by preconcerted signal, but nevertheless it was remarkably well managed, and showed a degree of intelligence and discipline worthy of a better purpose. Dancing dogs are also generally poodles, and indeed nearly all canine actors are of that description, including Sir Bulwer Lytton's impersonation of the tribe in "What will he do with it," where the character of "Sir Isaac " is drawn to the life.

The poodle is characterised by a large wide head, rising sharply at the forehead, long falling ears clothed with thick curly hair, rather small eyes, square muzzle, with a liberal allowance of jowl, and a sedate appearance till roused by any prospect of fun. A well-formed pointer-like body, but covered with thick closely curling hair, hanging down in ringlets below; tail usually cropped more or less, naturally covered with crisp curls. Legs straight, and covered all round with hair hanging in short ringlets. Feet small and round, and moderately hairy. Colour white or black, or white and black. Height from 16 to 20 inches.

The barbet is merely a small variety of the poodle, which it resembles in all respects but size.

MALTESE DOG.

This beautiful little dog is a Skye terrier in miniature, with, however, a far more silky coat, a considerably shorter back, and a tail stiffly curved over the hip.

"Psyche," the original of the engraving, was bred by Mr. Lukey, of Morden, direct from the parent stock, being by "Cupid" out of "Psyche," who were both brought from Manilla in 1841, and bought there at a high price by Captain Lukey, of the East India Company's service. They were intended as a present for the Queen, but after being nine months on board

Points.-The weight should never exceed 5 or 6 lbs. Head closely resembling that of the Skye, but with more shining and silky hair. Coat as long as that dog's; but more transparent and silky. Actions lively and playful, and altogether rendering it a pleasing pet. The tail is curved over the back, very small and short, with a brush of silky hair. Colour white, with an occasional patch of fawn on the ear or paw. The breed was so scarce some time ago, as to induce Sir E. Landseer to paint one as the last of his race; since which several have been imported from Malta, and, though still scarce, they are now to be obtained. The little bitch from which the above portrait was sketched is the property of Miss Gibbs, of Morden, and is descended from parents imported by Mr. Lukey direct from Manilla.

THE POMERANIAN OR SPITZ DOG.

This cheerful little dog is extremely common on the Continent of Europe, where it goes by the name of Loup-loup. Until lately

ship were found on their arrival in England not presentable, from their coats having been entirely neglected during the voyage. "Psyche" is now twenty months old, pure white, weighs 3 lbs., measures in length of hair across the shoulders 15 inches, and when in her gambols presents in appearance a ball of animated floss silk, her tail falling on her back like spun glass. Of all the canine pets this breed is the most lovable, being extremely animated and sagacious, full of natural tricks, and perfectly free from the defects of the spaniel, viz. snoring and an offensive breath, being naturally cleanly and capable of instruction.

it was very rare in England, but within the last twenty years it has become very common as a house dog. It is not recognised, however, by the fanciers, and is not prized highly by any one,

being of no use but as a companion. The head is very fox-like, with pricked ears and a sharp nose; neck thick, and covered with a ruff of woolly hair; body also clothed with thick woolly hair, not curled; legs free from hair. Tail carried high, and curled over the back, but not so closely as that of the pug dog. Colour generally white, sometimes a pale cream colour, and more rarely black.

THE LION DOG.

This toy dog appears to be crossed between the poodle and the Maltese dog, being curly like the former, but without his long ears and square visage. He is now very seldom seen in this country, and is not prized among fanciers of the canine species. Like the poodle he was generally shaved to make him resemble the lion.

THE SHOCK DOG.

This dog also is now almost unknown. But formerly he was very generally kept as a toy dog. He is said to have been a cross between the poodle and small spaniel, both of which varieties he resembled in part.

TOY SPANIELS.

Two breeds are known and recognised under this head, namely, the King Charles and the Blenheim spaniels, the former being slightly the larger of the two, and by most people considered the more handsome. To an ordinary observer the chief points of distinction in the King Charles are, the colour, which is black and tan more or less mixed with white, the less the better; and the length