536 



CARNIVORES. 



grey or parti-coloured. The second variety has a still longer body, and shorter and 

 more bent legs than the preceding form, from which it is likewise distinguished b}- 

 its smaller ears and shorter tail. The ear is set further back than in any other 

 dog, its front border being scarcely in advance of the line of junction of the head 

 with the neck. The tail should be carried over the back, and the smooth and 

 glossy coat hard and wiry, except on the ears, where it becomes silky. Black-and- 

 tan are the favourite colours in this breed ; but whole tan, with a black nose, 

 occupies the second place in the estimation of fanciers. 



Dachshunds are used in their native country chiefly for hunting badgers, which 

 are numerous in some districts. The strain with the longest body and the shortest 

 legs is employed for digging the badgere out of their holes, while the other is 

 used in the chase. From their small size and short limbs dachshunds are, of 

 course, extremely slow, but they have a keen scent, coupled with great perseverance 



THE DACHSHUND (J Hat. size). 



and endurance, and therefore make admirable hounds. From its .somewhat 

 squeakj' voice the dachshund has been regarded as moi-e nearly related to the 

 terriers than the hounds, but there is no doubt that its place is among the latter. 

 In addition to badger-hunting, dachshunds are also employed in Gei-many in fox- 

 hunting, as well as in driving game, more especially roe-deer, which require to 

 be driven with great care and quietness in order to prevent them breaking back 

 through the line of beaters. 



That the various breeds of pointei-s are descended from the hound 

 was first clearly indicated by Youatt. The disposition to "point" 

 appears to be due to the results of training ; and although other dogs have been 

 taught to point, in no case do they assume the rigid condition so especially 

 characteristic of the pointer. Indeed, in some of the old Spanish and French 

 pointers, so intensely was this characteristic developed that the animals assumed a 

 kind of cataleptic condition : and " Stonehenge" mentions that he has known some 

 of them remain on the " point " for hours, until absolutely exhausted. Moreover, 

 such dogs would frequently make " points " at imaginary game. 



Pointer. 



