116 SPORTSMAN'S HAND BOOK. 



CHOICE OF SPORTING DOGS. 



The question, which is the best dog Pointer or Setter 

 like many other questions connected with field sports, is 

 a difficult one, and will probably never be answered satis- 

 factorily. It is generally conceded that the Pointer is best 

 adapted for dry, warm climates; the Setter for the more cold 

 or northern. 



In this short chapter, dogs will be treated only from a 

 practical, common sense standpoint; that is, in speaking of 

 a good dog, has no reference to his breeding or pedigree, nor 

 his value for the stud, but simply his adaptation to the 

 particalar use required. 



The choice between Pointer and Setter is much a 

 matter of fancy; there are good and bad of both species, 

 and really good ones of either are very scarce; moderately 

 good ones are quite plenty. 



The qualifications required for a first-class field dog 

 are, medium in size, well physically developed as to muscle, 

 lungs and feet, good hearing, good eyesight and a keen 

 scent ; in a Pointer the coat should be heavy and stiff, but not 

 harsh or of a bristly order; in a Setter the coat should be 

 short and straight, one that lays smooth, the hair on face 

 and head quite short, ears, legs and tails moderately feath- 

 ered. To judge a dog's disposition by his looks is a very 

 difficult matter. However, dogs with a pleasant, intelli- 

 gent countenance, mild expressive eyes, will usually be 

 found of a good disposition. 



Reject a dog that shows the slightest trace of gun- 

 shyness. Gun-shyness is usually hereditary; a kind of nerv- 

 ousness that is but little understood. Dogs that are gun-shy 

 have the animal propensities strongly developed, and are 

 usually inclined to run about a great deal become great 

 loafers. Don't waste any time on a naturally gun-shy dog. 



