208 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



usually will have three or four litters a year if allowed to 

 do so, but I should think it better not to exceed two. 

 It is said the males take a warm interest in the litters, 

 which is rarely the case with other varieties. 



The head should be small rather than large, with re- 

 ceding forehead, broad between the eyes but narrowing 

 between the ears, rather long in face and somewhat pinched 

 in muzzle. 



The ears rather large, wide and open to the front, 

 nearly bare of hair inside. 



The eyes should be a bright but pearly blue, placed 

 slanting slightly downwards towards the nose. 



The legs more short than long, and the feet more oval 

 in shape than is usual with cats. 



The body long but slightly made, not indicative of 

 much muscular power. 



The tail rather long and tapering, often with a kink 

 or small knot in some part of it. 



The coat very short and fine, and much like that of a 

 pug dog, seeming to combine wool and hair in its texture. 



The condition should be firm and hard, without fat or 

 coarseness ; and the general appearance active and grace- 

 ful, with an air of refinement. 



The size might be set down as ten pounds for males, 

 and about eight pounds for females. 



The colour should be uniform all over, a pale fawn or 

 drab, except the ears, muzzle, legs, feet and tail, all of 

 which should be as nearly black as possible. Although the 

 coat should be very close and smooth, it is never glossy 

 or shiny, but just the dull hue of a pug's coat. 



