284 BRITISH DOGS 



developed. All these remarks will apply to the puppy till he is 

 six months old. By this time one can determine still better what 

 he is fit for his size, his legs, his colour and character have 

 advanced. One can now criticise his movements. Turn the puppies 

 out into a field or a paddock, and scrutinise them carefully at play. 

 Note carefully if the puppy you fancy gallops well and carries his 

 head well up ; see that he has a firm back over the loins and that 

 his short ribs come well back, because he won't stay well if he is 

 very weak in these points. 



As a general rule it is a heavy shoulder with wide chest 

 in front and " elbows" which cause a dog to "labour." If, 

 further, he has long, well-bent stifles, and is short from the hock 

 to the ground, then he will swing over the moor as he ought. 

 Above all, choose a bright, lively puppy who is always "on the 

 move," if you intend him for work. If intending to exhibit, make 

 a point of attending some of the leading exhibitions during the 

 judging, and when possible get some of the well-known breeders 

 to give their opinions on the various exhibits. 



In course of time the novice will be able to picture in his mind 

 an ideal dog of this particular breed, and by this standard measure 

 all others. If, also, he has facilities for training a dog which 

 he has bred himself, he will find a satisfaction indeed an additional 

 reward, far exceeding his original pleasure in the sport alone. 



