THE BIG DOGS 153 



To keep any one of these large dogs happy, 

 and consequently healthy, he should have a 

 house of his own; and still better, if possible, 

 some one especially to care for him. He 

 needs a great amount of exercise, and a chain 

 or a muzzle is exceedingly distasteful to him. 



It is agreeable, after considering these mon- 

 sters of the race, to speak of one who is wholly 

 delightful the Newfoundland. Intelligent 

 and courageous, yet not savage or ugly, al- 

 ways kind to children, and especially valuable 

 as a water-dog, being perfectly fearless and a 

 remarkable swimmer. He should be jet black, 

 with a glossy coat, coarse in texture, rather 

 close and somewhat wavy, but not at all curly. 

 A white breast and toes do not detract from 

 his value; but a tail with a kink in it, or curl- 

 ing over the back, is entirely inadmissible. 



The coach-dog, or Dalmatian, is much ad- 

 mired for his striking markings, and has had 

 his turn at being the fashion. He is white, 

 with black or liver-colored spots scattered all 

 over him, from ears to tip of tail. These 

 spots should be round, and not larger than a 

 half-dollar, preferably black. A black face or 

 black ears detract greatly from his value. It 



