The Irish Water Spaniel. 425 



" Stern. A 'whip tail,' thick at base and taper- 

 ing to a ' sting.' The hair on it should be short, 

 straight, and close lying, excepting for a few inches 

 from its root, where it gradually merges into the 

 body coat in some short curls. 



"Feet and Legs. 'Fore-legs' straight, well 

 boned. They should be well furnished with wavy 

 hair all round and down to the feet, which should be 

 large and round. ' Hind-legs ' stifle long, hock 

 set low ; they should be well furnished except from 

 the hock down the front. 



11 Coat. Neither woolly nor lank, but should 

 consist of short crisp curls right up to the stern. 

 Top-knot should fall well over the eyes. It, 

 and furnishing of ears, should be abundant and 

 wavy. 



" Colour. Dark rich liver or puce (to be judged 

 by its original colour). A sandy light coat 

 is a defect. Total absence of white desirable ; 

 any except a little on chest or a toe, should 

 disqualify. 



' " General Appearance. That of a. strong, com- 

 pact, dashing-looking dog, with a quaint and very 

 intelligent aspect. They should not be leggy, as 

 power and endurance are required of them in their 

 work. Noisy and joyous when out for a spree, but 

 mute on game." And it may be stated that the 



