A Manual of Toy Dogs How to breed, rear, and feed them

A Manual of Toy Dogs: How to Breed, Rear, and Feed Them by Mrs. Leslie Williams, published around 1904, is a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts of toy dog breeds in the early 20th century England. Here's a breakdown of the book's content and potential approaches:

Target Audience:

• Breeders, owners, and fanciers of toy dog breeds in England.

Content:

• Focus on Breeds: The book likely covers a variety of popular toy dog breeds in England at the time, potentially including:

  • Pomeranian
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • Toy Trawler Spaniel (possibly an older term for a type of Toy Spaniel)
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Schipperke
  • Pug
  • Toy Bulldogs (possibly an older term for a specific type of Bulldog)
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Italian Greyhound
  • Maltese
  • Toy Poodle
  • Black and Tan Terrier (possibly an older term for a specific terrier breed)
  • Pekingese

• Breeding Practices: The book might delve into the selective breeding practices of the time, including choosing breeding stock, breeding techniques, and considerations for maintaining desired physical characteristics within each breed.

• Puppy Rearing: This section likely provides guidance on caring for toy dog puppies, including:

  • Whelping (the birthing process) and dam (mother) care
  • Proper nutrition for puppies
  • Early socialization and training
  • Hygiene and parasite control

• Adult Dog Care: The book might offer advice on caring for adult toy dogs, such as:

  • Feeding and nutrition based on breed and activity level
  • Grooming and coat care specific to each breed
  • Exercise and training needs for toy dogs
  • Common health concerns in toy breeds

• Overall Tone: Mrs. Williams might emphasize the importance of proper care and attention for these delicate breeds. She might warn against over-pampering but also advocate for recognizing their unique temperaments and needs.

Additional Points:

• The book's perspective on breeding and dog care reflects the practices and understanding of the early 20th century. Modern veterinary medicine and responsible breeding practices might differ significantly.
• The book is likely out of copyright and might be available online through resources like Project Gutenberg.
• The terminology used for specific breeds might have evolved since the book's publication.

Overall, A Manual of Toy Dogs offers a historical glimpse into breeding, rearing, and caring for toy dog breeds in early 20th century England.