82 THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOG 



the ring stewards has any business inside a point upon 

 which you must firmly insist. The presence of outsiders 

 in the ring is a frequent cause of complaint, and justly so. 

 Their conversation distracts your attention, and their 

 presence curtails the space at the disposal of exhibits. 



Having cleared your ring, let the dogs be led round 

 slowly in a circle, of which you are the centre. Don't 

 follow one animal, however much his shapely form appeals 

 to you. Keep your eye on a fixed point, and carefully note 

 each individual as he passes it in turn. If your 

 impressions accumulate slowly, let them go round twice, 

 thrice, or half a dozen times, until you have gained a 

 general impression of their relative outlines. 



This done, you may proceed to overhaul each 

 individual thoroughly, systematically, and methodically, 

 registering in your mind meanwhile the sum total of the 

 impression you receive from him. 



Allow his handler plenty of latitude in showing him 

 off; go out of your way to give each animal the chance of 

 doing himself justice. Your object is to consider each 

 dog at his very best. 



Start now with his head, and handle his skull and ears, 

 taking note of the shape of each ; look to the colour and 

 expression of his eyes, consider the shape of his jaw, and 

 examine his teeth. Pass on to his neck and shoulders, 

 and down his chest and forelegs to the feet ; pick them up, 

 carefully examine them, and feel the pads. Raise him by 

 the collar, and gently drop your hand, noting how he 



