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. EYES--Almond 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--Fore-legs set straight from shoulder, with plenty of bone and muscle. Hind-legs 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 have dark amber eyes, dark liver nose, lips, and toe-nails. THE BLUE POODLE should be of even colour, and have dark eyes, lips, and toe-nails. All the other points of White, Red, and Blue poodles should be the same as the perfect Black Poodle. N.B.--It is strongly recommended that only one-third of the body be clipped or shaved, and that the hair on the forehead be left on. CHAPTER XII THE SCHIPPERKE The Schipperke may fitly be described as the Paul Pry of canine society. His insatiate inquisitiveness induces him to poke his nose into everything; every strange object excites his curiosity, and he will, if possible, look behind it; the slightest noise arouses his attention, and he wants to investigate its cause. There is no end to his liveliness, but he moves about with almost catlike agility without upsetting any objects in a room, and when he hops he has a curious way of catching up his hind legs. The Schipperke's disposition is most affectionate, tinged with a good deal of jealousy, and even when made one of the household he generally attaches himself more particularly to one person, whom he "owns," and whose protection he deems his special duty. These qualities endear the Schipperke as a canine companion, with a quaint and lovable character; and he is also a capital vermin dog. When properly entered he cannot be surpassed as a "ratter."