The Great Dane 177 



probably one of the most conspicuous faults is in 

 connection with the limbs, more especially the hind 

 ones. A " cow-hock " conformation stands pre- 

 eminent as a fault in this direction, but it must be 

 borne in mind that it exists in a variable degree, 

 being so slight in some cases as to be hardly notice- 

 able; in others the defect exists to a moderate 

 degree; whereas in the third class it is so manifest 

 that it destroys all the beautiful lines of contour as 

 viewed from behind in a typical hindquarter con- 

 formation. The hocks ought not to approach each 

 other, but look directly backwards, neither inwards 

 nor outwards. A less common defect, nevertheless 

 one almost as prejudicial, is that in which the points 

 of the hocks turn outwards, thus giving the dog the 

 appearance of being too wide behind. Graceful 

 shoulder conformation is as essential as big-boned, 

 straight fore limbs are, but a Great Dane ought not 

 to have the so-called " bossy," i.e., heavily-fleshed 

 shoulders; the term " loaded " is synonymous when 

 applied to this region. The breast ought to be of 

 medium width, passing into a low set under line, 

 until the latter reaches the flank, when it should slope 

 off at an acute angle so as to make the animal well 

 tucked up in the belly. The upper line of the body, 

 i.e., the back and the loins, to be of medium length, 

 with an arch-like conformation of the latter. In 

 addition to the back and the loins being well clothed 



