CARNIVORES 
5i8 
that of the coyote, but when it for the first time sees any new and startling object 
it attempts a kind of bark. 
Under the title of Pomeranian dog are included a large and a 
Pomeranian Dog. variety, of which the latter is represented in the figure on the 
preceding page. The Pomeranian may be regarded as the nearest ally of the 
Eskimo dog, and is a middle-sized or small animal, of strong build, with a sharply- 
pointed muzzle, upright and pointed ears, and a thick bushy tail generally carried 
curled over the back. The fur is long and coarse, and varies in colour from black 
through grey, yellowish, and foxy-red to pure white; the darker varieties usually 
have a lighter patch on the forehead, and also white marks on the feet. The larger 
Pomeranian was formerly used as a wolf-dog, and should properly be of a pale 
fawn-colour, without any admixture of white, and with black “ points.” 
The smaller Pomeranian is a better-known animal, although it has the 
disadvantage of being somewhat uncertain in temper. The spitz, as this variety 
is often called, is employed as a sheep-dog in its native country, and is then 
most esteemed 'when entirely black. There is, however, on the Continent an 
almost complete transition from the pure black to the white spitz, which was 
the one most commonly met with in England, till the black breed came into 
fashion. A well-bred white spitz ought to have a black tip to the nose; and 
in all cases the ears should be perfectly upright, without any tendency to fall 
over at the tips. The heavily-furred curly tail is generally carried on the left 
side of the body. The fur on the throat forms a thick frill or ruff, and there is 
a considerable amount of long hair on the fore-legs. The face has only very 
short hair. 
Closely resembling the spitz in appearance is the Chinese sheep-dog, the 
general colour of which is reddish, with a mixture of dark brown hairs in the 
fur of the back, which gives it a somewhat speckled look. 
The sheep-dog and its ally the Scotch collie depart more from 
the wolf-like type than the species hitherto noticed, in having the 
tips of the ears pendent. According to “ Stonehenge,” the old English sheep-dog 
has a sharp muzzle, medium-sized head, with small and piercing eyes; a well¬ 
shaped body, formed after the model of a strong low greyhound, but clothed in 
long and somewhat thick and woolly hair, which is particularly strong about the 
neck and bosom. The tail is naturally strong and bushy. In almost all sheep¬ 
dogs there is a double dew-claw on each hind-leg, and very often without any bony 
attachment. The legs and feet are strong and well-formed, and stand road-work 
well, and the untiring nature of the dog is very remarkable. The colour varies 
greatly, but most are grey, or black, or brown, with more or less white. Many of 
the sheep-dogs used in England have, however, been crossed with other breeds, and 
thus depart more or less widely from the original type. 
The sheep-dog of France and Genii any is very similar in general appearance to 
the English breed, showing the same indifference to caresses and the same attention 
to its particular business. Sheep-dogs commence their training during their first 
year, and learn their work with wonderful rapidity. On the Continent they are 
employed not only in tending sheep, but likewise goats and cattle; but in England 
the variety known as the drover’s dog is more generally used for cattle herding. 
