88 THE DOG IN HEALTH. 



In the smootli tlie coat is very dense, broken-haired 

 (Stoclc-Haarig\ flat, tough without feeling rough to the 

 touch ; thighs slightly bushy. Tail at root covered with 

 longer and denser hair, gradually getting shorter toward 

 tip. Tail appears bushy, though not provided with a 



In the rough-coated dog the coat is long, flat, to slight- 

 ly wavy ; never to curl, be rolled, or shaggy. 



Tail bushy ; hair not to be parted or feathered. Face 

 and ears covered with soft, short hair, long and silky ; 

 hair allowable at base of ears ; fore-legs slightly feathered; 

 thighs very bushy. 



Color and Markings. Orange and orange-tawny are 

 now preferred, with white markings and dark shadings. 

 Whole-colored dogs are at a disadvantage. The follow- 

 ing white markings are absolutely necessary : White chest, 

 feet, tip of tail, muzzle (nose-band), and collar ; white spot 

 on nape, and a blaze are very desirable. 



Dark shadings on face and ears are much esteemed. 



Since the markings have much to do with the general 

 expression and character of the dog as it appears to the 

 eye, it is fitting that they should rank high ; but it is 

 manifestly easy to overestimate color in any dog kept for 

 a useful purpose. In the case of a toy dog the subject 

 assumes a wholly different aspect. 



All the large breeds of dogs are liable to similar de- 

 fects viz., disproportion of parts and weakness in back, 

 and especially in parts behind the ribs. First-class legs 

 and feet, back, loin, and quarters, with correct and easy 

 movement, are rather the exception than the rule in the 

 show St, Bernards of the day. Grand heads and great 



