2 3 2 BRITISH DOGS 



beautiful cherry-red is rarely seen, and the black-and-tan is almost 

 conspicuous on the benches on account of its unusual colour ! Even 

 the black-and-tan is losing its rich tan markings, and a lot of 

 half-and-half colours are cropping up. Colour is certainly a minor 

 point ; but it helps to illustrate my contention that an outcross is 

 desirable. We have long ago exploded the theory of classifying 

 Dachshunds by colour, but there is much to be said for the care 

 with which the Germans have preserved the colour pure. I think 

 that we might with advantage take a leaf out of their book by 

 classifying our dogs by weight, for the variation in size and weight 

 of our leading winners is most extraordinary, and must be very 

 bewildering to beginners, and even to older hands. . . . The 

 right size and weight for a Dachshund is about i81b. for bitches, 

 and a couple of pounds heavier for dogs." 



The practical breeder will do well to carefully digest what 

 Mr. Sayer has written with regard to the Dachshund, for they are 

 words of wisdom, though uttered none too soon. 



Though the Dachshund (Fig. 55) in this country is not called 

 upon, as a rule, to " work," yet occasionally we find an owner who 

 takes a wholesome pride in those qualities that so endear the breed 

 to its Continental admirers. We have more than once seen the 

 working qualities of the variety put to practical test. To the fact that 

 as a mere ornament it is of greater monetary value than as a 

 utility animal must be ascribed the apathy exhibited by owners 

 with regard to its working qualities ; for to develop the latter to 

 the full would be to put the dog out of court for show-bench 

 honours. The Dachshund, taken generally, makes an ideal com- 

 panion and house-guard; while it is one of the easiest of dogs 

 to keep in first-class condition. 



The matter we have quoted from Mr. J. F. Sayer's very practical 

 contribution to the periodical above referred to sufficiently indicates 

 the lines that the novice should go upon when selecting a dog, 

 especially when taken in conjunction with the description of the 

 breed furnished by the Dachshund Club and given below and 

 ihe illustration that accompanies this chapter. "Vert," in his 

 contribution at the beginning of this chaper, disapproves of the 

 Rough-haired Dachshund ; and the only addition that calls for 

 mention in connection with the Club's description is the fact that 

 dappled specimens are occasionally found and special classes 

 provided for them at the larger shows. 



The Dachshund standard, as settled by the Dachshund Club, 

 November, 1 88 1, is as follows : 



Head and Skull. Long, level, and narrow ; peak well developed ; no stop ; 

 eyes intelligent and somewhat small ; follow body in colour. 



