THE SHEPHERDS DOG 7II 



quainted with the extent of his beat, but also with 

 every individual in the flock ; he will most carefully 

 select his own, and drive off such as encroach on 

 his limits. This appears the more extraordinary, 

 when we consider the vast extent of mountain country 

 (especially in Scotland), and the numerous flocks com- 

 mitted to the charge of a single shepherd, a duty 

 which he could not possibly perform but for the in- 

 valuable services of this sagacious animal. A word 

 or signal from the shepherd will direct the dog so 

 as to conduct the flock to any point required, and 

 that signal he will obey with energy and unerring 

 certainty. 



Some have imagined the shepherd's dog destitute of 

 the social characters for which most dogs are remark- 

 able, and that his nature is sullen and sleepy ; these, 

 however, originate in mistaking the true virtues of 

 the animal. Accustomed to the company of his 

 master alone in those dreary and unfrequented wilds, 

 he naturally acquires a thoughtful and expressive 

 gravity ; and, like man himself, when unaccustomed 

 to society, he becomes habitually taciturn and shy. 

 This is his character in remote situations ; for where 

 he is accustomed to see strangers, he exhibits all the 

 amiable qualities of other dogs. His sagacity, affec- 

 tion, fidelity, comprehensive penetration and activity 

 are exceeded by no other dogs ; the frequent ex- 

 cursions he necessarily makes during the day afford 

 him sufficient exercise. This is his character all 

 over Europe. 



Of the wonderful susceptibility for training, the 

 following anecdotes will sufficiently illustrate the in- 

 telligence of the shepherd's dog. 



Few instances of greater sagacity in a dog can be 

 adduced than the following : — The owner himself 



