7IO MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY 



as well as on the back of the fore-legs. The body- 

 is somewhat elongated, and the legs rather short. 

 There is a character which pervades most of the 

 individuals of this race, namely, that their feet are 

 provided with one, and frequently with two super- 

 fluous toes, which are destitute of bony adhesion or 

 muscular action, and hang dangling at the hind part 

 of the leg more like an unnatural excrescence than 

 a necessary appendage to the animal. But as 

 '* Nature has made nothing in vain," these must 

 certainly be destined for some useful purpose with 

 which we are yet unacquainted. These dew-claws, 

 as they are termed, are sometimes found in the spaniel, 

 pointer, and cur-dogs ; in the two former they are 

 generally cut off at an early age, as they are impedi- 

 ments in covers, and frequently get torn, thereby 

 creating sores, and sometimes rendering the dog lame 

 for days together. The shepherd's dog seldom 

 reaches two feet in height. 



This truly useful and intelligent animal is exceeded 

 by no other member of the canine race. He is re- 

 markable for his placid, obedient, serene, and grateful 

 character. He is ever alive to the slightest indica- 

 tion of his master's wishes, pronjpt and gratified to 

 execute them, and he seems to enjoy the highest 

 delight when employed in any kind of useful service. 

 Formed by nature with an instinctive propensity to 

 industry, he is never more pleased than in exerting 

 his talents for the benefit of man, and in affording 

 constant proofs of his inviolable attachment. 



The inherent calmness, patience, and devoted 

 faithfulness of the shepherd's dog render him in- 

 sensible to all attractions beyond the arduous duties 

 connected with the flock under his care. When once 

 properly trained, he not only becomes perfectly ac- 



