The Irish Wolfhound 167 



well arched, this form of conformation being regarded 

 as the most suitable for work in mountainous 

 localities. Three important essentials are bone, 

 muscle and substance, and any tendency to lightness 

 of bone, want of muscular development or weakness 

 of joints must be looked upon with disfavour. As 

 in most other varieties of hounds, excepting the short- 

 legged breeds, " cow-hocks " and " splay " feet are 

 common defects, nevertheless irremediable. The 

 forearm should be broad in all proportions, of goodly 

 length and big at the elbow and pastern joints; 

 fine shoulders and strong first and second thighs, 

 together with a long tapering stern, slightly curved 

 but hanging below the level of the hocks, are necessary 

 points of beauty. The head should be long, broad in 

 the muzzle, but showing no evidence of indentation 

 or " stop." The hair on the skull is softer than 

 that on the body, and in light-coloured dogs a black 

 muzzle materially adds to the appearance of the 

 animal. The nostrils should be black, the ears set 

 on high and, when dog is at repose, folded back, 

 but under excitement raised ; the softer and finer the 

 texture of the ear the better. Dark brown or hazel- 

 coloured eyes are the correct type in the Deer- 

 hound. 



THE IRISH WOLFHOUND 



This variety of hound has, within recent years, 



