THE DOG.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1162, 24 June 1911, Page 15

THE DOG.

(BY "BARNEY.")

Fanciers and breeders of dogs are invited to contributo items of interest to this column. Letters will. »o treated confidentially, and tjueitiona answered at the earliest opportunity. Letters should reach this office not later than Wednesday for reply in Saturday's issue. Rates for advertisements to appear at foot of this column will, bo supplied on application at The Dominion Office.

I have received from Mr. H. Shanley, secretary of the 'Wellington Fox Terrier Club, the annual report and halanccshect of' that institution. Considering that this is the first year of tlio club's existence, this report should be very gratifying to the members. The results obtained in tho sweepstakes have proved them to bo a complete success. As regards trophies, tho club has been exceptionally lne'cv in this respect, and if another year Angs forth results similar to tho one just ended, then fox tejrier fanciers are in for a good time indeed. The recent parade is another item worthy of mention, and I am glad to see that there is a possibility of another being held later in the season, probably during tho first week in December. The balancesheet docs not show any large amount to the club's credit, but when ono takes into consideration the fact that this is the first year of its existence, and it is well known that the expenses of a newiy-formed club are, as a rule, heavy, then members arc to bo congratulated ou the financial result. Altogether, it. is a very fair report, ali~ tho future of the Wellington Fox Terrier Club seems assured. The first annual general meeting takes place at the Albert Hotel on Thursday, June 29.

! Mr. H. Shanley writes:—"On the 17th inst. my bitch, Newcastle Wakennip, presented me with a fino litter of six pups '4 dogs and 2 bitches), by'my own dog Neweastlo Warlike So far, they are all doing well. Every breeder, as a rule, expects great things of his litters, but the result of this ranting should be something out of the ordinary." Mr. H. P. Guppy advertises below several bullpnps for sole. They are up to tho usual high standard of this breeder's stock.' Mr. C. E. Cutts has. disposed of another of his "Lord Guibus" puppies to Mr. J. Smith, of Picton. Mr. Cutts advertises rnoro dogs for fale below. The following is the standard for ' the coekVr spaniel:— (1) Head.—Not so heavy in proportion, and not so high in occiput as in the modern field spaniel, with a nicely-developed muzjle or jaw; leau, hut not snipy, and yet not so square as. in- tho Clumber or Sussex varieties, but always exhibiting a sufficiently wide and well-developed nose. Forehead perfectly smooth, rising without a too decided stop from the muzzle into a oomparatvelv wide and rounded, welldeveloped skull, with plenty of room for brain power. (2) Eyes.—Full, hut not prominent, hazel or brown coloured, with a general expression of intelligence rind gentleness, though decidedly wide awake, bright and merry, never goggled or weak, as in the King Charles and Blenheim kinds.

(3) Bars.—Lobular, sot on low, leatherfine, and not extending bayond the ntso, well clothed with long, silky hair, which must bfi straight or wavy—not positivo curls or ringlets. (4) Neck.—Strong and muscular, and neatly sot on to fine sloping shoulders. (5) Body—including''size and symmetry. —Not quite so long and low as in other .-breeds', of spaniels, more compact and -firmly knit; together,'giving the impression of a' concentration of power and untiring activity; "the'total weight should not. exceed 251b.

(6) Nose—Sufficiently. wide and well developed to ensure the exquisite scenting power of this breed. Colour,, .black'..:(7) Shoulders and "-"chest.—Tho former sloping and Sue, chest dcep : and -well developed, but'not too. wide'and-round to iutcrfcre with the free action of 'the for-s----logs. —(B)~Bank"and Loin.—lmmensely strou.? and compact in proportion to tho size and weight, of tho. do?; slightly drooping-to-Wnrds. the . tail.

'(9) Hindquarters.—\Yide, and well round.o(l,: and. rorj? muscular, so as to ensure untiring action, and prppollinjr power under tins most trying circumstances of a long day, bad weather, etc.

(10) Stem.—That most characteristic of blue blood in nil the spaniel.family may, in the lighter and more activo cocker, although set low down, be allowed a slightly lusher carriage than in the other breeds, but never cocked up,over, but rather jn'a lino with- the back, though the lower its carriage and action the' belter, and. when, at work its action should bo incessant, in . this, the brightest and merriest of the whole- spaniel fnmil;-. (11) Feet and Legs.—The legs must be well boned, feathered,. a.nd airnight, for the great exertions expected from this grand little sporting dog, and sliould be' sufficiently short for concentrated power, but not sn short as to interfere with its fn'l activity. Feet, firm, round, and catliko, not too larce,'spreading.,, and loose jointed. This distinct breed of spaniel does not follow exactly on the lines of the larger field spaniel, either in lengthines«, lowness, or.otherwise; but is shorter in back, and rather higher on the Was. (12) Coat.-r-Flat or waved, and silky in texture, never wirv or woolly, nor curly, with sufficient feather of the right sort, viz.. waved or f.elter-like, but not too profuse.' and never.curlv. (13) Colour'.—Jet black, n white' shirtfrill shnuM never'disqualify; hut white feet shouhV.not.be allowed in any specimen of self-colour. (U\ General Apnearancc.—Confirmatory of all indicated above, viz., a concentration of .pure blood and true, sagacity, docility, good temper, affection, and activity.

Entries for tho Hawko's Bay Kennel Club annual show will not be received by the secretory later than next Tuesday. Extra classes havo lately been added, which include special classes for Australian terriers. Tho breeders' annual supper is to bo held as usual.

Proposals for organised effort by county councils to exterminate rats were made recently at the Central Chambers of Agriculture in England. Some objection was, however, taken to the suggested protection of owls, kestrel hawks, and weasels, tho natural enemies of rats. The committee considered that the cost of destruction might justly be defrayed out of the rates. Mr. Bathurst, M.F., thought that a really good cat would do more than virus. Ho did not know whether the time had yet arrived to suggest' that municipal authorities should keep catsdaughter)—but if they were compelled to do so we should see far fewer rats in the countryside than at present. "Summer Saturday Daylight Saving" is tho heading of a notice issued by the Surrey County Council, whoso offices will on Saturdays open from 0 to 12 noon, instead of from 10 to 1 p.m., until September 30.