2 5 



BRITISH DOGS 



Tail. This should be rather short, fine at tip, and strong at root. It 

 should be set on just below the line of back, but not too low down to make 

 the dog look " goose-rumped." It must not be curled over the back like the 

 Hound's, nor yet must it droop like the Clumber's. It should be carried in a 

 lively manner just about level. 



Symmetry. This may be defined as a perfect unity of proportion in all the 

 points before enumerated, so as to present the beautiful outline that is so pleasing 

 to the eye a perfect adaptation of each part of the dog for 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 con- 

 sidered collectively, no estimate can be formed of symmetry ; and then it is very 

 difficult to estimate correctly. 



FIG. 56. MR. W. ARKWRIGHT'S POINTER CHAMPION SEABREEZE " ON POINT." 



Colour. A predominance or white has been thought to be best, because 

 it assists the sportsman in detecting the whereabouts of his dogs in high cover ; 

 but as to the colour of the markings on this white ground, it may be urged that 

 no importance attaches ; and, in support of this opinion, equally good specimens 

 of different colours are frequently seen. Some time back the lemon or orange and 

 whites were most fashionable, but latterly the liver and whites have been the 

 most successful prize winners. Black and white, and the whole colours black, 

 liver, and various shades of yellow are also quite correct for Pointers, but any 

 tricolour is very suspicious. Still, in olden times the Pointer might be of almost 

 any colour even brindle being admissible, according to John Mayer (1814). 



There is much that is quite essential in a first-class Pointer 

 that mere beauty of form however admirable and valuable in 

 itself does not by its presence guarantee ; consequently, a great 

 deal besides the points of appearance given in this description 



