632 THE AMERICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



their true element, and one can lavish on them all the 

 affection that he may desire, and it will be reciprocated 

 with as nearly human love as can be expected in any one 

 of the domestic animals. They are as loving as a dove, and 

 delicate enough in their manifestations of affection to sat- 

 isfy the most sensitive and refined lady. They are harm- 

 less, amiable, and ornamental, and their elegant attitudes 

 arid delicate shades of color can but please the most fas- 

 tidious. 



They are never happier or more contented than when 

 curled up in the lap of a loving mistress, feeling the gentle 

 caress and enjoying the natural warmth and magnetism of 

 the human body. 



During the warm weather they enjoy a romp on the 

 lawn, but it is usually of short duration, and the appear- 

 ance of a rude boy or a large strange dog will be the signal 

 for a sudden disappearance, and they hie away to a place of 

 safety. 



Being naturally of a delicate constitution and with a very 

 thin skin, the Italian is sensitive to sudden changes of tem- 

 perature, even in summer, and at the approach of autumn 

 they show that "pinched-up" look that is so character- 

 istic, of a cold dog. Should they be exposed to cold 

 and dampness combined for any length of time, they 

 would likely contract so severe a disease as to carry them 

 off in a short time. The tendency would be toward some 

 form of lung disease. They should therefore be care- 

 fully guarded against severe changes, and when taken out 

 should be warmly clothed with a neat blanket; but should 

 they contract any disease, the utmost' care should be exer- 

 cised *in administering treatment, for remember they are 

 like a frail infant. The medicine given should be scrupu- 

 lously reduced to minimum doses, and only the milder 

 preparations should be used in treating any skin eruption 

 with which they may be afflicted. Other portions of this 

 work will give full directions for treating diseases of the dog, 

 but I wish to especially enjoin care in the matter of dose, 

 for even the physician is not always careful enough in 



