PREFACE. 



Among the various scientific and anecdotical writings in the 

 English language on The Dog, it might be thought that the sub- 

 ject was exhausted, and that nothing remained to be done by 

 the most careful observer of the habits and external forms of the 

 varieties of this animal. But let any one seek for specific infor- 

 mation upon several points connected with even well-marked and 

 generally-recognised kinds, and he will soon be brought to confess 

 that he is lost in doubt and uncertainty. For instance, where 

 shall we find a sufficient description of the spaniels and terriers, 

 or of the various retrievers for which such, large sums are often 

 given ? Who will be able to discover, from any written account, 

 the difference between the springer and the cocker, or between 

 the Clumber and Sussex spaniels ? Who, again, will tell us the 

 colours and forms of the Skye and Dandie Dinmont terriers, or the 

 characteristics of the English toy terriers, pugs, and Maltese dogs ? 

 Yet there are thousands and tens of thousands who take a great 

 interest in these animals, and who would spare neither money nor 

 trouble to ascertain the exact properties of the variety to which 

 each individual of their acquaintance belongs. Daniel, Youatt, 

 and Pdchardson have all laboured hard to enlighten their readers 

 upon the varieties of the canine species, and have no doubt done 

 much towards the attainment of this end ; but, as I before re- 

 marked, the deficiencies in their descriptions are patent to all. 



