622 THE AMERICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



the head is always larger in proportion and is inclined to be 

 too round. The ears are long, pendulous, and should reach 

 to the tip of the nose. The color should be white, though 

 many good dogs are seen with fawn markings, especially on 

 the ears and back. The legs are strong, well set under the 

 body, with the hind ones, as in the Caniche, a little too 

 straight for real beauty. 



The body should be strong and well ribbed up, giving 

 the dog a firm, cobby appearance. A long, weak loin is a 

 great blemish. The tail is long, slightly curled, and usually 

 docked. The eyes should be large, full, and nearly per- 

 fectly black, and should show very little inclination to weep. 

 The coat should, as in the Caniche, show light ringlets, but 

 at the same time should be somewhat fluffier, with a 

 beautifully white and glossy appearance. As weight is of 

 great importance in Barbets, a good dog should not exceed 

 six and one-half pounds, and as much less as is compatible 

 with a good shape, and should not stand much over eight 

 inches at the shoulder. 



These dogs are of course utterly useless as sporting 

 dogs, but show a remarkable aptitude for learning tricks, 

 and have extraordinary strength and agility for such frail- 

 looking little creatures. 



Their tempers are apt to be a little uncertain; for 

 though they are nearly all docile to their master or mis- 

 tress, they are prone to be snappish to strangers, and, like all 

 small dogs, to have a great idea of their own importance. 

 If it were not for these traits, they would be an almost per- 

 fect lady's lap-dog. 



Barbets are usually shaved like Caniches, and the tail is 

 generally docked. 



Poodles, no matter of what variety, are quite difficult 

 dogs to rear, and he may esteem himself lucky who has 

 two-thirds of his puppies reach maturity, for they seem, on 

 the slightest provocation, to contract every ill that dog-flesh 

 is heir to. In the first place, great care should be taken in 

 * selecting the sire and dam, and the pedigrees of both ascer- 

 tained as fully as possible, for the modern Poodle, like 



