THE MODERN GREYHOUND. 25 



By "hooked nose" I presume Arrian to mean that the 

 upper jaw protrudes; but that would decidedly be a fault, 

 as a dog so formed would be at a disadvantage in holding 

 and killing his hare. This formation, called overshot, or 

 pig-jawed, is often met with in various breeds of dogs, 

 but if at all excessive is most objectionable. The oppo- 

 site to that is sometimes seen, and we have them under- 

 shot, though such cases are comparatively rare, and owe 

 their origin to the cross with the Bulldog, which has been 

 resorted to to give stamina, courage, and staunchness. The 

 form to be desired is the level mouth, with the "good 

 sessours, the one again the other." 



There is a formation of muzzle met with which is 

 slightly ridged or Roman nosed; if not excessive, this 

 is no detriment to the dog's practical usefulness, although 

 as a matter of taste it may not be considered as adding 

 to the beauty of his appearance. This peculiarity may 

 exist with a good level mouth. 



The teeth themselves are important, and should be large, 

 strong, and white, the fangs sharp and powerful the upper 

 ones just overlapping those in the lower jaw ; this is not only 

 necessary for their work, but is always a sign of health. 



" The eye," Arrian says, " should be large, upraised, 

 clear, and strikingly bright. The best look fiery, and 

 flash like lightning, resembling those of leopards, lions, 

 or lynxes." Markham says : " A full, clear eye, with long 

 eyelids." The latter peculiarity I have never observed, 

 probably from want of a close attention to the point; but 

 the clear, bright, and fiery eye is always a necessity, 

 although, of course, the condition of the dog and the 

 circumstances under which he is seen must be considered 



