He who breeds extensively and especially the large and heavy dogs, and duly appreciates the importance of keeping to type always when possible, often finds himself in a dilemma.

Again using as an illustration the big dog with a grand head, but badly crippled behind. Notwithstanding his head is almost typical, in consequence of his deformities he is a pitiable sight. When standing still his defects are very apparent, but they are literally shocking when he is on the move. In walking he almost drags his hind legs, and when attempting to run, he hitches along so painfully that to all but those who are especially interested in his breed and capable of judging, he is simply a monstrosity.

The novice in breeding will likely say that such a dog ought never to be used in the stud, and yet a dog, of which the foregoing is a faithful pen picture, was used by some of the most intelligent and experienced breeders in England and America, and doubtless they were justified. But he placed them in dilemmas, for he was just as likely and not impossibly more likely - to transmit his defects as his one rare good quality. With him, as with many other dogs in the stud, in order to secure a gain in one direction there must be a loss in another. Which will be the greater? Is his use desirable? are questions sure to arise to disturb the anxious breeder.

If he has a bitch very weak in head, but strong and well developed behind, and he can breed to such a cripple with a grand head, and especially if the dog is from a family noted for their good heads, then he should do so.

Here it is well to say that whether or not deformities which such a dog is afflicted with are to appear in the pups will depend much upon the care they receive. If the proper treatment be commenced in utero, the expectant dam be carefully nourished, especially with foods which favor bone production; if to that end also she be treated with proper medicines while carrying her puppies, and they in turn be wisely fed from the day of weaning; furthermore, be promptly given tonics when such are indicated; and if, finally, they be judiciously exercised; then the chances of their being broken down behind are indeed but few, comparatively.

Many breeders whose opinions are of real value insist that health, integrity of form, and normal activity are paramount essentials and take precedence to type. That is, far better a healthy, sound, strong, and active dog and only a fair representative of his breed than one like that described in the foregoing, possesssd of only one point of special excellence, and aside from that be grievously wanting and really a cripple, entirely unfitted for the purposes for which his breed was evidently designed.

Far from justifying the propagation of a breed of cripples, the writer realizes the importance of keeping to type always in breeding, and often taking what may seem to some to be long chances to be true to it.

Using once more the grand headed cripple as an illustration, it were far better for a breeder less fortunate than the owner of this dog to secure by breeding to him at least that one notable quality as speedily as possible for the success of his kennels. And that fixed therein, he should, of course, endeavor to eradicate the penalties, as it were, of breeding to the cripple. In other words, once he has a kennel characterized by grand heads he should try by careful selection to breed out the remaining faults. Thus breeding, never indiscriminately, but always with a special purpose, and invariably resorting to those dogs only which will carry him nearer to the ideal, one may confidently hope to be rewarded by pups capable of holding their own in good company.

Recurring to the use of prize winners at stud, there are a few precautions which the novice at least may wisely take.

A more democratic, courteous, and obliging class than dog fanciers does not exist, and the young breeder may be sure of easily obtaining their assistance; therefore, before making engagements for services he ought to seek experienced and successful breeders, and be guided by them.

When making an engagement for service it is best always to have a contract in writing, otherwise there is possibility of misunderstanding and consequently trouble.

It is customary to allow a second service without cost where the first is unsuccessful.

In order to make the breeding of dogs pecuniarily successful it is necessary to keep the winners prominent before the public, and as a rule they are exhibited at several shows every year. No matter how they are conducted or the precautions taken, shows are a hardship to-dogs, and only a very few experiences are required to inflict permanent injury. Therefore, after "cracks" have won the highest honors, by all means withdraw them from the bench.

Let this be the universal custom, and the gain must be great. Instead of being denied the use of prize winners, as now, because of impaired health and soundness, the inevitable consequence of exposure on the bench, dogs which otherwise could do most to advance their race would then be available, their influence be speedily felt, and decided improvement soon apparent in every breed.