THE SHEEP DOG.
This is not only the most important of all our domestic breeds, but it is second to none for intelligence and devotion. It is quite a rare thing to find a Shepherd’s Dog who will offer the slightest violence to the animals under its care; and it can often be trusted almost with the entire management of the flock, driving them from place to place, gathering them together to be counted, and making altogether a far more valuable assistant to the shepherd than any human being could possibly be. The Dog is wholly devoted to the work, and his obedience and skill are perfect, penning the Sheep from field after field, for his owner, who foots it slowly after him, and finds the flock ready to his hand. It used to be credibly reported to us in our boyhood, that some of these Dogs would lay themselves down by a Sheep that had got cast (i.e., was weltering, back downwards, in the clayey furrow, and, loaded with wet and heavy wool, had lost power to rise); these Dogs, it was said, would push their arched spine against the helpless Sheep, and give them sufficient leverage to enable them to rise.
There are different kinds of Sheep Dogs found in different countries—there are, for instance, the English, the Scotch, and the French breeds. The Scotch Drover’s Dog is also a well-marked sub-breed. The Scotch Shepherd’s Dog, or Colley ([see figure on p. 120]), is now a good deal used as a pet: it is a very beautiful Dog, with a slender muzzle, small feet, long straight hair forming a sort of ruff round the neck; and, beneath this, a sort of under-coat of very soft fine hair. The origin of the Shepherd’s Dog is, according to Mr. Youatt, “somewhat various; but the predominant breed is that of the intelligent and docile Spaniel.”
THE POMERANIAN DOG
is a breed often seen in London streets. It is a beautiful Dog of medium size, with long, usually white, hair, straight ears, and a tufted tail. ([See figure on p. 125.])
THE CUR
is a cross between the Sheep Dog and the Terrier.
THE LURCHER
was originally bred as a cross between the Sheep Dog and Greyhound, but was afterwards modified by a further cross with the Spaniel. It is used a good deal by poachers.
The next group of Dogs is conveniently known as Hounds; they are all used in the chase, and, being bred and selected especially for this work, are good for little else.