Useful Companions of Man. ' 8 1 



troduction, being the result of a cross with the terrier 

 and Italian greyhound. Earlier crosses, twenty-five or 

 thirty years ago, were, doubtless, intended to perfect the 

 breeding of the "snap-dog," by adding speed to his 

 qualification of killing the greatest number of rabbits. 

 The later development is evident in the former. He is, 

 therefore, a greyhound in miniature, possessing the 

 elegance and grace of the original ancestry, combined 

 with the pluck, and determination to " hold on," which 

 characterises the typical terrier. The whippet is now a 

 pure bred dog, having secured a place in the " Kennel 

 Stud Book," and is essentially a racing dog. As such he 

 is rapidly coming into increased prominence. He is no 

 less a show dog, sporting dog, or constant companion, 

 and runs in all colours, as black, blue, brindle, or fawn, 

 with a dash of white in some instances. The points are 

 those of a good greyhound, with the exception that the 

 head, comparatively speaking, is not so long or so fine, 

 the prominence of the frontal bones, immediately above 

 the eyes, being the stamp of the terrier breed. 



The Old English or Bob-tailed Sheep Dog. — This 

 dog is justly entitled to greater consideration than he has 

 hitherto received among the numerous exhibits at the 

 various dog shows throughout England. His services 

 have been mostly confined to the southern counties, by- 

 drovers of sheep and cattle ; he is not, therefore, so well 

 known as he should be. Many specimens do not present 

 an inviting appearance, being ill-fed and otherwise badly 

 treated, which severely operate upon all animals, to the 

 prejudice of their intelligence and cleverness. There are, 

 however, among the members of the breed, not only well- 

 shaped, active, and intelligent dogs, but some are really 

 clever, and even beautiful creatures, and it may be 

 inferred that if as much care were bestowed upon him as 

 is given to the Scotch collie, the former would become 

 a close rival for the honours now carried off by the latter. 



The Welsh origin of this dog has been strongly main- 

 tained, the contending parties having omitted to master 

 the details of their family history. Others have taken up 

 the task, and rescued from oblivion the interesting 



