The Shepherd's Dog. 23 



THE DOG. (Canis familiaris.) 



To no animal is mankind so much indebted for its ser- 

 vices and affection as to the Dog. Among all the various 

 orders of brute creatures, none have hitherto been found 

 so entirely adapted to our use, and even to our protection, 

 as this. There are many countries, both of the old and 

 new continent, in which, if man were deprived of this 

 faithful ally, he would unsuccessfully resist the foes that 

 surround him, seeking opportunities to encroach upon his 

 property, destroy his labour, and attack his person. His 

 own vigilance, in many situations, could not secure him, 

 on the one hand, against their rapacity, nor, on the other, 

 against their speed. The Dog, more tractable than any 

 other animal, conforms himself to the movements and 

 habits of his master. His diligence, his ardour, and his 

 obedience are inexhaustible; and his disposition is so 

 friendly, that, unlike every other animal, he seems to 

 remember only the benefits he receives : he soon forgets 

 our blows ; and instead of discovering resentment while 

 we chastise him, exposes himself to torture, and even 

 licks the hand from which it proceeds. 



Dogs, even of the dullest kind, seek the company of 

 other animals ; and by instinct take to the care of flocks 

 and herds. 



THE SHEPHEKD'S DOG. 



THE SHEPHERD'S DOG has been considered the primitive 

 stock, from whence all others are derived. This animal 

 still continues nearly in its original state among the 

 poor in temperate climates : being transported into the 

 colder regions, it becomes smaller, and covered with a 

 shaggy coat. Whatever differences there may be among 

 the Dogs of these cold countries, they are not very con- 

 siderable, as they all have straight ears, long and thick 

 hair, a savage aspect, and do not bark either so often or 

 so loud as Dogs of the more cultivated kind. The Shep- 

 herd's Dog, transported into temperate climates, and 

 among people entirely civilized, such as into England, 



