KING CHARLES SPANIELS. 



being used for heavy work among thick and thorny coverts, and the other being 

 principally employed in woodcock shooting, and called in consequence the 

 " Cocker." The Blenheim and King Charles Spaniels derive theii* origin from the 

 Cocker. 



The Cocker is frequently called the water Spaniel from its singular aftection for 

 the "water, and its good swimming powers. 



Erom its singidar affection for the water, this Dog is termed the Water 

 Spaniel, as a distinction from the Pield Spaniel. In all weathers, and in all 

 seasons, the Water Spaniel is ever ready to plimgc into the loved element, and to 

 luxuriate therein in sheer wantonness of enjoyment. It is an admirable diver, and 

 a swift swimmer, in Avhich arts it is assisted by the great comparative breadth of 

 its paws. It is therefore largely used by sportsmen for the purpose of 

 fetching out of the water the game which they have shot, or of swimming to the 

 opposite hank of the river, or to an occasional island, and starting therefi'om the 

 various birds that love such moist locahties. 



Much of its endurance in the water is owing to the abundance of natural oil with 

 which its coat is supphcd, and whicli ])rcvcnts it from becoming really wet. A 

 real Water Spaniel gives himself a good shake as soon as he leaves the river, and is 

 dry in a very short time. This oil, although useful to the Dog, gives forth an 

 odour very unpleasant to linman nostrils, and therefore debars the Water Spaniel 

 from enjoying the fireside society of its human friends. 



Some people fancy that the Water Spaniel possesses webbed feet, and tliat 

 its aquatic prowess is due to this forination. Such, however, is not the case. 

 All dogs have their toes connected with each other by a strong membrane, 

 and Avhen the foot is wdde and the membrane rather loosely hung, as is the 

 case Avith the Water Spaniel, a large surface is presented to the water. 



KING CHARLES SPANIELS. 



The King Charles Spaniel derives its name from the " airy monarch" 

 Charles II., who took great delight in these little creatures, and petted them 

 in a manner that verged on absurdity. 



Wlicn rightly managed, it is a most amusing companion, and picks up 

 accomplishments with great readiness. It can be trained to ])erform many 

 pretty tricks, and sometimes is so appreciative of its human playfellows that 

 it will join their games. 



I knew one of these animals which would play at the popular boy's game 



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