(From Our Dogs, England)
T. Klivinton, of Reigate, a well-known Newfoundland breeder, exhibitor, and judge, and a member of the Newfoundland Club, kindly sends us particulars of a rather remarkable alliance between a prize Newfoundland dog and bitch, which is worth placing on record as a breeder's triumph. The owner of thie Newfoundland dog and bitch, a lady, placed them in the hands of Mr. Kilvinton for the purpose of mating, and after several effort this could not be effected in the ordinary way, partly owing to the indifference of the dog and partly because of the determination of the bitch to resent his importunities. The two dogs had been brought up and lived together, which often results in difficulties of mating when the bitch comes duly into that condition.
Mr. Kilvinton'a futile effort induced him to call in the aid of a local veterinary surgeon, who, being equally unsuccessful in effecting a natural alliance between the two in the ordinary way, although both were in a good condition for breeding, hit upon an artificial device in lieu of coition, which has proved perfectly successful. He drew the semen from the dog and injected it into the bitch, who duly conceived, and has, we are informed, brought forth thirteen fine puppies as a result.
We believe this artificial method of mating males and females is not uncommon in connection with horse breeding, but is somewhat rare in the case of dogs, although the late Sir Everett Millais made several successful experiments in this direction, particulars of which are embodied in one of his works on reproduction.
The case will be read with the greatest interest by dog breeders, who are, on occasions, confronted with the same difficulties as was experienced by Mr. Kilvinton. (16)