PREFACE. 
AmonG the various scientific and anecdotical writings in the 
English language on The Dog, it might be thought that the subject 
was exhausted, and that nothing remained to be done by the most 
careful observer of the habits and external forms of the varieties 
of this animal. But let any one seek for specific information 
upon several points connected with even well-marked and gene- 
rally recognised kinds, and he-will soon be brought to confess 
that he is lost in doubt and uncertainty. For instance, where 
shall we find a sufficient description of the spaniels and terriers, 
or of the various retrievers, for which such large sums are often 
given? Who will be able to discover, from any written account, 
the difference between the springer and the cocker, or between 
the Clumber and Sussex spaniels? Who, again, will tell us the 
colours and forms of the Skye and Dandie Dinmont terriers, or the 
characteristics of the English toy-terriers, pugs, and Maltese dogs ? 
Yet there are thousands and tens of thousands who take a great 
interest in these animals, and who would spare neither money nor 
trouble to ascertain the exact properties of the variety to which 
each individual of their acquaintance belongs. Daniel, Youatt, 
and Richardson have all laboured hard to enlighten their readers 
upon the varieties of the canine species, and have no doubt done 
much towards the attainment of this end; but, as I before 
remarked, the deficiencies in their descriptions are patent to all. 
