62 THE POODLE. 
hair. One of these animals, which barely exceeded three pounds in weight, 
measured no less than fifteen inches in length of hair across the shoulders. 
The tail of the Maltese Dog curls strongly over the back, and adds its wreath 
of silken fur to the already superfluous torrent of glistening tresses. 
As the name implies, it was originally brought from Malta. It is a very 
scarce animal, and at one time was thought to be extinct; but there are 
still specimens to be obtained by those who have no objection to pay the 
price which is demanded for these pretty little creatures. 
Of all the domesticated Dogs, the POODLE seems to be, take him all in all, 
the most obedient and the most intellectual, Accomplishments the most 
difficult are mastered by this clever animal, which displays an ease and 
intelligence in its performances that appear to be far beyond the ordinary 
canine capabilities. 
A barbarous custom is prevalent of removing the greater portion of the 
THE POODLE.—(Canis familiaris.) 
Poodle’s coat, leaving him but a rf round the neck and legs, and a puff on 
the tip of the tail, as the sole relic ., nis abundant fur. 
Such a deprivation is directly in spposition to the natural state of the Dog, 
which is furnished with a peculiarly luxuriant fur, hanging in long ringlets 
from every portion of the heac, body, and limbs. The Poodle is not the only 
Dog that suffers a like tonsorial abridgment of coat ; for under the dry arches 
of the many bridges that cross the Seine, in Paris, may be daily seen a mourn- 
ful spectacle. Numerous dogs of every imaginable and unimaginable breed 
lie helpless in the shade of the arch, their legs tied together, and their eyes 
contemplating with woeful looks the struggles of their fellows, who are being 
shorn of their natural covering, and protesting with mournful cries against 
the operation. 
