One of the most intelligent breeds in existence, that of the Poodle, lends itself especially to becoming a pet or companion, soon becoming warmly attached to its owner, very quick at learning what is required of it, and very smart and vigilant as a guard. Although, in ordinary life, we principally see the curly variety, at all the leading shows, we see specimens of the "corded variety" both white and black in colour, and with coats quite fearful and wonderful to behold, hanging in festoons of cords or tags, in some cases of such length as to sweep the ground as they walk along, which must be a considerable inconvenience to the dogs, as well as their owners. There has been much correspondence and discussion on the subject, but I think, after a lengthened acquaintance with the breed, and having seen and handled nearly all the best specimens brought forward during the last twenty-five years, there is no doubt there are two vari-ties, corded and curly, and although they have been sometimes interbred, there are corded specimens which would be corded under any circumstances, and there are curly ones that could not be turned into corded, however long their coats were left alone.

I speak from my own experience, as I have had Poodles which were never anything else but curly, whether clipped or undipped, and others with coats that would soon become corded if not attended to. I know this is not a general opinion, but it is my impression of the breed. It used to be supposed there were only two colours for Poodles, black and white, but of late years we have seen some very beautiful specimens black and white, red, brown, slate colour, and grey, and different shades of those colours, and so many new breeders and exhibitors of these dogs have appeared in this country and abroad, that I think they may be said to be in more favour than ever, and at most of the larger shows command large entries and attract a great deal of attention from the public, I am told. I had the record entry of eighty specimens at the Ladies' KA Show at Ranelagh Park, 1896. Of course, any breed which requires exceptional care in its preparation, and which so soon gives evidence of any neglect (as in the case of an unshaven and untrimmed Poodle), will always have a limited number of active adherents, but irrespective of their value for sporting purposes (in the same way as the English and Irish Water Spaniels and the Retrievers), all who have kept any of them will know they are full of merit, good tempered as a rule, born humourists, fond of children, grand swimmers, excellent guards, and very affectionate and faithful to their owners and friends.

A very high authority, both as a breeder, exhibitor and judge, has set out the points of a correct Poodle as follows: - head long, straight and fine; skull rather narrow and peaked at back, very slight "stop;" long, strong and fine jaw, not full in cheek; teeth white and level; lips black and rather tight fitting; gums and roof of mouth black; nose sharp and black; eyes very dark brown, full of fire and intelligence, nearly almond shaped, leather of ears long and wide, hanging close to face; well proportioned neck of fair length and strength; strong muscular shoulders, sloping well to back; deep and moderately wide chest; short, strong, slightly curved back; broad muscular loins; ribs well sprung and braced up; small round feet, toes well arched, pads thick and hard; well set, straight legs, with plenty of bone and muscle; hind legs very muscular and well bent, hocks well let down; tail not curled over back, but carried rather gaily and set on high; coat profuse and of good texture, not silky; if corded, hanging in tight, even cords; if curled, in strong, thick curls, of even length, without knots or cords. Colours should be self, whites and blacks seem to be the most popular.

The general appearance is that of a very active, intelligent and elegant looking dog, stepping out well and carrying himself proudly.

CORDED POODLE Ch. "MODEL." MADME DAGOIS owner.

CURLY POODLE CH.RUFUS Mr R. LONG OWNER.