BRITISH DOGS 



a prejudicial effect. In the matter of bedding, paper shavings, such as 

 may be obtained of book-binders or stationers, are the best material, 

 if kept picked out and not allowed to become hard or matted, as this 

 is clean, dry stuff, and will not get into the coats like straw which 

 is only allowable when enclosed in a roughly constructed cushion. 

 Failing this, use longish straw, without dust or small stuff mixed 

 with it, or pine shavings. Of course, only in the sleeping-box will 

 any bedding be required, and this but in the colder months of the 

 year ; at other times Poodles will be better without it. Poodle 

 kennels must be always kept scrupulously free from dirt, dust, or 

 wet, as the dogs' coats take up the smallest particles of such 

 matters, entailing an immense amount of trouble in getting them 

 right again. 



As regards those Poodles of any colours but white, washing should, 

 if possible, be dispensed with, as, if the coats are duly brushed 

 and attended to, they will be better without it ; but the whites will 

 have to be sometimes washed, and for this purpose a good lather 

 made with white curd soap, in lukewarm water, with a squeeze 

 from the blue-bag in it, is as good as anything. The coat should be 

 afterwards dried with a sheet or towels, and the dog be prevented 

 from soiling its coat. 



In sending any kind of Poodle to shows, roomy hampers or 

 well-ventilated boxes should be used. Such dogs should never be 

 sent on the chain, and it is best to tack brown holland or unbleached 

 calico round the insides and cover of hamper or box, to prevent the 

 the coats from being soiled. 



The following is a description of the Poodle : 



Head. Long, straight, and fine ; skull rather narrow, and peaked at back, 

 with very slight " stop " ; jaws long, strong, ancl fine, not full in cheek ; 

 teeth white and level ; lips black and rather tight- fitting ; gums and roof of 

 mouth black. 



Nose. Sharp and black, except in brown or red-coloured specimens, when 

 liver-coloured noses are allowable. 



Eyes. Very dark brown, full of fire and intelligence, nearly almond-shaped, 

 not staring or prominent. 



Ears. Deep and wide in leather and long in feathering, set on rather low, 

 and lying close to the sides of the head. 



Neck. Well proportioned, of fair length and strength. 



Shoulders. Strong and muscular, sloping well to back. 



Chest. Deep and moderately wide. 



Back. Short, strong, and slightly curved ; loins broad and muscular ; ribs 

 well sprung and braced up. 



Legs. Fore legs straight and well set, with plenty of bone and muscle ; 

 hind legs very muscular and well bent, with hocks well let down. 



Feet. Small, of good shape ; toes well arche,d, with thick, hard pads. 



Tail. Set on high, carried gaily, but never curled or carried over the back. 



Coat. Very profuse, not silky, but of good hard texture. If corded, hanging 

 in long, tight, even cords or ringlets ; if curly, in strong, short curls, of even 



