324 THE BOOK OF THE DOG. 



disqualify for the show bench, except in the parti-coloured class, although for working purposes 

 it is no detriment whatever. 



"For exhibition purposes I am a great stickler for colour and marking, as I consider it 

 should be one object of breeders to make all animals as presentable as possible to the 

 uninitiated public. 



" I have awarded no points for size, as in Dachshunds we find that they vary consider- 

 ably, some small specimens being frequently met with. 



"These small ones may be equally pure, as regards breeding, with the large ones, and 

 are often found models of perfection, and are certainly most fitted for ladies' pets, for which 

 purpose the breed is unequalled for cleanliness and affection : 20 Ibs. I look upon as the 

 standard weight for a dog and 17 Ibs. for a bitch; a couple of pounds cither way may be 

 allowed, but no Dachshund should reach anything like 25 Ibs. If so, I should look for some 

 impurity of blood, except in very old dogs, which often attain very great weights ; and I do 

 not object to a bitch weighing 20 Ibs., but I certainly incline to the smaller weights. 



"The bitches are generally much lighter in bone throughout than dogs, but at the same 

 time they possess more quality or beauty than dogs, as is general with the female portion 

 of animal as well as human nature. The large dogs are best for outdoor work ; and I 

 fancy that out of a pack of Dachshunds I could pick the best workmen by their conformation 

 only. As to their ability, being hounds they are naturally most fitted for hunting, and 

 possess extraordinary scenting powers, and may be trained to hunt anything, from a deer 

 to a mouse. 



" They do not possess great speed, yet they can get over the ground a good deal faster than 

 a man cares to run ; and being slow, they are not so apt to overrun the scent, while they 

 do not so easily tire, but will follow their chase for many hours without a break. 



"In Germany they are used to hunt the deer, roe, foxes, and badger; but in the south 

 of that empire, particularly in the Black Forest, though they use the Dachshund to track 

 the quarry, yet when it is too strong for them to kill, the sportsmen either use the rifle 

 or a much stronger and larger breed of dog generally a Boarhound, or cross-bred dog 

 for the finish. 



" In the country they are used on a small scale for hunting both alone and with 

 Beagles. One gentleman I know often hunts fur with about six couple, and many times 

 have I seen the staunch and true little hounds, when they come across a dry stone fence 

 which abound in West Yorkshire and which had been taken by a hare, work round, seek 

 the nearest gap, and pick up the scent on the other side, a ten or twelve miles run seeming 

 good fun to them. 



" In covert shooting they are equal to any Spaniel, and when it is very close and thick, 

 are superior, owing to their large fore feet and powerfully built fore-quarters, though in briars 

 their ears, head, and shoulders get severely scratched at times, and yet they seem to enjoy it 

 thoroughly, and never flinch on that account. 



"They can be broken to quarter their ground and work the game to the gun, if 

 it be possible, and may also be taught to retrieve. 



" In temper they are somewhat stubborn, and require great patience in breaking, but 

 when once trained their great intelligence leaves nothing to be desired by the sportsman 

 who admires the breed. 



"In hunting they give mouth, but may not be so musical as the Foxhound and its 

 congeners ; but this I prefer in covert shooting, as I then know the whereabouts of the dogs. 



