48 Varieties of the Dog. 



purpose, but unfortunately the puppy died of abscess in 

 the head. IntelUgence and dociUty are the qualities 

 which must be looked for, and these are possessed by 

 the St. Bernard in the highest degree, while the setter 

 must furnish nose and the desire to hunt game. 



The modern Retriever is now almost always a cross 

 of the setter and Newfoundland (showing the srnooth or 

 wavy coat), or of the water spaniel (generally Irish) with 

 the same dog, in which case the coat is curly. Very often 

 the two kinds are intermixed, the result of which is a coat 

 showing more or less of each texture. There has been a 

 good deal of discussion on the relative value of these 

 strains, and the question is by no means settled. My 

 own impression is in favour of the smooth, wavy coat, 

 indicative of the setter origin rather than the spaniel, as I 

 believe this cross is more docile and better fitted to be 

 broken to the extent of implicit obedience which is re- 

 quired. It is a great nuisance to have to work a retriever 

 in a slip, but there are very few curly-coated dogs with 

 which it can be dispensed with, whereas it is compara- 

 tively easy to do so with the smooth kind. 



The Norfolk Retriever is a breed introduced within 

 recent years. The colour of the coat is sandy-brown, 

 though this may run so dark as to be called black, and 

 curls somewhat loosely, being open, short, woolly, coarse 

 and harsh under the fingers. The head is massive, and 

 has the appearance of intelligence ; the ears are large, the 

 hair upon them being thick and curly, and the muzzle is 

 broad and square or deep. Along the back the hair lies 

 short and straight. The limbs are strong, stout, well-set, 

 and terminate in feet which are largely developed, and 

 fully webbed. It is stated by " Saxon" to be the usual 

 custom to dock the tail, the utility of which seems 

 questionable in the opinion of sportsmen outside the 

 county. The dogs of this breed run somewhat above the 

 medium size, being also strong and well set. They 

 exhibit a remarkable degree of intelligence and tracta- 

 bility, which under efficient training renders them exceed- 

 ingly clever under the gun, or as the amusing companion 

 in leisure hours. Uncertainty of temper is somewhat 



