DOMESTIC DOGS 551 



appearance is so well known, and is likewise so truthfully portrayed in our illustra- 

 tion, that it will be unnecessary to refer to it. There are several strains, differing 

 mainly from one another in size ; the usual colors being either black or white, or 

 a mixture of the two. The coat should resemble astrakan, but may incline more 

 to a silky or to a woolly nature in the different strains. When clipped it should pre- 

 sent a satiny sheen. Both on the Continent and in England the poodle is clipped 

 to a greater or less degree ; but whereas abroad the coat is permitted to grow in win- 

 ter, in England the clipping is too often continued at all seasons. In England and 

 Hussia the poodle is treated solely as a companion and house-dog ; but in France and 





WHITE AND BLACK POODLES. 



(One-tenth natural size.) 



Germany it is employed as a sporting-dog, and is the constant outdoor companion 

 of the farmer. It is an excellent water-dog, diving well, and seldom failing to find 

 a wounded bird in the water ; the oily nature of its coat being an admirable protec- 

 tion against chills. In retrieving on land the poodle relies fully as much on its gen- 

 eral intelligence as on its sense of smell, thereby resembling the Newfoundland; and 

 it generally hunts by casting round in circles, rather than by following a direct trail. 

 Poodles are generally the dogs employed in circuses as performers, and they have fre- 

 quently been taught to recognize and pick out many of the cards from a pack at the 

 direction of their masters. As a remarkable instance of intelligence, Dr. Romanes 



