THE SPORTING SPANIEL. 



299 



us, and most of the Cockers other than 

 black were of that colour. 



The descriptive particulars of the breed 

 are : — 



1. Head. — Not so heavy in proportion and 

 not so high in occiput as in the modern Field 

 Spaniel, with a nicely developed muzzle or jaw ; 

 lean, but not snipy, and yet not so square as in 

 the Clumber or Sussex varieties, but always 

 exhibiting a sufficiently wide and well-developed 

 nose. Forehead perfectly smooth, rising without 

 a too decided stop from muzzle into a compara- 

 tively wide and rounded, well-developed skull, 

 with plenty of room for brain power. 



2. Eyes. — Full, but not prominent, hazel or 

 brown coloured, with a general expression of 

 intelligence and gentleness, though decidedly 

 wideawake, bright and merry, never goggled nor 

 weak as in the King Charles and Blenheim 

 kinds. 



3. Ears. — Lobular, set on low, leather fine and 

 not exceeding beyond the nose, well clothed with 

 long silky hair, which must be straight or wavy — 

 no positive curls or ringlets. 



4. Neck. — Strong and muscular, and neatly 

 set on to fine sloping shoulders. 



5. Body (including size and symmetry). — 

 Not quite so long ai d low as in the other breeds 

 of Spaniels, more compact and firmly knit together, 

 giving the impression of a concentration of power 

 and untiring act vity. 



6. Weight. — The weight of a Cocker Spaniel 

 of either sex should not exceed 25 lb., or be less 

 than 20 lb. Any variation either way should be 

 penalised. 



7. Nose. — Sufficiently wide and well developed 

 to ensure the exquisite scenting powers of this 

 breed. 



8. Shoulders and Chest. — The former sloping 

 and fine, chest deep and well developed, but not 

 too wide and round to interfere with the free 

 action of the forelegs. 



9. Back and Loin. — Immensely strong and 

 compact in proportion to the size and weight 

 of the dog ; slightly sloping towards the tail. 



10. Hindquarters. — Wide, well rounded, and 

 very muscular, so as to ensure untiring action 

 and propelling power under the most trying 

 circumstances of a long day, bad weather, rough 

 ground, and dense covert. 



11. Stern. — That most characteristic of blue 

 blood in all the Spaniel family, may, in the lighter 

 and more active Cocker, although set low down, 

 be allowed a slightly higher carriage than in the 

 other breeds, but never cocked up over, but 

 rather in a line with the back, though the lower its 

 carriage and action the better, and when at work 

 its action should be incessant in this, the brightest 

 and merriest of the whole Spaniel family. 



12. Feet and Legs. — The legs should be well 

 boned, feathered and straight, for the tremendous 

 exertions expected from this grand little sporting 

 dog, and should be sufficiently short for concen- 

 trated power, but not too short as to interfere with 

 its full activity. Feet firm, round, and cat-like, 

 not too large, spreading, and loose jointed. This 

 distinct breed of Spaniel does not follow exactly 

 on the lines of the larger Field Spaniel, either in 

 lengthiness, lowness, or otherwise, but is shorter 

 in the back, and rather higher on the legs. 



13. Coat. — Flat or waved, and silky in texture, 

 never wiry, woolly, nor curly, with sufficient 

 feather of the right sort, viz. waved or Setter- 

 like, but not too profuse and never curly. 



14. General Appearance. — Confirmatory of all 

 indicated above, viz. a concentration of pure 

 blood and type, sagacity, docility, good temper, 

 affection, and activity. 



DOWN CHARGE ! 



TEAM OF MR. A. T. WILLIAMS' WELSH SPRINGERS. 



