THE WATER-DOG. 155 



afterwards, and from a distance, he searches the spot where it 

 had been placed, until he finds it, and then returns it to his 

 master. This power has often been carried to a great degree 

 of perfection, and employed in perpetrating a destructive robbery 

 of ducks, and other water-fowl."* 



The rough water-dog is often kept on board ship, to recover 

 articles which may chance to fall into the water. Sir John 

 Sebright observes that, although there are many breeds of 

 water-dogs, varying in size and appearance, from the large 

 Newfoundland dog to the little poodle, yet there is one pro- 

 pensity common to them all they will fetch and carry, or bring 

 the game to their masters with very little or no teaching. This 

 property, he adds, may be considered as peculiar to water-dogs, 

 although it may be found in some few individuals of other 

 breeds 5 but it would require a great deal of time, and some 

 skill, to teach it to hounds, greyhounds, and other dogs. 



THE FRENCH POODLE. 



The French poodle may be easily recognised by the cut of its 

 coat, which is designed after the most fantastic patterns con- 

 ceivable. It is a quiet and sagacious creature, and, perhaps on 

 account of its trim dandified appearance, is more particularly 

 the canine companion of the effeminate exquisities during those 

 hours when they condescend to walk in the public parks or 

 streets. If well treated, the poodle shows great attachment to 

 its master, whether he be one of the common folk or one of the 

 beau monde. 



Among all the biographies of poodles, none will be 

 found more interesting than that of Moustache, who was 

 born at Falaise in Normandy, in 1799. At the tender age of 

 six months, he was disposed of to an eminent grocer, at Caen, 

 who treated him in the kindest manner. But strolling about 

 * Bell's British Quadrupeds (1837), p. 227. 



