-haired Fox-terrier, and the Bull-terrier are all attractive and well worth attention. I know some of these varieties are represented in the colony, but we want better specimens of those we have. Sporting dogs, such as Setters, Pointers, and Greyhounds, we have in numbers, but it must be admitted that the quality is uneven and wants raising up. Probably our first duty should be to improve the breeds we have, but all the same a little novelty is a good thing, and the introduction or renovation of some of the dogs I have mentioned above would result in a great lift to the fancy in New Zealand.