The Flat or Wavy Coated Black Retriever. 387 



fine class of dogs before him, which included one 

 called Rightaway, which his owner, Mr. Shirley, con- 

 sidered to be one of the best dogs he ever saw. The 

 judge thought otherwise, and gave the chief award 

 to another from the same kennel. The winner was 

 a much more active-looking dog than Rightaway, 

 equally good in coat, head, and expression, and in 

 legs and feet ; but he stood a little higher on the 

 legs, and was not so heavy in bone as the favourite 

 of the Kennel Club's President, who should know 

 a good dog if any man does. Still, on this occasion 

 we endorse the judge's decision in giving first prize 

 to the more active and workmanlike animal, and it 

 is to be hoped that judges will be consistent and 

 award the leading honours to those dogs that from 

 appearance seem most likely to be useful in the 

 field. As I have already stated, coats can be too 

 fine and straight. 



The descriptions and points of the wavy coated 

 black retriever, founded on " Stonehenge's " scale, 

 are as follows : 



The nose and jaws are to be considered from 

 two points of view first, as to the powers of 

 scent ; and secondly, as to the capacity for carrying 

 a hare or pheasant without risk of damage. For 

 both purposes the jaws should be long, and for the 

 development of scenting powers the nose should be 



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