CLASSIFICATION OF DOGS. 65 



and be low-set, which applies, of course, to the pointer 

 also. 



The ejes should be dark, always having reference to 

 the color of the dog ; but there is a strong tendency for 

 light eyes to appear, and they greatly militate against the 

 true expression of the animal. A downright yellow eye 

 is an abomination in any breed of dog. 



In all setters the nose should be black or dark liver- 

 color ; but in lemon and white pointers and setters it may 

 be flesh-color. In the Irish setter it is described as " dark 

 mahogany " or " dark chocolate." 



Shoulders. — The Irish setter is the most " upstanding " 

 of all these breeds, and his shoulders should be very per- 

 fect both at joints (points) and withers. This adds greatly 

 to the character and quality of the dog. 



Loin. — The loin in all setters and the pointer should 

 be slightly arched, but not roach-backed or "wheel- 

 backed," as in the bulldog. 



Quarters. — All should be broad and muscular here ; 

 but the Irish setter is the most ragged-looking in hips and 

 quarters ; in fact, this dog should be throughout eminent- 

 ly muscular and wiry ; he should be entirely free from 

 " lumber." 



Feet. — The cat-foot is preferred in the pointer, and a 

 foot with abundance of hair between the toes in the setter. 

 This is most likely to be found in the hare-foot, though 

 in other respects it is probably not equal to the cat-foot, 

 and certainly does not look so well. 



Tail ("flag" of setters, stern of pointers) is carried 

 curved and nearly on a level with the back in all breeds. 

 It should begin strong and taper to a point. A well- 



