THE IRISH TERRIER. 55 



are apt to give the dog a curious expression. They should 

 be small, keen, and more almond-shaped than round, set in 

 the head and not on the head. Light eyes very objectionable. 



Ears. — Fairly thick, V-shaped, and set on to fall to the 

 corner of the eye and close to the cheeks, but not at a right 

 angle to the head ; they should not be set on too high or 

 point to the nose. 



TV^rX'. — Long, clean, and muscular, slightly arched, free 

 from throatiness, and nicely placed in the shoulders, not set 

 on the top of them. 



Shoulders. — Strong and fine, nicely sloping to the back 

 and firm to the hand, the dog should feel strong when 

 pressed on the shoulders, the withers narrow, and gracefully 

 joining the neck and back. 



Chest. — Of- good depth, wide enough to give the heart 

 and lungs free play, but not wide when viewed in front. 



Back. — Straight and strong. 



Loin. — A^ery slightly arched. 



Stern. — Docked or shortened, set rather high ; must be 

 gaily carried, but not curled. The stern should be placed 

 on in a line with the back ; if too low, it gives the dog a 

 mean and unsymmetrical appearance behind. 



Body. — Of good depth, w^ell ribbed up, but not too far 

 back, or it will make him seem too thick-set and cobby, and 

 detract from his appearance of liberty ; flank slightly tucked 

 up, but not enough to make the dog look shelly or light. Ribs 

 inclined to flatness, and not too much arched or sprung. 



Legs and Feet.—T\\^ legs should be strong, straight, and 

 muscular, but not too upright in the pasterns, which should 



