In every case a black muzzle is indispensable, also black points to the ears, with trousers, tail and feathering a somewhat lighter shade than the body.  There is considerable divergence of opinion as to the penalisation of what, in other breeds, is known as a “Dudley” nose, but on this point there must be some difficulty at shows; in the Pekinese the colour of the nose varies in a remarkable way, especially in the case of the bitches.  For instance, a pinkish tinge was always visible on the nose of Goodwood Meh before the birth of her puppies; but it resumed its normal colour when the puppies were a few weeks old.  As a representative type, Chu-Erh of Alderbourne resembles most nearly the old Goodwood dogs.  He has the same square, cobby appearance, broad chest, bowed legs, profuse feather, and large, lustrous eyes—­points which are frequently looked for in vain nowadays—­and his breeder and owner may well be proud of him.

The Pekinese differs from the Japanese dog in that it appears to be far stronger in constitution, and withstands the changes of the English climate with much greater ease; in fact, they are as hardy, under healthy conditions, as any English breed, and the only serious trouble seems to be the weakness which is developing in the eyes.  Small abscesses frequently appear when the puppies are a few months old, and, although they may not affect the sight, they almost inevitably leave a bluish mark, while in some cases the eye itself becomes contracted.  Whether this is one of the results of in-breeding it is difficult to say, and it would be of interest to know whether the same trouble is met with in China.

The Pekinese bitches are excellent mothers, provided they are not interfered with for the first few days.  This was discovered at Goodwood years ago by the fact that, on two or three occasions, one Celestial lady, who had been given greater attention than she considered necessary, revenged herself by devouring her own family of puppies!  One thing seems from experience to be especially advisable—­as far as can be arranged, to breed in the spring rather than autumn.  The puppies need all the open air and exercise that is possible, and where 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.