48 



SECOND DIVISION OF THE 



THE POODLE. 



The particular cross from which this dog descended is unknown, but 

 the variety produced has been carefully preserved. It is, probably, of 

 continental origin, and is known by its thick curly hair concealing almost 

 every part of the face, and giving it the appearance of a short, thick, 

 unintelligent head. When, however, that hair is removed, there is still 

 the large head ; but there is also the cerebral cavity more capacious than 

 in any other dog, and the frontal sinuses fully developed, and exhibiting 

 everv indication of the intellectual class to which it belongs. 



THE POODLE. 



It was originally a water-dog, as its long and curly hair, and its pro- 

 pensities in its domesticated state, prove ; but, from its peculiar sagacity, 

 it is capable of being trained to almost any useful purpose, and its strong 

 individual attachment renders it more the companion of man than a mere 

 sporting dog : indeed, its qualities as a sporting dog are seldom recog- 

 nised by its owner. 



These dogs have far more courage than the water-spaniel, all the saga- 

 city of the Newfoundland, more general talent, if the expression may be 

 used, and more individual attachment than either of them, and without 

 the fawning of the one, or the submissiveness of the other. The poodle 

 seems conscious of his worth, and there is often a quiet dignity accompa- 

 nying his demonstrations of friendship. 



