Another very important side of dog photography is the mania for picture collecting.  Some time ago I saw a signed article in “Dogdom”, from a very charming lady living in a city fifty miles from Boston, asserting she was about to retire from the Boston terrier game, as it cost her too much to furnish photos of her dogs to people from all parts of the country, who, under the guise of wishing to buy dogs, wanted photos and pedigrees of the same.  They usually stated that if they did not purchase the dog, the photo and pedigree would be promptly returned.  This was the last she ever heard of them, and pictures were rarely if ever, returned.  As her photos were taken by a first class photographer, the cost was considerable, and the photos were really works of art, which, perhaps, may be one reason why the recipients could not bear to let them go back.  She was a lady of large wealth, and she had established a kennel of real Bostons, presided over by an expert kennel-maid, and would have become a genuine help to the breed, but “pictures” were her undoing.

Since the American dog has become the most popular breed in the canine world, many people, who cannot afford to purchase a choice specimen, seem to rest satisfied when they can obtain a photo, and they have no scruples apparently in writing to the leading kennels for pictures of their leading dogs.  I have had many instances come under my notice, but, for want of space, only one typical case can be mentioned.

A few years ago, on visiting a city a short distance from Boston, I was accosted by a young man, rather flashily attired, who invited me to call and see his kennels, assuring me he had some crackerjacks.  As I was unaware of the existence of any number of A-1 Bostons in his neighborhood, my curiosity was aroused and I went.  I found the dogs quartered in a back room in a very small house.  I have never seen such a collection of the aristocrats of the breed before or since.

When I found my voice, I managed to exclaim:  “Allow me to congratulate you, my dear sir, I have never seen so many good dogs kenneled in so small a space before.  You are certainly a very lucky man; the food problem never troubles you; you do not have to dodge the tax collector; no need ever to call in a vet.; no neighbors can ever complain of being kept awake at night, and the dogs that are tacked upon the ceiling seem just as content as those pasted on the walls.”

He then produced his book where the pedigrees of the dogs were neatly recorded.  The trouble is, he is not the only one who owns such a kennel of thorough-breds.

It must not be inferred from the above that I am averse to picture taking.  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.