Selection of the Dog 



disposition. Occasionally a specimen may be found 

 that is good-natured and friendly, but as a rule they 

 are very reserved and repel the attentions of any- 

 one but the master. He is a very active dog and re- 

 quires a great deal of freedom. In New York he 

 has come to be known as the fire dog, because of 

 the frequency with which he is iound about fire 

 houses. 



The Spitz, Samoyede, Chow, and Eskimo dogs 

 all have the same general characteristics, varying 

 only in size and color. They are strong, compact, 

 and husky, liberally covered with hair to protect 

 them from the severe cold of their native lands. 

 Although quite popular as pets it is hardly justifi- 

 able to confine them to the house because of their 

 heavy coats. While usually good natured they often 

 exhibit a sharp temper which even their owners find 

 difficult to control. 



Large Dogs. — All of this group of dogs are, in 

 their natural state, hard working animals. They 

 are bred for duties which require strength and 

 speed. Some of the largest, notably the Great Dane 

 and the St. Bernard, have the most amiable dis- 

 positions and cool even temper, which particularly 

 fits them as companions for children. Their huge 

 size, however, eliminates them as pets except where 

 unlimited freedom can be provided. 



(i) Collie. — Of this class of dogs the collie is 

 most frequently seen in the city. This dog, a native 

 of Scotland, was developed to herd the flocks over 



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