CHAPTER XII 



Performing and Toy Breeds 



poodles pomeranians pugs schipperkes 



Poodles — One of the most intelligent breeds in ex- 

 istence, that of the Poodle, lends itself especially to be- 

 coming a pet or companion, soon becoming warmly 

 attached to its owner, very quick at learning what 

 is required of it, and very smart and vigilant as a 

 guard. Although, in ordinary life, we principally see 

 the curly variety, at all the leading shows, we see speci- 

 mens of the " corded variety " both white and black in 

 colour, and with coats quite fearful and wonderful to 

 behold, hanging in festoons of cords or tags, in some 

 cases of such length as to sweep the ground as they 

 walk along, which must be a considerable incon- 

 venience to the dogs, as well as their owners. There 

 has been much correspondence and discussion on the 

 subject, but I think, after a lengthened acquaintance 

 with the breed, and having seen and handled nearly all 

 the best specimens brought forward during the last 

 twenty-five years, there is no doubt there are two vari- 

 ties, corded and curly, and although they have been 

 sometimes interbred, there are corded specimens which 

 would be corded under any circumstances, and there are 

 curly ones that could not be turned into corded, how- 



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