DOMESTIC DOGS. 515 



not sufficient evidence that any of these ancient dogs belonged to the same 

 identical subvarieties with our modern dogs." The record of the antiquity of 

 domesticated dogs does not, however, stop with the Egyptian monuments, for 

 there is evidence that several breeds existed during prehistoric periods, that is to 

 say, during the iron, bronze, and polished-stone epochs. Thus, in Denmark, there 

 was one race in the stone epoch, succeeded by a larger one in the bronze age, and 

 by a still larger breed in the newer iron age. Again, during the polished-stone 

 period in Switzerland, the inhabitants of that country had a medium-sized dog 

 which appears to have possessed characters common to hounds and setters, or 

 spaniels ; its skull being markedly distinct from those of both the wolf and the 

 jackal. In the bronze period this lake-dog was succeeded by a larger kind, 

 probably very similar to the one we have already noticed as occurring in Denmark 

 during the same period. Remains of the lake-dog, together with those of two 

 other breeds, have been recognised from caverns on the Continent ; and Woldrich 

 comes to the conclusion that the lake-dog was not derived from either the wolf or 

 the jackal but from some extinct species. If, then, we regard the lake-dog as in 

 any way related to our modern breeds, and also admit its descent from an earlier 

 extinct form, it will be apparent how hopeless is the task of attempting to solve 

 the problem of the actual parentage of the dogs of the present day. 



The number of varieties of domestic dogs was estimated by Fitzinger in 1876 

 at no less than one hundred and eighty-five, which were grouped in seven main 

 divisions. Mr. Harting considers, however, that the main groups may be reduced 

 to six, characterised to a certain extent by the form and size of their ears. These 

 groups are (1) wolf-like dogs, (2) greyhounds, (3) spaniels, (4) hounds, (5) mastiffs, 

 and (6) terriers. By intercrossing between various members of these different 

 groups he considers that all the existing breeds may have been produced. In the 

 case of the more important breeds this grouping will be followed so far as practic- 

 able, although it is frequently difficult to decide under which heading to place 

 many of the breeds produced by crossing members of different groups. 



The most wolf -like of all the domestic breeds is the Eskimo dog, 

 figured on p. 511. With their small upright ears, nearly straight 

 bushy tails, moderately sharp muzzles, and rough coats, as well as in their general 

 build, so closely indeed do these dogs resemble wolves that a pack of them 

 has at least on one occasion been actually mistaken for such. These affinities 

 are further indicated by this dog's inability to bark ; and, as already mentioned, 

 it may be considered as merely a domesticated wolf. The Eskimo dog is found 

 throughout the greater part of the Arctic regions, and is absolutely essential to 

 the existence of the inhabitants of those dreary countries, as without its aid 

 they would be unable to make their migrations, or to transport the produce 

 of their sealing and fishing expeditions to their homes. Although differing 

 somewhat in colour, the Eskimo dogs of Arctic America, Siberia, and Kamschatka, 

 all resemble one another very closely, and the description of those of one district 

 is equally applicable to those of another. 



Many accounts of the habits and appearance of these animals have appeared, 

 but since many of these have been quoted we shall confine ourselves to certain 

 extracts from one of the most recent observers, Dr. Guillemard, who states that on 



