CLASSIFICATION OF DOGS. 65 



and be low-set, which applies, of course, to the pointer 

 also. 



The eyes should be dark, always having reference to 

 the color of the dog ; but there is a strong tendency for 

 light eyes to appear, and they greatly militate against the 

 true expression of the animal. A downright yellow eye 

 is an abomination in any breed of dog. 



In all setters the nose should be black or dark liver- 

 color ; but in lemon and white pointers and setters it may 

 be flesh-color. In the Irish setter it is described as " dark 

 mahogany " or " dark chocolate." 



Shoulders. The Irish setter is the most " upstanding " 

 of all these breeds, and his shoulders should be very per- 

 fect both at joints (points) and withers. This adds greatly 

 to the character and quality of the dog. 



Loin. The loin in all setters and the pointer should 

 be slightly arched, but not roach-backed or "wheel- 

 backed," as in the bulldog. 



Quarters. All should be broad and muscular here ; 

 but the Irish setter is the most ragged-looking in hips and 

 quarters ; in fact, this dog should be throughout eminent- 

 ly muscular and wiry ; he should be entirely free from 

 "lumber." 



Feet. The cat-foot is preferred in the pointer, and a 

 foot with abundance of hair between the toes in the setter. 

 This is most likely to be found in the hare-foot, though 

 in other respects it is probably not equal to the cat-foot, 

 and certainly does not look so well. 



Tail ("flag" of setters, stern of pointers) is carried 

 curved and nearly on a level with the back in all breeds. 

 It should begin strong and taper to a point. A well- 



