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terriers mature quickly, but the large breeds should certainly not be bred
until at least eighteen months old, and in any case it is wise to allow the
first period to pass.
Another question asked, is whether a bitch should be bred at every
period, or rather, whether it is wise to do so. This depends a good deal
upon the vigor of the bitch, but unless a bitch be looked upon as a mere
machine to produce puppies for the benefit of the owner's pocket, it is well
to allow the bitch to be served every other period. When a bitch is bred
twice a year and has a litter each time, the strain upon her vitality must be
very great, and unless the mother is more than ordinarily vigorous, later
litters will show a corresponding weakness.
A bitch first shows signs of coming in season by bleeding. Now, if you
are watching for her and take note of the clay the bleeding begins, then
one method to determine when she is ready to take the dog is to count
from this day, and from the tenth to twelfth day she is ready for the dog.
This rule does not always work, however, for I've had bitches that were ready
and willing to be served even in the sixth day and yet others would not take
the dog till the fifteenth day. Quite a good plan is to take her out for a
walk on chain when you think she is about ripe, and let her meet the first
d )£ she sees, or, if you have a dog on your place, allow her near this dog
for a minute, and if she would accept this dog, then you can be certain that
she Is ready to be bred and take her to the dog you have selected. If you
try this plan, be careful or else she might fool you and get served by this
dr? »he had met. Dogs are quick workers.
After a visit to the dog, the mother will carry her progeny about 63
or 64 days, as a rule, but they sometimes whelp a few days sooner or later,
and you need not be alarmed unless they go by from five days to a week,
when very likely trouble is in store and assistance to be given, or better yet,
call in a good veterinarian. I have had bitches whelp a week ahead of time;
such cases are rare, however, and have raised the pups by extra attention
given for a few days as to often putting the pups to the teats to nurse if
thay did not get there themselves. We can no reckon the time exactly. Much
depViVs upon the health and strength, and even mental idiosyncrasy.
The best time for the visit is early spring, as the puppies have then
all the long summer before them to romp and get strong in.
At the time of mating, particularly, exercise should be well regulated,
and must be insisted on. Whilst at this period exercise is essential, ex-
haustive work would be detrimental. The amount of exercise should de-
pend on the individual, a gross and lusty bitch needs plenty of freedom,
while one the reverse would need less exercise, in proportion to her physical
strength.
For a couple weeks before bitch is due to whelp, she must have a daily
walk up to within a day or so of the time due, but this must be gentle as
she is very heavy.
tp have a goed litter of puppies, a bitch must not onky possess blood
free from all taint of disease, but she must be strong and in good condition
about the time of oestrum, or heat.
If you have in any way neglected her, or if, through circumstances
over which you have probably had no control, she has fallen off a bit, begin
to get her in form three months before the time of her coming on. It will
pay you to do so.
The following as to giving the bitch some medicine to open her bowels
I found in Field and Fancy, but who written by I do not know:
"Some there are who deem it wrong to give a mild cathartic Imme-
diately before the time of whelping. A violent purge is certainly to be de-
precated, but it is the firm opinion of the writer that the bitch is mater-
ially helped and benefited by a little opening medicine. At any rate, that
course is invariably followed by the most successful accouchers among
women, and it must be obvious to the merest novice that when the system
is greatly upset, or about to undergo a severe ordeal, the condition of the
stomach and bowels is of the highest importance. A moderate dos«J of
castor oil, say a dessertspoonful for a 30-lb. dog, or even some sweet olive
oil, will do all that is required without inducing excessive straining. Such
has been my custom for a good many years, and events have proved its
value."
My plan is to watch the passages of bitch just before she whelps, and
if she is constipated, to then give her a mild dose of castor and olive oil.
I believe when a bitch is just ready, that one service is sufficient, and
rarely ever allow my own to be served but once, but to -make assurance
doubly sure, a second service after an interval of twenty-four- hours, would
be advisable. If you are sending her away to some kennel to be bred, ship
her not later than the eighth day.
It would be as well if you could go with your favorite instead of send-
ing her, but most, if not all, good breeders are not only gentlemen, but lovers
of dogs and will take the greatest care of the bitch.
The length of time of a bitch being in season is from fifteen to twenty
days as a rule, but there are exceptions to this. If a bitch is served late in
season, the service generally prolongs the season or period in which she
would willingly accept the dog. A very fat bitch should never be bred,
as in so doing you are liable to lose not only the pups, but the bitch her-
self. After the mating, the bitch should be kept secluded (no food or water
having boen given her directly before), nor any food for six hours after.
Now, for the next two months the bitch must require every attention.
For safety's sake she should be kept away from her old canine friends for
about a week. She must not, however, be denied exercise, and. all through-