and combed and,
if washed occasionally, they will always be smart and clean, and
pleasant companions in the house.

The four colours usually considered correct are black, white, brown,
and blue. White Poodles are considered the most intelligent, and it
is certain that professional trainers of performing dogs prefer the
white variety. The black come next in the order of intelligence, and
easily surpass the brown and blue, which are somewhat lacking in true
Poodle character.

No strict lines are drawn as regards brown, and all shades ranging
from cream to dark brown are classed as brown. Mrs. Robert Long a
few years ago startled her fellow-enthusiasts by exhibiting some
parti-coloured specimens; but they were regarded as freaks, and did
not become popular.

The points to be looked for in choosing a Poodle are, that he should
be a lively, active dog, with a long, fine head, a dark oval eye,
with a bright alert expression, short in the back, not leggy, but
by no means low on the ground, with a good loin, carrying his tail
well up; the coat should be profuse, all one colour, very curly, and
rather wiry to the touch.

If you buy a Poodle puppy you will find it like other intelligent
and active youngsters, full of mischief. The great secret in
training him is first to gain his affection. With firmness, kindness,
and perseverance, you can then teach him almost anything. The most
lively and excitable dogs are usually the easiest to train. It is
advantageous to teach your dog when you give him his meal of biscuit,
letting him have the food piece by piece as a reward when each trick
is duly performed. Never attempt to teach him two new tricks at a
time, and when instructing him in a new trick let him always go
through his old ones first. Make it an invariable rule never to be
beaten by him. If--as frequently is the case with your dogs--he
declines to perform a trick, do not pass it over or allow him to
substitute another he likes better; but, when you see he obstinately
refuses, punish him by putting away the coveted food for an hour or
two. If he once sees he can tire you out you will have no further
authority over him, while if you are firm he will not hold out against
you long. It is a bad plan to make a dog repeat too frequently a trick
which he obviously dislikes, and insistence on your part may do great
harm. The Poodle is exceptionally sensitive, and is far more
efficiently taught when treated as a sensible being rat