THE POODLE DOG. 153 



these dogs which were exhibited in London astonished every one 

 by their clever performances, sitting up to table gravely, and play- 

 ing a game at cards as quickly as a human being, the cards being 

 placed before them, and the one to be played being selected by 

 the dog's foot. Of course this was all done by preconcerted signal, 

 but nevertheless it was remarkably well managed, and showed a 

 degree of intelligence and discipline worthy of a better purpose. 



The poodle is characterized by a large wide head, rising sharply 

 at the forehead, long falling ears clothed with thick curly hair, 

 rather small eyes, square muzzle, with a liberal allowance of jowl, 

 and a sedate appearance until roused by any prospect of fun ; a 

 well-formed pointer-like body, but covered with thick closely curl- 

 ing hair, hanging down in ringlets below ; tail usually cropped 

 more or lesp, naturally covered with crisp curls; legs straight, 

 and covered all round with Lair hanging in short ringlets; feet 

 small and round, and moderately hairy; color white or black, or 

 white and black ; hight from 16 to 20 inches. 



The Barbet is merely a small variety of the poodle, which it re- 

 sembles in all respects but size. 



