.
By no means. They are absolutely necessary. But make them "Pen Pictures".
Write a complete description of the dog in question, giving actual weight,
age, conformation, color and markings, condition of health, and
disposition. State the color of the brindle and the extent of the markings
whether full or partial. Do not state that the dog has perfect markings if
it lacks a collar or white feet. If banded only on one side of the muzzle,
say so. If pinched or undershot, say so. If roached in back, poor eyes,
weak in hind quarters or off in tail, say so. In fact, plainly state any
defects. At the same time, if the dog is practically O. K. in all
respects, stylish and trappy, do not hesitate to emphasize the fact, and
if the dog likewise possesses a charming, delightful personality, make the
most of it. Always remember that the perfect Boston terrier dies young!

CHAPTER XIII.

NOTES.

There are several features of vital import in Boston terrier breeding that
the passing years have disclosed to the writer the imperative need of
attention to. Most of these have been spoken of in this book before, but
they seem to me at the present time to demand being specially emphasized.
Feeding and its relation to skin diseases, I think, naturally heads the
list.

I have received more letters of inquiry from all parts of the country
asking what to do for skin trouble than for all other ailments combined. I
think our little dog is more susceptible to skin affections than most
dogs, owing to the fact that he is more or less a house pet, and does not
get the chance of as much outdoor exercise, and the access to nature's
remedy--grass, as most breeds. At the same time if fed properly, given
sufficient life in the open, no dog possesses a more beautiful glossy
coat.

No one factor is more responsible for skin trouble than the indiscriminate
feeding of dog biscuit. These, as previously written, are first rate
supplementary food, but where they are made the "piece de resistance,"
look out for breakers ahead. The mere fact of their being available under
all circumstances and in all places contributes largely to their general
use.

At the new million dollar Angell Memorial Animal Hospital, Boston, Doctors
Daly and Flanigan have conducted a series of scientific experiments on
dogs. I had talked with Dr. Flanigan, and stated my experience was that an
exclusive dog biscuit diet was the cause of skin trouble invariably.

They selected