3i 8 Modern Dogs. 



day, and wish to reduce them to from i4lb. to i61b. 

 each. This, I think, would be a most fallacious 

 standard. A good head will alone weigh about 5lb., 

 although the present prevailing head is under /j.lb. 

 A small, well-built dog will often weigh heavier than 

 a larger loosely built one, and it is always easy by 

 starving to reduce weight. Size, therefore, is the 

 proper test, and should form the foundation without 

 which all other points should be comparatively 

 valueless. A skilful and practised eye can readily 

 determine size, but not so easily weight. 



" The noble head, wide at the top of the brow, and 

 long from the back of the skull to the eyes, indica- 

 tive of brain power, is now the exception ; and a 

 long, snipey muzzle, indicative of weakness of jaw, 

 prevails. The broad, massive chest and shoulders 

 frequently give place to contracted forequarters. 

 So seldom is the characteristic level incline of the 

 back from the highest point, at the top of the hip 

 joint, to the lowest point, at the back of the shoulder 

 bone to be seen, that when it does appear it is 

 often considered a defect. The fore legs are 

 generally too long, and should never be absolutely 

 but only comparatively straight, so that the dog may 

 stand straight upon them. If higher at the back of 

 the shoulders than loin, it is the worst fault a Skye 

 terrier can have. It unfits him for anything but a 



