Varieties of tJie Dog. 25 



leg, all may be in good proportion ; but if not, it seldom 

 happens that the dog can stoop to reach his hare without 

 spoiling his stride. Nevertheless, a remarkable exception 

 is sometimes seen, in which there is great working and 

 kiUing power displayed, with a high shoulder and long 

 fore-legs. This, however, is contrary to rule ; and in 

 selecting a good shape, no experienced courser would 

 take such a fomiation without a practical proof of its 

 efficiency in that particular instance. Next to the length 

 of limb, the due development of the joints is of great 

 importance ; the stifle-joints ought to be strong and broad, 

 and the bony processes pow^erful and large. The hocks, 

 also, should be long and powerful, and well separated 

 fi-om the leg-bone by that thin double layer of skin which 

 may be felt, and almost seen through. The muscles are 

 divided into two large masses — the upper thigh, which is 

 scarcely to be made out without the touch, being, as it 

 were, buried in the body and flank ; and the lower thigh, 

 which is much more distinct, and of very great impor- 

 tance to the powers of galloping. This lower thigh is a 

 very desirable point, if well developed ; and in making a 

 selection for breeding, its large size should be especially 

 insisted upon. Good hind feet, again, are necessary, but 

 I do not like them too round and cat-like ; at the same 

 time, a long flat foot is opposed to high speed, and also 

 prevents a due hold being taken of the ground. Where- 

 ever there is this long, flat, and broken-down foot, I 

 should not look either for high speed or for the power of 

 continuing the efforts of the greyhound ; there is a want 

 of that elasticity and springiness which characterize the 

 movements of this graceful animal, and he goes dull and 

 dead instead of being animated and ready for any exer- 

 tion. 



The fore-quarter is the complement to the hind quarter, 

 and can do nothing until set in motion by that part of the 

 animal economy ; but, in spite of this secondary part in 

 the locomotive department, it is not less important than 

 the primary cause of motion, because, though not origi- 

 nating it, it can and does neutralize the efforts of the hind 

 quarter, if not calculated to carry them out. The great 



