90 THE DOG IN HEALTH. 



spoiled children, to be somewhat wayward and trouble 

 some, and so ready to bark on the entrance of strangers 

 that they may be considered in some sense watch-dogs. 



They are in most instances kept more, however, for 

 their good looks than any other qualities they may pos- 

 sess ; hence, in the standards of these breeds, more im- 

 portance is attached to superficial characters than in the 

 case of utility dogs. 



The principal toy breeds of Britain and America are 

 the pug, the toy spaniels, the Italian greyhound, toy ter- 

 riers (already described), and the Mexican hairless dog, 

 which is comparatively rare. 



The Pug. — A dog of fair intelligence, moderately active, 

 with a very independent and conseqncntial bearing (p. 376). 



In general form and appearance (tail excepted) very 

 like a diminutive mastiff, but entirely opposite in bearing 

 and disposition. He is essentially a squarely built, cobby 

 dog. Considering that head parts count thirty-five per 

 cent., and symmetry and general carriage fifteen per cent., 

 or these together fifty per cent., we get a good idea of the 

 way toy dogs are rated. 



Head. — Shull large, massive, round, with large and 

 deep wrinkles. Muzzle short, blunt, square, but not up- 

 turned as in the toy spaniel. Eyes very large, dark, bold, 

 prominent, globular, bright, soft, and soHcitous in expres- 

 sion. Ears thin, soft (velvety), small, either "rose" or 

 " button," the latter preferred. 



Body, legs, and feet suitable to a cobby, strongly made 

 dog. 



Tail curled as tightly as possible over the hip. The 

 double curl is perfection. 



