1 62 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



substantial ; a thin, lanky tail is an abomination, and 

 should be avoided ; I think it is more often met with in 

 female specimens, but is most objectionable in either sex. 



The head, especially in the males, should be fairly 

 large, round, and broad across the forehead, not too long 

 in face nor mean in muzzle, well cheeked, and with a 

 dignified bearing. 



The ears should be fairly large and broad where they 

 spring from the head, and carried erect and open. 



The eyes are of more importance than in most 

 varieties, as they are so often seen a pale yellowish green, 

 but should be a deep orange, or yolk-like yellow, large, 

 round, and imperious in expression. 



The body should be well-knit and powerful in shape, 

 combining strength and activity. 



The neck rather short and strong, with wide shoulders 

 and broad chest. 



The legs rather long and well boned, with small round 

 feet. 



The tail of moderate length and of tapering thickness 

 from the root to the tip. 



The coat should be deep and close lying, soft to the 

 touch and shining to the eye, perhaps sleek is an expressive 

 term for it. 



The colour should be pure glossy, not sooty black, with- 

 out a spot or mark anywhere, having almost a bloom on it. 



Condition should be hard and muscular, without fat, 

 and general appearance of activity and alertness. 



Size of males to twelve pounds ; females, to eight 

 pounds. 



