72 DANDIE DINMONT AND HIS TERRIERS. 



I have seen, when they were in much greater 

 abundance on the Borders, carried one or both 

 ears somewhat up, and I never met with the 

 peculiarity in any but a thoroughly game animal. 

 Like Sir Walter Scott, I prefer the small trian- 

 gular ear, whether it lie flat or not, provided it 

 be set properly on to lie well back, so as to be as 

 far as possible out of the way of punishment in 

 battle when closing with fox or otter. Nose : A 

 flesh-coloured nose in a reddish coloured Dandie 

 is not objectionable, and does not in any way 

 constitute him an illegitimate member of the 

 Dinmont family; but I like the black nose best 

 for Dandies of every colour. Eyes : Full, bright, 

 and intelligent. The colour may vary much, and 

 is, like the colour of the claws, fixed by mere in- 

 fluence of nature, that regulate the colour of the 

 animal's coat. The t; hazel " colour in all its 

 shades I like most, and the darker it is so as to 

 appeir black when in its deepest hue, pleases my 

 taste best. Neck : Well developed and rather 

 short. Body : Long, with low shoulders and the 

 back slightly curved down behin^ them, with a 

 corresponding arch of the loin. Legs : Short, par- 

 ticularly in front, and turned out at the toes, with 

 extraordinary strength of bone and muscle, in pro- 

 portion to the animal's size. Tail : Somewhat 

 curved, and carried over the back, with more or less 



