THE ITALIAN WOLF-DOG 
CaNIS FAMILIARIS. Var. POMERANUS. 
Although regarded by BufFon, in common with the 
Shepherd's Dog, as an example of the species in the 
very lowest stage of cultivation, but one degree removed 
from a state of nature, the present variety is in fact 
one of the most intellectual of all the races of Dogs 
with which we are acquainted. This distinction is 
solely due, as we apprehend, to the unremitting atten- 
tion bestowed upon their education. By continued 
intercourse with man these valuable dogs have become 
more highly improved, in all that constitutes moral 
superiority, than almost any other breed ; the New- 
foundland Dog, the Esquimaux, and the Spaniel, alone 
evincing an equal share of docility, fidelity, and intel- 
ligence. 
According to BufFon, the breed in question are 
denominated olf-Dogs, " because they resemble the 
Wolf in ears and length of hair.'' Their ears, it is true, 
