THE LIBRARY.
SHOW DOGS.
(a book review)

The Field, The Country Gentleman's Newspaper,
07.11.1908

The Field, The Country Gentleman's Newspaper, 07.11.1908, Page 821:
"SHOW DOGS.
An experience of nearly forty years as a breeder and exhibitor of both sporting and non-sporting dogs, together with a successful career as judge, have enabled Mr Marples to compile a work which is of especial value at a time when the number of regular supporters of dog shows is on the increase. That the book is 'practical, comprehensive, up to date, and reliable' - features aimed at by the author - cannot be doubted by any one who takes the trouble to even glance through it, for not only the Kennel Club's recent toy dog classification given in full, but Mr Marples includes a most interesting contribution by 'Juteopolis' on the history and present position of the dog known as the Shetland collie, and which many staunch admirers of the handsome rough-coated sheepdog refuse to recognise as a distinct variety. The few specimens of the variety seen in the south - only two having been benched within the last twelve years, one owned by Lady Aberdeen and the other by Lady Marjorie Sinclair - have not been accepted as typical, but 'Juteopolis' describes the dog so faithfully, and gives data collected during a personal tour through the Orkney and Shetland Islands, that unbelievers in the purity of the breed must have their opinion shaken on reading the article.
A chapter on the origin, history, and evolution of the dog contains nothing that is new, and although Mr Marples very wisely does not attempt to deal with the working of the sporting dog or field trials, he will find many supporters in his remark that 'the rather nondescript type of dog ... in the earlier trials is now finding many rivals in pure-bred pedigree dogs which have distinguised themselves on the show bench. ... All good show dogs of the sporting varieties are built on such lines as should enable them to fulfil their avocation in the field to the best possible advantage. Whether they are able to do so or not is all a question of natural aptitude and training.' A standard of points and a list of successful exhibitors, past and present, together with illustrations of most of the varieties dealt with, make the book a valuable addition to the library of all lovers of dogs. Although the chapters are not arranged in any particular order, there is a full index, while an illustrated glossary of technical terms relating to dogs cannot fail to be appreciated by the beginner in the fascinating pursuit of breeding dogs for show or sale".


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