British Dogs at Work 



again, however, if you prefer an animal 

 with a sound pedigree, it may be pointed 

 out that there are certain strains combining 

 show and working blood. As a rule, it is 

 advisable to avoid exaggerated types, and 

 to choose a dog that looks to you to be 

 built on workmanlike lines, and that appears 

 to be hard and vigorous, with a frame cap- 

 able of standing a long day in the field. 



In selecting a puppy, if you have half an 

 eye you should be able to see at a glance if 

 he looks healthy and strong. Pick one that 

 handles nicely, with skin loose and clean, 

 eye bright, and legs sound. Look well at 

 his coat in order to detect any signs of 

 eczema, and examine his mouth to see if 

 he is under- or over-shot. There is no exact 

 method of telling the age of an adult 

 dog, but few reach four or five without 

 showing grey hairs about the muzzle or 

 betraying their years in their teeth. Dis- 

 coloration of the teeth is not necessarily 

 an indication of age, as it is more often than 



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