Useful Companions of Man. 57 



Royal Humane Society," will bear out. Formerly his 

 colours were red, brown, brown and white, bronze, red 

 and white, or black and white, but thanks to the interest 

 developed by periodical shows, and the earnest care of 

 the fanciers, the too common degeneration of breed by 

 indiscriminate crossing has been greatly avoided. The 

 true Newfoundland dog is very large, certainly larger 

 than many now commonly called after him. His coat is 

 jet black, long, and straight, and the tail bushy. His 

 countenance is especially expressive, and the eyes 

 indicate deep intelligence. The Landseer dog is black 

 and white as already referred to, but he is the animal of 

 the same mould, the markings being somewhat prettily 

 dispersed. Like all dogs of his class, he is apt to become 

 leggy, with increase of size, and probably cow-hocked, 

 which militates against beauty and action alike. 



In all three varieties the head is remarkable, grand, 

 and full of character, with an expression of mildness and 

 benevolence which is shared with this breed by the St. 

 Bernard. Across the eyes the breadth is great, with a 

 flatness behind them, before which the skin is wrinkled, 

 but without any perceptible forehead. Eyes small, bright, 

 and intelligent, deeply set, but not showing the haws, 

 which gives the appearance of being bloodshot,^ so re- 

 markable in the bloodhound. Ears small and set low, 

 hanging close to the face, and with Uttle hair on them. 

 Nose large, muzzle long and smooth ; mouth capacious, 

 with level teeth. Neck shorter than in most breeds. 

 Points : head, 30; temper, 20; neck, 10. 



Back often weak and slack in the loin, but this is a 

 fault which, though common, is not universal. There is 

 also very often a want of depth in the back ribs which 

 ought not to be passed over. Back and loin, 10. 



Feet and legs large and muscular ; the former being 

 too flat for much work over hard ground, and are more 

 adapted for the snow of his native land, or for swimming. 

 Feet and legs, to. 



Colour black, or black and white, the former greatly 

 for choice, with as little white as possible. Sometimes 

 the black has brindled legs, or of a rufous dun-colour, 



