146 WATCH DOGS, HOUSE DOGS, AND TOY DOGS. 



of Thibet, for the purpose of guarding the flocks and the 

 women who attend them. 



The portrait annexed sufficiently describes the shape of this 

 dog, whose colour is a dark black, and his coat is somewhat 

 rough. 



THE POODLE. 



The engraving given on next page represents the poodle with 

 the whole of his coat on, but he is generally to be seen shaved 

 in part, so as to resemble the lion in having a mane, and the 

 tip of his tail also having a tuft left on. He is by many 

 supposed to be the produce of a cross between the water and 

 land spaniels, but there is no good reason to suppose that the 

 breed is not quite as distinct as either of them. For many 

 years it has been known in France and Germany, particularly 

 the former country, and it is there occasionally used for 

 sporting purposes, though, as in England, it is chiefly as a 

 companion that this dog is kept. With more intelligence 

 than falls to the lot of any other dog, he unites great fidelity 

 to his master, and a strong love of approbation, so that he 

 may readily be induced to attempt any trick which is shown 

 him, and the extent to which he may be taught to carry out 

 the secret orders of his instructor is quite marvellous. He 

 fetches and carries very readily, swims well, and has a good 



