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THE POODLE. 



OF all the domesticated Dogs, the POODLE seems to be, take him all in all, the most 

 obedient and the most intellectual. Accomplishments the most difficult are mastered 

 by this clever animal, which displays an ease and intelligence in its performances that 

 appear to be far beyond the ordinary canine capabilities. 



A barbarous custom is prevalent of removing the greater portion of the Poodle's coat, 

 leaving him but a ruff round the neck and legs, and a puff on the tip of the tail as the 

 sole relic of his abundant fur. 



Such a deprivation is directly in opposition to the natural state of the Dog, which is 

 furnished with a peculiarly luxuriant fur, hanging in long ringlets from every portion of 

 the head, body, and limbs. The Poodle is not the only Dog that suffers a like tonsorial 

 abridgment of coat ; for under the dry arches of the many bridges that cross the Seine, 

 in Paris, may be daily seen a mournful spectacle. Numerous Dogs of every imaginable 

 and unimaginable breed, lie helpless in the shade of the arch, their legs tied together, and 

 their eyes contemplating with woeful looks the struggles of their fellows, who are being 

 shorn of their natural covering, and protesting with mournful cries against the operation. 



POODLE. Cania famillarls. 



There is a diminutive variety of the Poodle, which is termed the BARBET. This little 

 Dog is possessed of all the intellectual powers of its larger relative, and on account of 

 its comparatively small size, was formerly in great request as a lady's Dog. For this 

 enviable post it is well fitted, as it is a cleanly little creature, very affectionate, and full 

 of the oddest tricks and vagaries. 



Some years since, I made acquaintance with a comical little Dog, named " Quiz,'* 

 which I believe to have been a Barbet, though no one had ventured definitely to refer 

 the strange little creature to any known variety. 



He was very small, not larger than an ordinary rabbit, and was overwhelmed with 

 such a torrent of corkscrew curls that his entire shape was concealed under their 

 luxuriance.; and, when he was lying asleep on the sofa, he reminded the spectator of a 

 loose armful of mop thrums. While reposing, his head was quite undistinguishable from 



