Dogs vary widely in color, form and size; in adaptation to climate from
the hairless forms of the tropics to the heavily fur-coated Eskimo
breeds; and in size from tiny lapdogs no larger than kittens to great
Danes standing three feet high at the shoulder. There are some two
hundred varieties which have resulted from the intercrossing of about
six leading types, namely: wolf-like dogs, greyhounds, spaniels, hounds,
mastiffs, and terriers.
Among sporting dogs, the bloodhound stands pre-eminent for its majesty
of appearance and beauty of color, and is distinguished for the keenness
of its scenting powers. The head of the bloodhound is long and narrow,
and “peaked” on the top of the skull. There is much loose skin about the
head, and the eye is sunken, showing the red skin beneath it.
The greyhound is remarkable for its fleetness of foot. In addition to
its beauty and elegance, it is of a very affectionate disposition.
Pointers and setters are much used by sportsmen in the field, and are
possessed of keen scent and cunning. The retriever, which is useful for
domestic as well as sporting purposes, is sagacious, good-tempered, and
intelligent. An English retriever, whether smooth or curly coated,
should be black or black and tan, or black with tabby or brindled legs.
Among the terriers, or vermin killers, the best-known varieties are the
fox terrier, the Skye terrier, and the Irish and Airedale terriers.
Spaniels are the oldest and the most useful generally of all breeds of
sporting dogs; earnest, untiring workmen in the fields, and faithful,
loving, and gentle companions when the day’s work is done. They are also
very beautiful, and universal favorites. The leading varieties are the
black spaniel, the lurcher, the Clumber, the Sussex, and the Norfolk
spaniels, and the Irish and English water spaniels.
Among other sporting dogs are the dachshund, which is crooked-legged,
jealous, and affectionate; the basset-hound, the beagle, the
otter-hound, the harrier, and the foxhound.
Among the large house dogs which are treasured as companions the most
notable are the St. Bernard, the Newfoundland, and the mastiff. The St.
Bernard is an extremely large and powerful fellow, a perfect giant among
dogs, with a beautiful head and speaking countenance, in which sagacity
is blended with nobility; and a body of great symmetry.
The Newfoundland, which is a capital swimmer, is a very large, jet-black
dog, with a large and massive head, with a long, straight coat and bushy
tail, and a face extremely expressive, and eyes that beam with
intelligence.
The mastiff is a large dog, with a majestic-looking head, and is either
fawn or brindle. The collie is a good companion, and a valuable sheep
dog. The Dalmatian, which is white with black spots, is well known as a
coach dog.
Among pet dogs, we have the fondled King Charles spaniel; the poodle,
which is a good performer of tricks; the active little pug; and the
watchful Pomeranian.