CLASSIFICATION OP DOGS. 27 



mines largely the psychic traits of the breed and the 

 general intelligence and disposition. Apart from this, 

 the head, more than any other feature of the animal, de- 

 termines both character and quality. A dog with a head 

 that is coarse or of wrong formation can not possibly be 

 typical ; hence in every breed great importance is attached 

 to this part of the animal's form, though it is just possible 

 that undue attention is often given to minute details of 

 this region to the neglect of very important parts, as legs, 

 feet, loin, and quarters, of so much consequence in run- 

 ning-dogs. 



Neck. Of this little need be said, except that it should 

 be in harmony with the rest of the animal and free from 

 loose skin (throatiness) i. e., " clean " and neat. 



Shoulders. If the dog is one intended for speed, these 

 should be sloping, clean, and distinctly marked off at the 

 shoulder-joint proper, with wide, long blades (scapula 

 long, wide, and obliquely placed), as seen in the grey- 

 hound, and in great perfection in the race-horse. Such 

 conformation permits of a long and easy stride, lessens 

 the shock when a galloping animal alights on its fore 

 feet, and furnishes a sufficient attachment for the mus- 

 cles that work the lower leg. If the withers are high, 

 an appearance of character and quality is imparted. If 

 the animal is not intended for speed, obliquity and length 

 are not of such importance. 



Chest. If the chest is not deep it is plain that the 

 shoulder-blades can not be properly placed. The dog, 

 like the race-horse, having no collar-bone, his body is 

 swung between his shoulder-blades, and, that there may 

 be an easy movement of the fore-limbs, the whole chest 



