1 72 DOMESTICATED DOGS. 



swimming, and are thus more useful in the water. Most people 

 would understand, from the stress laid on web-feet in the water- 

 dogs, that the toes of the land-dogs were nearly as much divided 

 as those of man, but there are none so formed, and, as I before 

 remarked, the toes of all are united throughout by a strong 

 membrane. The coat in all the water-dogs is woolly and thickly 

 matted, often curly, and in all more or less oily, so as to resist 

 the action of the water. This oil is rank in smell, and hence 

 they are all unfit to be inmates of our houses, which is a strong 

 objection even to the poodle as a toy-dog. As, therefore, we have 

 no ground for separating the land from the water dogs by this 

 strong line, I have not- attempted to do so, but have grouped 

 them according to the divisions under which they naturally fall. 



The Old English water-spaniel is particularly fond of the 

 water, and will enter it in almost all weathers by choice, while 

 it never is too cold for him when any game is on it. His powers 

 of swimming and diving are immense, and he will continue in 

 it for hours together, after which he gives his coat a shake and 

 is soon dry. Indeed, when he first comes out he does not seem 

 thoroughly wet, his oiled and woolly coat appearing to set at 

 defiance the approach of water. His nose is pretty good, and 

 he is capable of an excellent education ; but it takes some time to 

 break him thoroughly, as he is required to be completely under 

 command, and is a very restless dog by nature, whereas his 

 duties demand perfect silence. There are generally said to be 

 two distinct breeds, one larger than the other, but in other 

 respects alike. 



His points are as follows : — Head long and narrow, eyes small, 

 and ears of medium length, covered with thick curly hair, Body- 

 stout, but elegantly formed, with strong loins and round barrel- 

 like chest, which is broad across the shoulders. The legs are 



