72 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



torn off, they drag along the ground, and so prevent the poor 

 animal from moving with any degree of comfort or freedom. 

 Some few owners, who admire and cultivate these long cords, 

 keep them tied up in bundles on the dog's back, but so un- 

 natural and unsightly a method of burdening the animal 

 is not to be commended. 



Corded Poodles are very showy, and from the remarkable 

 appearance of the coat, attract a great deal of public attention 

 when exhibited at shows ; but they have lost popularity 

 among most fanciers, and have become few in number owing 

 to the obvious fact that it is impossible to make pets of them 

 or keep them in the house. The reason of this is that the coat 

 must, from time to time, be oiled in order to keep the cords 

 supple and prevent them from snapping, and, of course, as 

 their coats cannot be brushed, the only way of keeping the 

 dog clean is to wash him, which with a corded Poodle is a 

 lengthy and laborious process. Further, the coat takes hours 

 to dry, and unless the newly washed dog be kept in a warm 

 room he is very liable to catch cold. The result is, that the 

 coats of corded Poodles are almost invariably dirty, and 

 somewhat smelly. 



At one time it was suggested that cordeds and non-cordeds 

 were two distinct breeds, but it is now generally accepted 

 that the coat of every well-bred Poodle will, if allowed, develop 

 cords. 



Curly Poodles, on the other hand, have advanced con- 

 siderably in favour. Their coats should be kept regularly 

 brushed and combed and, if washed occasionally, they will 

 always be smart and clean, and pleasant companions in the 

 house. 



The four colours usually considered correct are black, white, 

 brown, and blue. White Poodles are considered the most 

 intelligent, and it is certain that professional trainers of per- 

 forming dogs prefer the white variety. The black come next in 

 the order of intelligence, and easily surpass the brown and 

 blue, which are somewhat lacking in true Poodle character. 



