Mammal Study 



265 



Fox terrier and pups. 



LESSON LXIII 

 DOGS 



Leading thought — The dog is a domesticated descendant of wolf-like 

 animals and has retained certain of the habits and characteristics of his 

 ancestors. 



Method — For the observation lesson it would be well to have at hand, a 

 well-disposed dog which would not object to being handled; a collie or a 

 hound would be preferable. Many of the questions should be given to 

 the pupils to answer from observations at home, and the lesson should be 

 built upon the experience of the pupils with dogs. 



Observations — i. Why are the legs of the dog long and strong in pro- 

 portion to the body compared with those of the cat? 



2. Compare the feet of the cat with those of the dog and note which 

 has the heavier pads. Why is this of use to each? 



3. Which has the stronger and heavier claws, the dog or the cat? 

 Can the dog retract his claws so that they are not visible, as does the cat? 

 Of what use is this arrangement to the dog? Are the front feet just like 

 the hind feet? How many toe impressions show in the track of the dog? 



4. What is the general characteristic of the body of the dog? Is it 

 soft like that of the cat, or lean and muscular? What is the difference 

 between the hair covering of the dog and cat? What is the attitude of 

 the dog when running fast? How many kinds of gaits has he? 



5. In general, how do the eyes of the dog differ from those of the 

 cat ? Does he rely as much upon his eyes for finding his prey as does the 

 cat? Can a dog see in the dark? What is the color of the dog's eyes? 



6. Study the ear of the dog ; is it covered? Is this outer ear movable, 

 is it a flap, or is it cornucopia shaped? How is this flap used when the 

 dog is listening? Roll a sheet of paper into a flaring tube and place the 



