PERFORMING AND TOY BREEDS 241 



of any size, although, if you can get true Pug qualities, 

 in a small one, it is all the better. 



Two of the best-known illustrate this variety. 



Schippcrkes — The Schipperke is rather a new breed 

 in this country, and much kept as a pet and com- 

 panion by its supporters. It was, I think, imported origi- 

 nally from Belgium, where, I understand, though I do 

 not remember seeing many there, it has long been used 

 by the Bargees as a protection on board their boats for 

 their persons and property on their long journeys 

 through the canals. In appearance it is something like 

 a medium or rather small-sized black Pomeranian, 

 out of coat and without any tail, the texture of the coat 

 dense and harsh, soft on the ears, smooth on the head, 

 front of hocks and forelegs, but forming a mane 

 or frill, round neck and shoulders; size should not 

 exceed twenty pounds, and all the better if it is 

 less; eyes small, slightly oval, and dark brown in 

 colour; they make very sharp little watch dogs, 

 are always on the move, and anxious to know the 

 ins and outs of what comes in their way, very 

 excitable and lively in temperament, the former being 

 expressed by raising their mane referred to, barking 

 sharply and running and jumping about; they are 

 good and game vermin killers, as a general rule. 



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