178 Modern Dogs. 



leading so called fanciers of the poodle. Still, I 

 believe the trouble to keep the coats in good order 

 will always stand in the way of this intelligent variety 

 of the dog being as popular as it might be under 

 different circumstances. 



I have already alluded to the fashion that 

 obtains of clipping and shaving the poodle 

 according to the ideas prevailing at the time, 

 indeed, a well regulated and fashionably dressed 

 poodle requires about as much attention to be kept 

 in order as do the jackets of some of our choice 

 little Yorkshire terriers. It is said that the custom 

 of trimming the poodle arose through an anxiety 

 to look after the comfort of the dog, because the 

 long ringlets or cords interfered with the general 

 health of the poor beast that nature caused to wear 

 them. In winter they became matted with snow 

 and dirt ; in summer they were uncomfortable and 

 harboured vermin ; so it came about that the poodle 

 had to be clipped, and trimmed, and dressed. 



All this is done in various fashions, and there 

 are " professors of the art," high in their line, 

 who will dress your poodle for you, and tie him up 

 with ribbons blue or yellow or white, for any charge 

 varying from half-a-guinea to a couple of pounds. 



A poodle ought to have his coat attended to 

 even before he leaves his puppyhood. When four 



