CLASSIFICATION OF DOGS. 39 



subject lias attracted fresh attention of late, especially in 

 America. 



The Foxhound. The nature of the work that this ani- 

 mal performs has decided his form and character prob- 

 ably more than in any other breed of dogs after the 

 greyhound, and the extent to which perfection has been 

 reached is scarcely rivaled even by the latter wonderful 

 animal form, especially if the pack, rather than the indi- 

 vidual, be considered. 



When it is remembered what fox-hunting implies, it 

 will be realized that only a breed combining considerable 

 speed with the greatest endurance would meet the require- 

 ments. Hence this animal's form may be considered as 

 the model for combined speed and endurance. It is there- 

 fore a great modification of that of the greyhound, in 

 which a burst of the highest possible speed, maintained 

 at the most for one or two miles, is w r hat is sought. 



In few breeds have specimens been so carefully se- 

 lected and the weeding-out process so rigidly carried on 

 as in this. As individual effort must be subordinated to 

 hunting in concert, considerable intelligence, as well as 

 scenting powers, speed, etc., is required. 



It may be instructive to consider the points of the fox- 

 hound at rather greater length than in the case of some oth- 

 er breeds. (See cut and description of beagle, pp. 48, 41.) 



Head. While not heavy, the skull must be large 

 enough to accommodate a good-sized brain. Distinct but 

 not exaggerated brows should in the male girth sixteen 

 inches. 



Muzzle. Long (four inches and a half), wide, with 

 open nostrils. 



