XV 



THE BIG DOGS 



IN this book the dog will be considered 

 merely in his relation to the family, and his 

 availability for the companionship of women 

 and children. I shall give brief descriptions 

 of the different breeds ordinarily kept in the 

 household, with the principal " points " that 

 testify to purity of the blood, characteristics, 

 and qualifications of each for life in the home, 

 and, lastly, hints as to care in health and dis- 

 ease. 



The Great Dane is entitled to the palm 

 for size, the tallest reaching the enormous 

 height of thirty-four inches, and exceeding by 

 about half an inch the utmost record of his 

 rival, the great St. Bernard. He does not, 

 however, show the clumsiness that might be 

 expected from his measurement, for he is well 

 built. He has a fine head, with clear, expres- 

 sive eyes, a tail held level with the back, and 



