THE POODLE THE MASTIFF. 713 



but that it is the produce of the large water-dog and the 

 English setter, as it appears to be intermediate between 

 these, not only in figure, but also in their united qualities. 



THE SMALL WATER-SPANIEL, OR POODLE. 



The small water-spaniel is supposed to be the offspring of 

 the large water-dog and the cocker : he has all the appear- 

 ance of the former in shape, and also in the thickly-curled 

 silky hairs. No dog whatever possesses more activity and 

 buoyancy of spirit than this ; and he is highly susceptible of 

 instruction of almost any kind. He is a most dexterous 

 diver ; and so exquisite is his olfactory sense that he will 

 find at the bottom of a river or pool a stone which is thrown 

 in by his master, even where there are many other stones. 

 The poodle has been taught to perform many domestic 

 offices, and those, too, with the utmost accuracy, such as to 

 go errands, shut a door, ring a bell, fetch his master or mis- 

 tress's shoes or gloves, &c. The general colour of this dog 

 is white. He is very useful as a retriever, and will fetch 

 anything out of the water. 



SECTION UL— WATCH-DOGS. 



THE MASTIFF. 



The mastiff is a large and powerful dog, with a large flat 

 head, and rather long and pendulous ears ; his forehead large 

 and broad ; his muzzle wide and obtuse, his lips are full, 

 loose, the upper one hanging considerably over the lower, at 

 the two extremities of the mouth ; his aspect is grave, and 

 somewhat sullen ; and his bark loud and deep-toned ; his 

 chest is very wide and deep ; his limbs strong, and the whole 

 muscles of his frame full, and largely developed. 



There can be but little doubt but that the mastiff is a 



4 Y 



