Selection of the Dog 



healthy little animal and consequently very resistant 

 to disease. He is somewhat exclusive in his friend- 

 ships and occasionally exhibits a marked degree of 

 temper. His courage and boldness often acquire 

 for him an immunity against much deserved punish- 

 ment. Although seemingly combative, when it 

 comes to a showdown he is mostly bluff. 



(2) Pomeranian. — The Pomeranian is a bright, 

 active, and affectionate little dog. Being very timid 

 and highly nervous he is often snappy with 

 strangers. He is not so vigorous as the Pekingese 

 nor does he possess as great a resistance to disease. 

 This weakness has been much exaggerated in late 

 years by the tendency of breeders to strive to pro- 

 duce exceptionally small specimens. 



(3) Poodle. — ^The Toy Poodle by far outnum- 

 bers all other toys. He is supposed to be very in- 

 telligent and is used extensively in animal acts. 

 Although toward their owners they are most affec- 

 tionate and loving, with others they are the most 

 treacherous dogs living. It is because of this that 

 they are so unpopular with all who are called upon 

 to handle strange dogs. Poodles are very sickly 

 animals, suffering much from indigestion, eczema 

 and acute pulmonary diseases. The eyes, almost 

 invariably, discharge a serous fluid which discolors 

 the hair around them. Their long white coats re- 

 quire much combing and bathing. 



Small Dogs. — ^The terriers of the second group, 

 with the exception of the Boston, were developed 



127 



