124 British Dogs. 



bined, and that pointers possessing both are the exception, not the rule, 

 is quite certain. 



Our leading prize winners, under different, and even the same judges, 

 so very frequently change places in the prize list, that it is almost 

 impossible to select a dog as " the model " of what a pointer should be. 

 In the midst of this strange conflict of opinion as to which is and which 

 is not the ideal pointer, and in spite of the fickleness of individual judges, 

 it must be admitted that many of the principal prize takers of to-day 

 are dogs of striking symmetry, and such as possess all the essential 

 qualities to make excellent sporting dogs, although their beauty may be 

 of very different types. 



As far as can be gathered from decisions given, it now appears that 



The head should be long, and that from the corner of eye to end of 

 nose should be as long as possible. There should be a well pronounced 

 stop between the eyes, and a good drop from the skull to nose. The 

 space under the eye, between the eye and nose, should be cleanly cut. 

 This seems to give character to the face ; when this part is filled up it 

 makes the head look what is called " gummy." The skull should not be 

 too wide between the ears, nor too prominent from corner of set of ear 

 to the eye. Dogs with wide skulls and full temples are very frequently 

 extremely headstrong, and far too independent of their master's instruc- 

 tions when at work. They do not acquire in intelligence by this increased 

 size of skull so much as a selfish liking to do as they please when beyond 

 immediate control a very troublesome fault. The lips should not hang 

 down like the bloodhound's, nor yet taper up to nostrils so much as the 

 foxhound's. 



The eyes should not be sunken like the hound's, nor yet " goggle-eyed," 

 but should be full of animation and intelligence. A sullen, hard-looking 

 eye is to be avoided ; it is frequently the indication of a headstrong, 

 ungovernable animal, almost worthless in the field. 



The ears should be thin and silky, and of such a length as to reach just 

 below the throat, that is, when hanging in the usual position. They 

 should be set in below the square of the skull, and hang flat to the 

 cheeks. 



The neck should be long and muscular, springing out cleanly from 

 the shoulders, and pinned to the skull in the same way. It should be 

 slightly arched. 



