126 British Dogs. 



dog to the exercise of all his powers to the greatest advantage. For 

 instance, some dogs possess several points in a very marked degree of 

 excellence, and still, because other parts are deficient, their symmetry will 

 be said to be at fault. Unless all parts are considered collectively, no 

 estimate can be formed of symmetry ; and then it is very difficult to 

 estimate correctly. 



Colour I do not consider should have any weight in a decision at all. 

 A predominance of white has been thought to be best, because it assists 

 the sportsman in detecting the whereabouts of his dogs in high covert ; 

 but as to the colour of the markings on this white ground, why I attach 

 no importance to it whatever, and in support of this opinion I may say 

 we frequently see equally good pointers of different colours. A few 

 years ago the lemon and white were the most fashionable, but for the 

 past year or two the liver and white have been the most successful prize 

 winners. For smartness of appearance in the show ring I consider liver 

 or lemon and white the best colours. 



There is much that is quite essential in making up a first-class pointer 

 that show-bench beauty however much it may be admired and valued 

 does not vouch for the possession of ; consequently, a great deal besides the 

 points of merit as given in my standard, whereby to judge of appearance, 

 has to enter into the calculations of a successful breeder. For instance, 

 a dog may comply with all the conditions there laid down to make him 

 a successful show dog, and yet be a worthless brute for the purposes 

 for which the pointer is bred ; and as these qualities, so necessary to 

 make the dog useful, are transmitted from parents to offspring, it is 

 only reasonable in breeding to exercise the same care to produce what is 

 needed in the dog to make him suited for his work as is employed to 

 obtain the beauty that now graces the pointer classes at our large 

 shows. 



As much difference exists between pointers in their working capacities 

 as in their appearances, and sportsmen know well enough how to appre- 

 ciate the qualities that make a dog a good performer in the field. Dogs 

 that can successfully run through a big stake at field trials are con- 

 sidered more valuable than those that are able to win many a champion 

 cup on the show bench. And, having knowledge of this fact, I think it 

 becomes me, in writing on this subject, to define that which is of such 

 primary importance to those interested in the breed. 



