398 ALL ABOUT DOGS 



pets, and sufficient for my book to form a vade-mecum, 

 or guide, to anyone in doubt, as to what sort of dog to 

 choose for the purpose, and this was the original idea 

 which prompted the commencement of the work. 



The illustrations herein are from life, the subjects be- 

 ing mostly typical specimens, and are introduced to 

 show good types of some of the least common, or 

 every day breeds. From the remarks often over- 

 heard at exhibitions and elsewhere, it has greatly sur- 

 prised me how many persons have only a vague idea of 

 all but the most ordinary varieties. 



Thinking over matters and things even to compile a 

 work of this kind, has brought back to mind many 

 forgotten incidents concerning both people and 

 animals, and I have derived much pleasure in 

 the course of it. I am in hopes, if the book falls into 

 the hands of any, who have hitherto known, or cared 

 nothing for dogs of any kind, they may be sufficiently 

 interested in my recital, of the charming qualities of so 

 many different varieties, to take up one or more of 

 them, and test the truth of my statements, which I may 

 say are founded on fact, and a very lengthened and 

 practical experience as a breeder, exhibitor and now for 

 many years as a judge, during which time I believe I 

 have kept most, and adjudicated on all, known varieties 

 of dogs, and on most of the breeds very often indeed. 



And considering the many thousands of dogs, which 

 have come under my notice, I am bound to say, on the 

 whole, I have not had much to complain of, in my treat- 

 ment by the exhibitors, which have often included Her 

 Majesty the Queen, a well-known lover of animals, and 



