THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND. 635 



deficient in the proper shape of the ear; but this should not 

 be overlooked, for it still exists in the breed as an exact 

 counterpart of the English Greyhound's corresponding- 

 organ, though always somewhat enlarged in comparison 

 with the body. The eye is much larger proportionately, 

 soft and languishing; but it ought never to weep. The 

 color of the iris is usually a dark-brown. 



Legs and feet (value 10). See the Greyhound. 



Fore quarters (value 10). See the Greyhound. 



Hind quarters (value 10). As with the last two sections, 

 the only difference lies in comparative value, the English 

 dog' s points being estimated from the workman-like view, 

 while the Italian is regarded from an artistic stand-point. 



The tail (value 5) is somewhat shorter than the English 

 dog's; but it must be gently curved in the same tobacco- 

 pipe way, and should be fine in bone except at the root, as 

 well as free from hair. 



The coat (value 5) should be short, soft, and silky. 



The color (value 15) of the Italian Greyhound is largely 

 to be taken into consideration, and is consequently esti- 

 mated at a high figure. Fawns are now far in the ascend- 

 ant, and to no other color would the full value be accorded. 

 A small star on the breast or a white toe takes off a point 

 or two, according to the extent of white, but in all cases 

 the toe-nails should be dark. 



The symmetry (value 15) of this little dog must be care- 

 fully estimated, as a want of elegance in detail, or of com- 

 bination in due proportion, alike lowers the value of these 

 points separately to a very low ebb. 



The size (value 15) of the bitch for modern successful 

 exhibition should be little over five pounds, nor should 

 the dog exceed seven or seven and one-half pounds. 

 Beyond these weights a specimen, however good in other 

 respects, has little or no chance of a first prize in anything 

 like a good class. 



The Italian Greyhound is not a prolific breeder, and but 

 few of the females are strong enough to nourish a large 

 litter. To balance this, not more than three or four are 



