ASTATIC DOGS. 



being more or less mottled in some specimens. The one I have stands 16 in. high, and weighs 

 20 Ibs. 



There is another hairless dog said to come from China considerably smaller than the 

 above, weighing about 8 or 10 Ibs., and without any hair at all. The head is like the " apple- 

 headed " Toy Terrier, with large bat ears standing out from the head, a very fine tail, and the 

 skin of a uniform dark colour. 



I will now endeavour to describe the subject of your illustration, which is certainly a singular 

 specimen of the canine race. The head is more like that of a racoon than any other animal I 



"CHINESE PUZZLE," THE PROPERTY OF MR. W. K. TAUNTON. 



know of ; the skin on forehead slightly wrinkled ; small eye ; flesh-coloured nose ; tongue black ; 

 pricked ears ; wide chest ; short, thick neck ; compact body ; short, thick, but not bushy tail, 

 carried somewhat high, with a slight curve, but not turned over the back ; colour sandy red, the 

 legs being rather deeper in colour than the body ; toe-nails white, and dew-claws. The coat is 

 short and thick, and was very soft, like the under-coat of the Esquimaux, but it appears to have 

 got harsher lately, especially on the back. The inside of the ears, instead of being protected 

 with hair which is the case with most, if not all, pricked-eared dogs is perfectly smooth. She 

 has a peculiar gait when out, and has little or no idea of following, but when let loose at once 

 starts oft" on her own account. I am unable to say what part of China she comes from, and only 

 know she was brought direct from that country. When she was given to me I had some doubts 

 65 



