38 



MY DOG AND I. 



skull is more or less round, and face, though still pointed, is too 

 short, with tendency to turn up. 



Neck. — Long and elegant, resembling closely its larger con- 

 gener. 



Ears and Eyes. — Ears an exact counterpart of the English 

 greyhound's, though always somewhat enlarged in comparison 

 with body. Eyes much larger proportionately, soft and languish- 

 ing, but should never weep ; color of iris is usually a dark brown. 



Legs, Feet, and Fore Quarters. — Same as the greyhound's. 



Hind Quarters. — As with the last two paragraphs, the only 

 //j.i difference lies in comparative value, the English dog's points being 

 estimated from the workmanlike view, while the Itahan is regarded 

 from an artistic standpoint. 



Tail. — Somewhat shorter than the English dog's, but it ?ni{sf 

 be gently curved in same tobacco-pipe way, fine in bone, except 

 at root, as well as free from hair. 



Coat. — Short, soft, and silky. 



Color. — Largely to be taken into consideration, and is conse- 

 quently estimated at a high figure. Fawns are now far in the ascen- 

 dant, and to no other color should the///// value be accorded. A 

 small star on breast or white toe takes off a point or two, accord- 

 ing to extent of white, but in all cases toe-nails should be dark. 



Symmetry. — Must be carefully estimated, as a want of elegance 

 in detail or of combination in due proportion alike lowers the value 

 of these points separately to a very low ebb. It is a high-stepping 

 little aristocrat. 



Size. — Bitch for modern successful exhibition should be little 

 over 5 pounds, nor should the dog exceed 7 or ^\ pounds. 



