DOGS. 693 



Points of the English Setter. The points of the English Setter as derived from 

 English sources are as follows: The Skull. The skull has a character peculiar to itself, some 

 what between that of the pointer and cocker spaniel, not so heavy as the former s, and larger 

 than the latter s. It is without the prominence of the occipital bone so remarkable in 

 the pointer, is also narrower between the ears, and there is a decided brow over the eyes. 



The Nose. The nose should be long and wide, without any fullness under the eyes. 

 There should be in the average dog setter at least four inches from the inner corner of the 

 eye to the end of the nose. Between the point and the root of the nose there should be a 

 slight depression at all events, there should be no fullness and the eyebrows should rise 

 sharply from it. The nostrils must be wide apart and large in the openings, and the end 

 should be moist and cool, though many a dog with exceptionally good scenting powers has 

 had a remarkably dry nose, amounting, in some cases, to roughness like that of shagreen. 

 In all setters the end of the nose should be black, or dark liver-colored, but in the very best 

 bred whites, or lemon and whites, pink is often met with, and may be pardoned in them. The 

 jaws should be exactly equal in length, a &quot;snipe nose,&quot; or &quot;pig jaw,&quot; as the receding lower 

 one is called, being greatly against its possessor. 



Ears, Lips, and Eyes. With regard to ears, they should be shorter than the Pointer s, 

 and rounded, but not so much so as those of the Spaniel. The &quot; leather &quot; should be thin and 

 soft, carried closely to the cheeks, so as not to show the inside, without the slightest tendency 

 to prick the ear, which should be clothed with silky hair little more than two inches in length. 

 The lips also are not so full and pendulous as those of the Pointer, but at their angles there 

 should be a slight fullness, not reaching quite to the extent of hanging. The eyes must be 

 full of animation, and of medium size, the best color being a rich brown, and they should be 

 set with their angles straight across. 



The Neck. The neck has not the full rounded muscularity of the Pointer, being con 

 siderably thinner, but still slightly arched, and set into the head without that prominence of 

 the occipital bone which is so remarkable in that dog. It must not be &quot; thi-oaty,&quot; though the 

 skin is loose. 



Shoulders and Chest. The shoulders and chest should display great liberty in all direc 

 tions, with sloping deep shoulder blades, and elbows well let down. The chest should be 

 deep rather than wide. 



Back, Quarters, and Stifles. An arched loin is desirable, but not to the extent of being 

 &quot;reached &quot; or &quot;wheel -backed,&quot; a defect which generally tends to a slow up-and-down gallop. 

 Stifles well bent, and set wide apart, to allow the hind legs to be brought forward with liberty 

 in the gallop. 



Legs, Elbows, and Hocks. The elbows and toes, which generally go together, should be 

 set straight; and if not, the &quot;pigeon-toe&quot; or inturned leg is less objectionable than the out 

 turn, in which the elbow is confined by its. ^e attachment to the ribs. The arm should be 

 muscular, and the bone fully developed, w .&quot;th strong and broad knees, short pasterns, of which 

 the size in point of bone should be as great as possible (a very important point), and their 

 slope not exceeding a very slight deviation from the straight line. Many good judges insist 

 upon a perfectly upright pastern, like that of the Fox-hound ; but it must not be forgotten 

 that the Setter has to stop himself suddenly when at full stretch he catches scent, and to do 

 this with an upright and rigid pastern causes a considerable strain on the ligaments, soon 

 ending in &quot;knuckling over; &quot; hence a very slight bend is to be preferred. The hind legs 

 should be muscular, with plenty of bone, clean, strong hocks, and hairy feet. 



The Feet. The feet should be carefully examined, as upon their capability of standing 

 wear and tear depends the utility of the dog. A great difference of opinion exists as to the 

 comparative merits of the cat and hare foot for standing work. Fox-hound masters invaria 

 bly select that of the cat, and as they have better opportunities than any other class of insti- 



