DEWCLA WS — DIA RRH CEA 



being slightly arched, with not too much roundness at the 

 ribs, but powerful at the loins. Fore-legs rather long, dead 

 straight, and heavy in bone, wdth round, compact feet, the 

 knuckles of which are well developed. Hind-legs well 

 bent at the stifles and hocks, with plenty of length from 

 the latter upwards, the stern being scimitar-shaped and 

 carried downwards. The coat is hard and wiry on the 

 neck and back, but softer on the head and belly ; the 

 favourite colour being blue-grey, but fawns are not un- 

 common, and any white markings are faults. Average 

 height about 28 to 30 inches ; weight about 90 lbs. The 

 bitches being less in both instances. 



Dewclaws are the superfluous claws which appear on 

 the legs of some dogs above the pastern. There is no use 

 for these, and in fact they constitute an element of weak- 

 ness, as they are apt to get torn, and so cause ugly wounds ; 

 and should therefore be removed. The way to do so 

 being to pull the skin as far back as possible from the 

 roots and then to sever the ligature which connects the 

 dewclaw wath the bone by the aid of a sharp pair of 

 scissors. Very little blood is shed if the operation is 

 carefully conducted, and the skin on being released will 

 close up over the wound, which under ordinary conditions 

 will heal rapidly. 



Dewlap. — The loose skin which adheres under the 

 neck of some breeds of dogs. 



Diarrhoea is a common form of ailment amongst dogs, 

 and a fruitful cause of death to puppies. In simple cases 

 a little powdered chalk mixed with their food and rice- 

 water to drink will put matters right, but when the 

 diarrhoea continues long enough to cause weakness, and 

 especially if blood appears in the motions, professional 

 advice should be obtained. (See Rice Water.) 



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