CHAPTER VI

EXHIBITING AND PREPARING FOR EXHIBITION.

Although the profits to be obtained from exhibiting are of a secondary nature, and relative simply to the influence exercised on sales and the way in which showing them brings dogs into public notice, it is well worth the while of the dog owner who has a really good little toy to exhibit it sometimes for the fun of the thing. At a show one can learn more about breeds and points, and all the little details which interest doggy folk, than is possible otherwise; compare notes with other owners, and obtain many useful hints. I am sorry to say that we can also see a good deal going on which would be well suppressed, and get glimpses of the less attractive side of human nature which keen competition and rivalry are apt to call forth, and which the socialistic mixture of all classes composing "the dog fancy" encourages. "Faking "--dyeing pale tan bright, pulling out coat, or tweaking white hairs, dusting disguising powder into the stained jackets of white dogs, training ears to fall or stand erect (temporarily) in the desired way, with other little improvements, such as clipping the hair from the edges of Poms' ears and from their paws and legs, are all practices nobody would own to, but which nevertheless exist; while even perfectly honest owners are able to bring their dogs to the front by legitimate methods which are unknown to the novice, and which she can learn from the initiated. As to the "cruelty" of showing, which Ouida so strongly deprecates, a word may be said. It is certainly not kind to send a little petted toy, accustomed to regular ways and the constant society of its owners to a show "on its own," unattended, and with no care but such as the show officials may feel disposed to bestow upon it--often of a perfunctory character. On the other hand, if its owner takes it to the show, establishes it in its pen, visits it from time to time, feeds it, and takes it out of the show at evening time to spend the night with her, as can always be arranged, I fail to see the slightest cruelty in the matter--in fact, many dogs enjoy being exhibited, and it is quite the exception to see a melancholy face in the rows of pens devoted to the well-cared-for toy section.

The first thing to be thought of where exhibiting is contemplated is getting the dog, or dogs, up to their very best form. A toy which is properly looked after at home ought to be always, more or less, in show condition, that is, as far as Nature's arrangements for the shedding of coat, etc., permit; but a little extra care for a few weeks before a show is desirable. Short-coated dogs, which, _par parenthese_, should never be washed at all if it can be helped, must certainly not be washed for at least a fortnight beforehand, but the least possible trace of vaseline or cocoa-nut oil may be applied to their jackets and polished off with a clean handkerchief; while brushing and hand-rubbing the right way of the hair get up a beautiful gloss and sheen upon their coat, and a little milk to drink daily helps this effect. Eyes should be washed, and if noses are, as some, unfortunately, are too prone to be, dry, a little vaseline well rubbed in with the finger twice a day will remedy the defect.

Long-coated dogs, of course, need much more attention. They must have extra combing and brushing, and, if dirty or flat in coat, but not otherwise, should receive a tub about forty-eight hours before appearing in the ring. For this, use _soft_, warm water, with, in the case of Poms, whose jackets ought to stand out well, a teaspoonful of powdered borax and a quarter of an ounce of dissolved gelatine to each two quarts of water. The soap used should be carefully chosen, and of the best--Vinolia or E. Cook & Son's Toilet Soap for choice; common soaps are most unsuitable. Many people also use and much like this firm's Improved Dog Soap. These stiff, stand-out coats are encouraged by habitually brushing the wrong way of the hair, and this is advisable, too, for the manes of Schipperkes. Flat-coated dogs, like Yorkshires and toy spaniels, often spend their lives, the former especially, in the intervals of shows, like summer fire-irons, "in grease"--that is, their coats saturated with oil. To such an extent as this, the preparation may be left to the professional exhibitor (with whom, it is as well to remark, few inexperienced amateurs have much chance, as far as the Yorkshire terrier is concerned); but a little cocoa-nut oil, with the merest trace of cantharides, well rubbed into the roots of the hair for some weeks beforehand, encourages the coat to look its best. Great care is needful in washing white dogs, and only the best of soap should be used; also soft water, with a little borax in it, and a squeeze of a blue-bag in the rinsing-water, to prevent the hair from showing a yellow tinge. Yorkshire terriers must not be rubbed up and about anyhow in their bath; neither must Maltese nor toy spaniels; the hair so carefully kept parted down the middle of the back in the two former breeds must be sponged downwards from the parting, while hot towels and warmed, soft brushes should be used for drying, in such a way as to preserve the habit of growth, which is such a point in these dogs. Rubbing "all over" also encourages curliness--a fatal fault in the breeds mentioned--and this is an additional reason for care. In washing dogs great pains should be taken to dry the insides of the ears thoroughly, and the bath, which most dogs so detest, will be robbed of half its terrors if the head is not soaped or soused; it can be effectually washed with a sponge, thus avoiding the miseries of soap in nose and eyes. Washing, however, as an habitual thing, is most injurious to coat and skin, ruins the colour of black dogs, and should never be made a practice. Daily grooming with brush and comb will keep any properly-fed dog perfectly sweet and clean.

Illustration: BLACK PUG. _"Fiji," owned by Miss Hyde._

Poodles are, perhaps, as troublesome to prepare for show as any dogs. There are, as yet, no corded toy poodles to speak of, but the curly toys are very delightful little dogs, deserving much more than their present popularity. Their shaving or clipping is, of course, an ever-recurring task, which must at no time be neglected, and is necessary once a month; but, after the first time or two, it is not at all difficult to manage. The shaved parts should be gone over, the dog having been washed the day before, with one of Spratt's Patent Poodle Clippers, a little machine exactly like a small horse-clipper, always working against the trend of the hair from the tail along the back to the middle of the body, and from the feet upwards. A pair of scissors, with curved-up points, will be needed for the face and toes, which are the most troublesome parts to do; but actual shaving with a razor is only done as a finishing touch just before a show. It makes the skin rather tender and is the one part of the toilet, not needful for everyday attire, which calls for expert aid. After clipping, the skin should be well rubbed with a very little white vaseline oil, which brings up a nice gloss and prevents the dog from taking cold. There are various professional poodle clippers in London, among them a lady, who will visit dogs at their own homes for the modest charge of five shillings; but country exhibitors are generally obliged to resort to home talent for the operation.

The long hair is now fashionably arranged in a fluff, teased out with a comb, and well brushed until it stands out; the forelock is tied up on the top of the head with a big satin bow, and _voila, la toilette de monsieur est fini_!--the indispensable bracelet and smart collar being alone wanting.

Entering dogs for a show is a simple enough matter. Having ascertained what show you intend to patronise, send a card to the secretary, whose address will be found with the advertisements of the show in the doggy papers, asking for a schedule. On receiving it, read the rules carefully, and also the matter relating to specials, and enter the dog according to the form enclosed; if the show is held under Kennel Club rules, exhibits must first be registered with that body. If merely under Kennel Club licence, this is unnecessary. Occasionally, the reply to, or acknowledgement of, such registration, which is made on a form always sent with schedules and stud entry forms, and accompanied by an indispensable half-crown, is so much delayed that the novice-exhibitor trembles with fear lest her exhibit should be disqualified; but such terrors are groundless--so long as the entry has been sent in before the date of the show, all will be well.

The next question is the burning one of escort. Personally I should not like to send little toy dogs to a show without some trusted attendant, and I cannot, therefore, advise anyone else to do otherwise.

Taking them oneself, with maid or man in reserve to leave in charge, is the most pleasant way, for all parties, of arranging matters, and the paraphernalia accompanying is somewhat as follows:--

A warm and comfortable travelling basket for each dog--preferably a little house in which it can sleep at night.

A campstool for the attendant. Standing about at shows is killing work, and chairs are not always obtainable.

Coats for the dogs if the weather is at all cold, for exhibition buildings are almost invariably draughty. The Petanelle coats (sold by Spratt's), of French pattern, with storm collars, are specially warm and smart, and are also aseptic, and the Petanelle cushions are charming in every way.

Some suitable food. Toy dogs will seldom eat what the show authorities provide, and are often too excited to take anything but what is specially dainty. A lunch-basket tin of small pieces of chicken or meat, ready cut up, with the dog's own little plate, will be found useful. Milk at shows is not always reliable, and if any is wanted it should be taken in a bottle, especially for litters.

A brush and comb. A warm, large shawl. I say nothing about the millinery with which people often hang their pens, the satin cushions, etc., with which I can but say the dogs are often made to look extremely silly, but unless there is any rule in the schedule to the contrary, exhibitors are at liberty to provide anything which appeals to their taste in this line. The shawl, or blanket, is often useful for draping round wire pens to keep away draughts, and as such things cannot be got without much trouble once the show has begun, it is as well to be provided beforehand.

Taking dogs out of the show at night can always be managed, usually on payment of a deposit; and the trouble is quite worth while, for fatal colds are apt to be the result of leaving delicate toys to shift for themselves in the colder hours of dark and dawn.

Leading into the ring is, of course, the crux of the exhibitor's anxiety, for now comes the critical moment--will the dog show or not? Some dogs are born showers--brisk up, look smart and knowing, accept the judge's overtures graciously, and generally exhibit themselves to the best advantage. Others are variable, and cannot be depended upon; will sometimes show well, and at other times--if they are a little out of sorts, for instance, or do not like the look of their rivals in the ring--will not do themselves justice. Others, again, obstinately, lower tail and ears, crouch and cringe, or, worst of all, roll over on their backs. If a dog, after several attempts at showing him, persists in such conduct, it is generally best to give him up as far as exhibition is concerned. But a good deal may be done beforehand to teach little dogs how to show themselves. They may be made accustomed to being led about in a chain, and encouraged to strain from the collar after a ball, etc. Also, they should be taught to receive attention from strangers affably.

Just one word as to the exhibitor's own conduct in the ring may not be amiss. Sometimes old hands at showing are by no means polite to new-comers, sad to say, and will very probably endeavour to screen the novice, if good enough to be a rival, from the judge's eye, by thrusting themselves and their exhibits forward; while, terrible to relate, such incidents as a sly poke with the foot, administered to a rival's shy dog, or the intentional treading on a toe, are not altogether unheard of. The novice should keep her dog well to the fore, disregard what other exhibitors are saying or doing, so far as strict politeness and good feeling allow, and, while not obtruding her exhibit on the judge's eye, try to get him to notice it in all legitimate ways.

Speaking to a judge in the ring, and while acting, is a great breach of etiquette, unless some question is asked by him, which should be replied to audibly; but most judges are quite willing to give reasons for their decision, or a candid opinion, if asked to do so when the judging is over. It is, of course, needless to warn gentlewomen against any show of feeling at being overlooked, etc.; but the fact that lamentable exhibitions of disappointment do occasionally take place is one not to be denied, while, of course, strict justice is occasionally lacking. Still, taking things for all in all, a very little experience will enable the novice to take her proper place in the show world, where she will be sure to meet with much kindness and unselfish help--such, at least, is my experience; while exhibiting adds a zest to dog owning unobtainable by any other means.

The principal shows where toy dogs are catered for are the Kennel Club Show, in October; the Toy Dog Shows and Cruft's, generally held in February, at the Agricultural Hall; with the shows arranged by the Ladies' Kennel Association, the best of which, from a toy owner's point of view, usually takes place in the summer, and with the provincial fixtures, such as Birmingham, Manchester, and Bristol, and numerous licence shows in all parts of the country, at all of which there is generally a fair classification for toys. All shows may be found advertised in the _Illustrated Kennel News_ and other dog papers.