726 
MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 
and the numerous flocks committed to the charge of a single 
shepherd, a duty which he could not possibly perform but for 
the invaluable services of this sagacious animal. A word or 
signal from the shepherd will direct the dog so as to conduct 
the flock to any point required, and that signal he will obey 
with energy and unerring certainty. 
Some have imagined the shepherd's dog destitute of the 
social characters for which most dogs are remarkable, and 
that his nature is sullen and sleepy ; these, however, origin¬ 
ate in mistaking the true virtues of the animal. Accus¬ 
tomed to the company of his master alone in those dreary 
and unfrequented wilds, he naturally acquires a thoughtful 
and expressive gravity; and, like man himself, when unac¬ 
customed to society, he becomes habitually taciturn and shy 
This is his character in remote situations; for where he is 
accustomed to see strangers, he exhibits all the amiable qua¬ 
lities of other dogs. His sagacity, affection, fidelity, compre¬ 
hensive penetration and activity are exceeded by no other 
dogs ; the frequent excursions he necessarily makes during 
the day afford him sufficient exercise. This is his character 
all over Europe. 
Of the wonderful susceptibility for training, the following 
anecdotes will sufficiently illustrate the intelligence of the 
shepherd s dog. 
Few instances of greater sagacity in a dog can be adduced 
than the following :—The owner himself having been hanged 
some years before for sheep-stealing, this fact, among 
others respecting his dog, was fully authenticated by evi¬ 
dence on the trial. When the man intended to steal a sheep, 
he did not do it himself, but directed his dog to perform the 
business. With this view, under pretence of looking at the 
sheep with an intention to purchase them, he went over the 
grounds with the dog at his feet, to whom he secretly gave a 
