124 



THE FAMILIAR DOGS. 



Canes familmres. 



We now come to the true domesticated races ; and, 

 beginning with those placed nearest the Arctic Circle 

 in both hemispheres, we find a group of large dogs, 

 all assuming a wolfish aspect, having a tapering 

 nose, pointed ears, long hair, and, almost without 

 exception, a black and w^hite livery. 



In the group of Arctic dogs of both continents, 

 there is an uniformity of structure and appearance, 

 showing but a small intermixture of the blood of 

 other races in some of those in the west, who have 

 the anterior part of the head very sharp. They are, 

 in general, dogs of large size and height, only par- 

 tially reclaimed, and, consequently, exceedingly 

 fierce. The body is short and deep; the limbs 

 strong and elevated; the feet rather broad, often 

 webbed, and, in some instances, furred; the hair 

 thick, close, and undulating. They swim -with 

 great facility ; burrow in the snow ; and, during 

 the period when they are turned out to seek their 

 own sustenance, hunt in packs, or singly, and fish 

 with considerable dexterity. Their courage and 

 perseverance is equal to that of a bull-dog, never 



