CLASSIFICATION OF DOGS. 51 



being renowned in the rat pit. He has also many winning 

 ways and is capable of being taught various tricks. 



In general form he is som.ewhat between the Italian 

 greyhound and the fox-terrier or very small bull-terrier. 



His chief peculiarities are : 



Head. — Long and narrow, slight stop, tight-skinned ; 

 like a much-tapered wedge ; eyes very dark (black), ob- 

 long ; very bright, neither much sunken nor protruding ; 

 nose black ; ears small, thin, set as close together as pos- 

 sible at the top of the head, lying close ('' button " ear). 



Chest. — Narrow between the fore-legs and deep in the 

 brisket ; ribs well sprung. 



Back. — Short. 



Loin. — Slightly arched and powerful ; flank a little 

 tucked up. 



Quarters. — Strong and muscular. 



Feet. — Compact, split up between the toes and well 

 arched, with jet-black nails ; the two middle toes of the 

 front feet a little longer than the others ; the hind-feet 

 cat-like. 



Tail. — Moderately short, set on where arch in quarters 

 ends ; thick at root, tapering gracefully, and not carried 

 higher than loin. 



Coat. — Short, close, and glossy ; not soft. 



Color. — A feature of great importance in this breed. 

 The recognized colors must not only be true but distinctly 

 defined or sharply marked off and confined to limited 

 regions. Black is the prevailing color, so that at a dis- 

 tance the dog appears black. The tan is described as a 

 rich or warm mahogany tan, whicli i? distributed as fol- 

 lows : Small spot over each eye, and another on each 



