xxxi. RE TRIE VERS 4/3 



However, let his ancestors be what they may, the 

 animal we term a retriever is the most valuable dog 

 we have for service with the gun ; and if he is capable 

 of being trained to his work, it is a small matter what 

 his pedigree may be. 



At the same time there are certain characteristics 

 in a retriever which we endeavour to transmit accord- 

 ing as we find them suitable to our requirements. 



SELECT FOR TRAINING OR TO BREED FROM, 

 A RETRIEVER 



1. That is black as jet from nose to end of tail, 

 allow no visible white whatever, not even, if }*ou can 

 escape it, a small patch under the neck, though the 

 latter need not be judged a serious defect, if the dog 

 is otherwise perfect. 



-2. A coat that is glossy, whether it is smooth or 

 curly the wavy-coated dogs are to be preferred to 

 the curly-coated ones, as the former can work in covert 

 far the best. A retriever with a curly coat is always 

 liable to collect bits of thorn and bramble and dirt 

 and dust, and he will never be able to force his way 

 through thick undergrowth as will a dog with a 

 smooth coat ; the coat of the latter is also the easier 

 to keep clean and sweet, a matter of some importance 

 if you make a companion of your dog. As to the 



