Useful Companions of Man. 81 
troduction, being the result of a cross with the terrier 
and Italian greyhound. Earlier crosses, twenty-five or 
thirty years ago, were, doubtless, intended to perfect the 
breeding of the ‘“‘snap-dog,” by adding speed to his 
qualification of killing the greatest number of rabbits. 
The later development is evident in the former. He is, 
therefore, a greyhound in miniature, possessing the 
elegance and grace of the original ancestry, combined 
with the pluck, and determination to “hold on,” which 
characterises the typical terrier. The whippet is now a 
pure bred dog, having secured a-place in the “Kennel 
Stud Book,” and is essentially a racing dog. As such he 
is rapidly coming into increased prominence. He is no 
less a show dog, sporting dog, or constant companion, 
and runs in all colours, as black, blue, brindle, or fawn, 
with a dash of white in some instances. The points are 
those of a good greyhound, with the exception that the 
head, comparatively speaking, is not so long or so fine, 
the prominence of the frontal bones, immediately above 
the eyes, being the stamp of the terrier breed. 
The Old English or Bob-tailed Sheep Dog.—This 
dog is justly entitled to greater consideration than he has 
hitherto received among the numerous exhibits at the 
various dog shows throughout England. His services 
have been mostly confined to the southern counties, by 
drovers of sheep and cattle ; he is not, therefore, so well 
known as he should be. Many specimens do not present 
an inviting appearance, being ill-fed and otherwise badly 
treated, which severely operate upon all animals, to the 
prejudice of their intelligence and cleverness. There are, 
however, among the members of the breed, not only well- 
shaped, active, and intelligent dogs, but some are really 
clever, and even beautiful creatures, and it may be 
inferred that if as much care were bestowed upon him as 
is given to the Scotch collie, the former would become 
a close rival for the honours now carried off by the latter. 
The Welsh origin of this dog has been strongly main- 
tained, the contending parties having omitted to master 
the details of their family history. Others have taken up 
the task, and rescued from oblivion the eres 
