io THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG 



tions of continued amputation have resulted in the dogs 

 being now frequently born with natural bob-tails. But 

 this possibility is strenuously negatived by the arguments 

 of celebrated biologists. Professor Weissman, for instance, 

 asserts that no changes induced in animals after birth 

 can be transmitted, in even the slightest degree, to their 

 offspring by heredity. 



Be this as it may, the fact remains that Old English 

 Sheep Dogs are born sometimes with tails and sometimes 

 without ; and many instances might be cited of litters 

 containing puppies of both varieties. Meamvhile, custom 

 decrees that our dog shall have no tail. Wherefore, if he 

 happen to be born with one, it is a simple and necessary 

 operation to remove it. So much for outward appear- 

 ance. 



In character the bob-tail is an animal of quite 

 exceptional charm. Of his sagacity there can be no 

 question, and any specimen of the breed, tactfully handled 

 in his youth, can be trained to accomplish wonders as 

 a drover's dog either with sheep or cattle ; for the 

 instinct of the race is ineradicable. Further, he can be 

 trained with little trouble as a first-class retriever. 



Moreover, he is an ideal companion. His common- 

 sense, his hardihood, and his innate good manners mark 

 him out as a canine " pal." He is devoted to his master, 

 an excellent guard and house dog, and he is endowed 

 with a gentlemanly instinct for moving about a room 

 with the least possible noise and fuss. Give him his 



