536 BRITISH DOGS 



ment as the self-colours, as they seem wanting in type and 

 character. 



By far the greater number of Poodles kept in this country are 

 treated as pets and companions, and they are, moreover, mostly in 

 the possession of women. They prove admirable guards, and are 

 docile, lively, and affectionate companions, with a keen love of 

 sport, which makes them useful with the gun, particularly at duck- 

 shooting. They are good swimmers and fond of the water, and 

 their intelligence will compare favourably with that of any other 

 variety of dog, the Sheepdog family perhaps coming nearest to them 

 in this respect. It is this intelligence that makes them so popular 



FIG. 108. CORDED POODLE CHAMPION VLADIMIR. 



with those who earn their living by training troupes of performing 

 dogs. All who have witnessed such entertainments will doubtless 

 call to mind the many Poodles that they have seen taking part in 

 them. Probably also they will have noted the eager, delighted 

 way in which performing Poodles carry out their duties, often 

 evincing much humour in their work and entering into it with 

 great zest. 



Of course, in an animal like the Poodle, in which art has much 

 to do in turning it out in show form, a great deal depends on the 

 skill of the individual person on whom the preparation devolves, 

 and there are many men, and some women, who are able to put a 

 high-class finish on the specimens entrusted to them. Sometimes 



