170 ALL ABOUT DOGS 



the Princess of Wales (one of whose specimens illus- 

 trates this variety), the Countess of Warwick, and 

 many more distinguished persons too numerous to par- 

 ticularize, being amongst those who have extended 

 their patronage to this favourite breed of dog. The 

 points to be desired in this breed, are as follows: 

 Long head, skull not too wide or round, obliquely set 

 eyes, dark and expressive, small ears, set rather far back 

 and high, raised semi-erect, technically known as half- 

 pricked, when excited, with points slightly forward and 

 hanging down; frame sinewy, active and well knit; 

 deep but wide in chest; straight forelegs, feathered at 

 back, with well bent hocks, strong compact feet; dense 

 undercoat of warm, woolly hair, with coat of hard hair 

 over, intensely full over the shoulders, neck and chest, 

 tail carried in a graceful curve and not over back, pro- 

 fusely feathered on lower side, colours usually shades 

 of black, sable grey, blue and red, with or without 

 white; size from forty-five to sixty-five for dogs, and 

 for bitches something less. The general appearance 

 of a strong, active and very intelligent dog, eager and 

 ready to obey his master's orders. 



I must not omit to mention the Smooth Collie, 

 another variety. I have long bred and kept it. It 

 also is distinguished for its great activity. I remem- 

 ber, in particular, one merle bitch of this breed I 

 had who would run up a rough stone wall ten feet 

 high, like a cat, and jump down the other side, and I 

 have frequently seen her take a run and go over the 

 large wooden doors leading into my stable yard: she 

 was a marvel, but I have had many others, who have 



