THE DOG AS A PET 145 



wandering about the roads and fields, needs a 

 dog of a size and disposition to protect him, 

 and if near the water, to rescue him when he 

 falls in, as he is tolerably certain to do; but 

 the duties of the city child's dog are more 

 strictly those of a playfellow, to entertain and 

 amuse by his gambols. 



If a house ornament is the object sought, a 

 St. Bernard or Great Dane that will fitly adorn 

 a large place by his dimensions will unpleas- 

 antly dwarf any ordinary town residence. The 

 beautiful little spaniels, the so-called "toy 

 dogs," more properly decorate a city parlor. 



If the demand is for a companion, intellect 

 and affection are the things to seek, and the 

 size does not so much matter, though a very 

 large dog can rarely have in city homes room 

 and exercise enough for his health. For an 

 all-around useful animal, one of the medium- 

 sized dogs, such as a spaniel or collie, com- 

 bines the most desirable qualities. 



Another point to consider is the harmony 

 of the dog with his surroundings, for it would 

 be no less inappropriate to place one of the 

 dainty, sensitive, luxury-loving toy dogs in a 

 busy, bustling country household, than to keep 



