e
rickety specimens are so frequently met with it is only natural that a
puppy who starts life with the summer months ahead is more likely to
develop well than one born in the autumn. Great attention should be
paid with reference to the frequent--almost certain--presence of
worms, which trouble seems more prevalent with Pekinese than with any
other breed. Wherever possible, fish should be given as part of the
dietary; some Pekinese devour it with relish; others will not touch
it, but there is no doubt it is a useful item in the bill of fare.
Bread well soaked in very strong stock, sheep's head, and liver are
always better as regular diet than meat, but in cases of debility a
little raw meat given once a day is most beneficial.

It would not be fitting to close an article on Pekinese without
bearing testimony to their extraordinarily attractive characteristics.
They are intensely affectionate and faithful, and have something
almost cat-like in their domesticity. They display far more character
than the so-called "toy dog" usually does, and for this reason it is
all-important that pains should be taken to preserve the true type, in
a recognition of the fact that quality is more essential than quantity.

* * * * *

As their breed-name implies, these tiny black and white, long-haired
lap dogs are reputed to be natives of the land of the chrysanthemum.
The Japanese, who have treasured them for centuries, have the belief
that they are not less ancient than the dogs of Malta. There seems to
be a probability, however, that the breed may claim to be Chinese just
as surely as Japanese. The Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison, an authority on
exotic dogs whose opinion must always be taken with respect, is
inclined to the belief that they are related to the short-nosed
Spaniels of Thibet; while other experts are equally of opinion that
the variety is an offshoot from the Spaniels of Pekin. It is fairly
certain that they are indigenous to the Far East, whence we have
derived so many of our small snub-nosed, large-eyed, and long-haired
pets. The Oriental peoples have always bred their lap dogs to small
size, convenient for carrying in the sleeve. The "sleeve dog" and the
"chin dog" are common and appropriate appellations in the East.

The Japanese Spaniel was certainly known in England half a century
ago, and probably much earlier. Our seamen often brought them home as
presents for their sweethearts. These e