That animals possess much individuality of character is well known, and it is amusingly illustrated in the history which the poet Cowper gives of his tame hares. I possess opportunities of frequently observing the conduct of a dog, who through life has displayed manifestations of a goodnature which distinguishes him from the generality of his canine brethren, and which, after subjecting him to much distress, has established him in a situation in which this amiable quality procures him proportionate esteem. He is of the Newfoundland race, and first saw the light in some part of North America. Being of robust stature, it was thought that he would be valuable on board ship, to which therefore he was consigned; and he would have fulfilled the expectations of his owner, if he had been required to plunge into the ocean to save a man from drowning. But he could not be made to understand that man could be otherwise than honest, or an enemy to man; and therefore, being judged too quiet for his situation, the poor dog was turned adrift in an English port, to obtain food and shelter wherever he could find it. His fine appearance and docility soon obtained him a master, but the same fault accompanied him; and it could not be believed that he could be of any service, when he would not snarl at a stranger, or quarrel with a neighbour. Twice therefore was this poor dog turned out to seek his casual fortune; and though a little food would suffice, and refuse fish as soon as any, poor Boatswain was in danger of being starved, when a little boy took compassion on his lank appearance and mild deportment, and by dint of entreaty obtained permission to assign him a resting-place; with the condition that, to provide him food, he would, in case of necessity, share with him a portion of his own. By the superior authorities this was a reluctant permission ; but his affectionate behaviour soon succeeded in effecting a reconciliation. It is amusing to see how fondly this poor creature is attached to all the members of the protecting family. A slight notice is acknowledged rather by an inward than an outward rejoicing, and he will suffer without a murmur a rejection, and even expulsion from a favourite situation, — frequently even on the utterance of a simple command. But his most characteristic expression is when he manifests similar kindly feelings to his canine brethren, many of whom are too surly to accept them in the spirit in which they are offered; and the appearance of mortified disappointment in his countenance, when his approaches to friendly intercourse are met by a growl, are exceedingly expressive. He appears pleased at the liberties taken with him by children; and when these become an annoyance, the utmost amount of his displeasure is shewn by an unceremonious thrust that lays them prostrate. On one occasion, when a determination was manifested to ride on his back, after suffering it for awhile, he disposed of the inconvenience by dismounting the rider into the gutter. There is only one unamiable trait in his disposition, which is the pleasure he seems to take in annoying any stray ass he may chance to meet. His only spontaneous attacks are directed against that persecuted animal. A long walk is also to him an abomination; and on one occasion, after accompanying a lady to the distance of half a mile from the beach to the next village, he returned to the seaside, sprung from the rock into the sea, and followed the boat that had brought him, in the confidence that he should not receive a rejection. (62 - 64)

The modes employed by dogs of different races in capturing and devouring the Crab, and especially that pugnacious species the Velvet Crab (Portunus puber), well illustrate the experience which has become propagated in the breed, over the ignorance of the uninitiated. On the first discovery of the prey, a Terrier runs in to seize it, and is immediately and severely bitten in the nose. But a sedate Newfoundland Dog of my acquaintance proceeds more soberly in his work. He lays his paw on it, to arrest it in its escape: then tumbling it over, he bares his teeth, and, seizing it with the mouth, throws the Crab aloft: it falls upon the stones: the shell is cracked beyond redemption; and then the dainty dish is devoured at his leisure. (179)