THE BULLDOG 209 



at the shoulder, and comparatively narrow at the 

 loins. There should be a slight fall to the back 

 close behind the shoulders (its lowest part), whence 

 the spine should rise to the loins (the top of which 

 should be higher than the top of the shoulders), 

 thence curving again more suddenly to the tail, 

 forming an arch a distinctive characteristic of the 

 breed termed " roach -back," or more correctly 

 " wheel-back." 



The TAIL, termed the " stern," should be set on 

 low, jut out rather straight, then turn downwards, 

 the end pointing horizontally. It should be quite 

 round in its own length, smooth, and devoid of fringe 

 or^ coarse hair. It should be moderate in length 

 rather short than long thick at the root, and tapering 

 quickly to a fine point. It should have a down- 

 ward carriage (not having a decided upward curve 

 at the end, or being screwed or deformed), and the 

 dog should, from its shape, not be able to raise it 

 over its back. 



The FORELEGS should be very stout an'd strong, 

 set wide apart, thick, muscular, and straight, with 

 well -developed calves, presenting a rather bowed 

 outline, but the bones of the legs should b'e large 

 and straight, not bandy or curved. They should 

 be rather short in proportion to the hind legs, but 

 not so short as to make the back appear long, or 

 detract from the dog's activity, and so cripple him. 



The elbows should be low, and stand well away 

 from the ribs. 



The ankles, or pasterns, should b'e short, straight, 

 and strong. 



The forefeet should be straight, and turn very 

 slightly outward, of medium size, and moderately 



Book of the Dog. 15 



