82 Useful Companions of Man. 



information that so near a relation as the Grandfather 

 originally introduced the breed from Sussex. 



This animal has been long known in Suffolk as the 

 " cow-dog," a service in which he proves himself singularly 

 clever and useful. At milking time he may be seen 

 taking his rest near the farm-steading, and as the cows 

 are turned out singly he ensures their return to the 

 pasture, and selecting another — always one that needs 

 milking — returns with her to the farm, where he remains 

 as before. It is remarkable that in this service the 

 " bobtail " never makes a mistake from first to last in the 

 daily routine. 



The query of " tail," or " no tail " has proved a difficulty 

 to many. It is, however, fairly understood that the 

 peculiarity of the breed consists in the production of 

 puppies in the same litter with and ivithont tails, others 

 being considered short. In some instances docking is 

 resorted to at an early period, by which even some of the 

 knowing ones have been deceived. 



The colour is steel grey, or black and tan, the first being 

 considered the hardier of the two. There are animals 

 which exhibit various shades of blue, blue merle, or 

 grizzle, having white on the face or legs. The Head is 

 large, wide across the forehead, the muzzle heavy and 

 somewhat short. The Eyes are small, being dark or 

 smutty grey \ the wall, or china eye being common to 

 light haired dogs. The Body is square, and of large 

 proportions, hind-quarters heavy and round, sloping 

 forwards. The Coat is broken, harsh, wavy, and dense 

 throughout. The Ears are small, well set, and covered 

 with wavy hair. The Limbs are strong, bony, well 

 furnished with muscle, flat from side to side, and covered 

 with hair to the bottom. The Eeet are large and round, 

 pads thick and horny, and the claws large and firm. The 

 powers of digestion and assimilation are good, and he is 

 able to subsist on common or coarse food ; the constitu- 

 tion is also hardy, bearing exposure to the vicissitudes of 

 weather without serious inconvenience. 



Disqualifications. — Soft, and curly coat of a poodle-like 

 character ; black and tan, as well as brindled colours. 



