THE POODLE 71 



most of the learned Poodles, and one remembers the instance 

 of the Poodle of the Pont Neuf , who had the habit of dirtying 

 the boots of the passers-by in order that his master a shoe- 

 black stationed half-way across the bridge might enjoy the 

 profit of cleaning them. In Belgium Poodles were systematic- 

 ally trained to smuggle valuable lace, which was wound round 

 their shaven bodies and covered with a false skin. These 

 dogs were schooled to a dislike of all men in uniform, and con- 

 sequently on their journey between Mechlin and the coast 

 they always gave a wide berth to the Customs officers. On 

 the Continent Poodles of the larger kind are often used for 

 draught work. 



There can be little doubt that the breed originated in Ger- 

 many, where it is known as the Pudel, and classed as the Canis 

 familiaris Aquaticus. In form and coat he would seem to be 

 closely related to the old Water-dog, and the resemblance 

 between a brown Poodle and an Irish Water Spaniel is re- 

 markable. The Poodle is no longer regarded as a sporting 

 dog, but at one period he was trained to retrieve waterfowl, 

 and he still on occasion displays an eager fondness for the 

 water. 



Throughout Europe and in the United States wherever 

 these dogs are kept it is usual to clip the coat on the face, 

 the legs, and the hinder part of the body, leaving tufts of hair 

 on the thighs and a ring of hair on the pasterns. The origin 

 and purpose of the custom are not apparent, but now that 

 Poodles are almost always kept as house dogs, this mode of 

 ornamentation at least commends itself by reducing the 

 labour of daily grooming if the coat is to be maintained in 

 good condition and the dog to be a pleasant associate. 



The profuse and long coat of this dog has the peculiarity 

 that if not kept constantly brushed out it twists up into little 

 cords which increase in length as the new hair grows and 

 clings about it. The unshed old hair and the new growth 

 entwined together thus become distinct rope-like cords. 

 Eventually, if these cords are not cut short, or accidentally 



