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74 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM

use when a lesson is to be taught, as the dog will probably associate his tasks with a thrashing and go through them in that unwilling, cowed, tail-between-legs fashion which too often betrays the unthinking hastiness of the master, and is the chief reason why the Poodle has sometimes been regarded as a spiritless coward.

The Poodle bitch makes a good mother, rarely giving trouble in whelping, and the puppies are not difficult to rear. Their chief dangers are gastritis and congestion of the lungs, which can be avoided with careful treatment. It should be remembered that the dense coat of the Poodle takes a long time to dry after being wetted, and that if the dog has been out in the rain, and got his coat soaked, or if he has been washed or allowed to jump into a pond, you must take care not to leave him in a cold place or to lie inactive before he is perfectly dry.

Most Poodles are kept in the house or in enclosed kennels, well protected from draught and moisture, and there is no difficulty in so keeping them, as they are naturally obedient and easily taught to be clean in the house and to be regular in their habits.

The coat of a curly Poodle should be kept fleecy and free from tangle by being periodically combed and brushed. The grooming keeps the skin clean and healthy, and frequent washing, even for a white dog, is not necessary. The dog will, of course, require clipping from time to time. In Paris at present it is the fashion to clip the greater part of the body and hind-quarters, but the English Poodle Club recommends that the coat be left on as far down the body as the last rib, and it is also customary with us to leave a good deal of coat on the hind-quarters.

Probably the best-known Poodle of his day in this country was Ch. The Model, a black corded dog belonging to Mr. H. A. Dagois, who imported him from the Continent. Model was a medium-sized dog, very well proportioned, and with a beautifully moulded head and dark, expressive eyes, and I

THE POODLE   75

believe was only once beaten in the show ring. He died some few years ago at a ripe old age, but a great many of the bestknown Poodles of the present day claim relationship to him. One of his most famous descendants was Ch. The joker, also black corded, who was very successful at exhibitions. Another very handsome dog was Ch. Vladimir, again a black corded, belonging to Miss Haulgrave.

Since 1905 the curly Poodles have very much improved, and the best specimens of the breed are now to be found in their ranks. Ch. Orchard Admiral, the property of Mrs. Crouch, a son of Ch. The Joker and Lady Godiva, is probably the best specimen living. White Poodles, of which Mrs. Crouch's Orchard White Boy is a notable specimen, ought to he more widely kept than they are, but it must be admitted that the task of keeping a full-sized white Poodle's coat clean in a town is no light one.

Toy White Poodles, consequently, are very popular. The toy variety should not exceed fifteen inches in height at the shoulder, and in all respects should be a miniature of the fullsized dog, with the same points.


POINTS OF THE PERFECT POODLE : General Appearance-That of a very active, intelligent, and elegant-looking dog, well built, and carrying himself very proudly. Head-Long, straight, and fine, the skull not broad, with a slight peak at the back. Muzzle----Long (but not snipy) and strong-not full in cheek ; teeth white, strong, and level ; gums black, lips black and not showing lippiness. EyesAlmond shaped, very dark, full of fire and intelligence. Nose-Black and sharp. Ears-The leather long and wide, low set on, hanging close to the face. Neck-Well proportioned and strong, to admit of the head being carried high and with dignity. Shoulders-Strong and muscular, sloping well to the back. Chest-Deep and moderately wide. Back-Short, strong, and slightly hollowed, the loins broad and muscular, the ribs well sprung and braced up. Feet-Rather small, and of good shape, the toes well arched, pads thick and hard. Legs-Forelegs set straight from shoulder, with plenty of bone and muscle. Hindlegs very muscular and well bent, with the hocks well let down. Tail— Set on rather high, well carried, never curled or carried over back. Coat-Very profuse, and of good hard texture ; if corded, hanging in tight, even cords ; if non-corded, very thick and strong, of even length, the curls close and thick, without knots or cords. Colours-All black, all white, all red, all blue. The White Poodle should have dark eyes, black or very dark liver nose, lips, and toe-nails. The Red Poodle should


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