Ladies^ Toy Dogs. 99 



ears clipped, with tails left perfect, but some people 

 prefer both left as Nature provides them. The rough 

 blue fawn, silky coat terrier, makes a very pretty toy 

 dog, and so does the dwarf bull terrier — both resembling 

 the larger breeds in all points. The Italian greyhound, 

 crossed with the terrier or spaniel, is often passed off as 

 the pure toy terrier, especially the latter, which may be 

 known by the full eye peculiar to the spaniel breed. 



The Poodle. — This dog is not unlike the terrier in 

 general conformation, very intelligent, and quick in 

 learning various tricks. In temper he is apt to exhibit 

 peevishness, and even to bite. The colour is black or 

 white, the coat being curly, and, when not cropped, 

 grows inordinately from head to stern, reaching even to 

 the ground. This peculiarity affords opportunity for 

 many owners to practise " trimming " or " clipping," 

 portions here and there being entirely removed, while 

 others are allowed to remain like tufts, circlets on the 

 limbs, or lobe-like folds reaching to the ground. The 

 general appearance is then supposed to be greatly en- 

 hanced, particularly if the animal is used by the peripa- 

 tetic player or street conjuror, whose performances admit 

 of ample scope for showing the tricksy capabilities of the 

 animal. The following are the points laid down by the 

 Poodle Club : 



The Perfect Black Poodle. — The General Appear- 

 ance is that of a strong, active, and very intelligent dog ; 

 well built, and perfectly coated with curls or long ropy 

 "cords." Head: Long; the skull large and plenty of 

 room for brain power; wide between the ears and a 

 slight peak ; the parts over the eyes well arched ; the 

 whole thickly covered with curls or cords. Muzzle: 

 Long (but not " snipey "), strong, square, and deep ; the 

 " stop" should be defined, but not to a very great extent. 

 The teeth should be perfectly level, strong, and white. 

 Eyes : Small, dark, and bright, wdth a very intelligent 

 expression ; they should be set at right angles with the 

 line of the face. Nose : Large, and perfectly black in 

 colour, with wide open nostrils. Ears : Very long, close 



