DOMESTIC DOGS 



521 



usually have a lighter patch on the forehead, and also white marks on the feet. 

 The larger Pomeranian was formerly used as a wolf-dog, and should properly be of 

 a pale fawn color, without any admixture of white, and with black "points." 



The smaller Pomeranian is a better-known animal, although it has the disad- 

 vantage of being somewhat uncertain in temper. The spitz, as this variety is often 

 called, is employed as a sheep-dog in its native country, and is then most esteemed 

 when entirely black. There is, however, on the Continent, an almost complete 

 transition from the pure black to the white spitz, which was the one most commonly 





POMERANIAN DOG. 



(One-tenth natural size.) 



met with in England, till the black breed came into fashion. A well-bred white 

 spitz ought to have a black tip to the nose ; and in all cases the ears should be per- 

 fectly upright, without any tendency to fall over at the tips. The heavily-furred 

 curly tail is generally carried on the left side of the body. The fur on the throat 

 forms a thick frill or ruff, and there is a considerable amount of long hair on the 

 fore-legs. The face has only very short hair. 



Closely resembling the spitz in appearance is the Chinese sheep-dog, the 

 general color of which is reddish, with a mixture of dark brown hairs in the fur of 

 the back, which gives it a somewhat speckled look. 



