68 Hounds 



There is no question of doubt that the conforma- 

 tion of the Foxhound displays economy of material 

 in a remarkable manner, every inch of its anatomy 

 being specifically developed to obtain the maximum 

 result compatible with the purpose for which the 

 breed was originally designed. Masters of Hounds 

 have from time to time been in the habit of obtaining 

 fresh strains from other packs, in order to maintain 

 robustness of constitution and staying power. In 

 Foxhounds, as in all other animals, prolonged inter- 

 breeding exercises a most pernicious influence, and 

 this fact should never be lost sight of. In general 

 build a typical Foxhound should respond to three 

 words, viz., bone, muscle and substance, combined 

 with a kindly facial expression and unswerving 

 courage. If a hound has a surly or " dour " tempera- 

 ment it is not the type of dog to perpetuate. The 

 neck, the shoulders, the deep girth and the big-boned 

 limbs are parts of the anatomy to which a hound 

 judge at once directs his attention, and any sign of 

 weakness in the regions named at once handicaps 

 the dog. In judging stalUon and bitch Foxhounds 

 due allowance must be made for feminine charac- 

 teristics, as the bitch hounds have never the strong 

 physical development portrayed in the dog hound. 

 This is particularly obvious in the strength of the 

 head, the bitch hound lacking in mascuHne features. 

 The skull ought to show very little dome, but be fiat 



