CLASSIFICATION OF DOGS. 23 



and undervalue all others ; or, again, there may be a spirit 

 of indifference to all breeds except the favorite one. We 

 think that the best attitude of mind for the cynologist to 

 assume is one of calm criticism, endeavoring to see the 

 good and the weak points of each breed and recognizing 

 that individuals of all breeds differ greatly in merit. 



The assumed object of every club is to improve the 

 breed to which it is devoted by publishing a standard con- 

 sidered correct, encouraging breeding to the true type 

 both physical and psychical by giving prizes for animals 

 bred nearest to the standard, and encouraging esprit de 

 corps among the members. 



It is also common to name certain individuals, either 

 from among the members only or including outsiders, to 

 act as judges at shows, believing that the true type of 

 dog will thus be best selected. 



The advantages of all this is obvious ; the dangers of 

 specialty clubs not so apparent. 



The history of all specialism seems to show that nar- 

 rowness and intellectual myopia are the usual pitfalls. In 

 seeking for improvement, minor points are apt to be 

 unduly valued and general soundness of make-up and 

 physical and mental stamina too little considered, with also 

 a strong tendency to go to extremes. It can not be denied, 

 however, that without such specialism the dog would never 

 have been advanced to the numerous distinct varieties, 

 beautiful in form and attractive in qualities, that we find 

 to-day. Never before were dogs, on the whole, so typical 

 and so perfect ; at all events, in such large numbers. 



Without dog shows the work would have been much 

 slower if not impossible, as they are, without doubt, the 



