CHAPTER XVI 



CLASS 



Amateurs whose experience in sporting dogs 

 is just beginning are likely to be puzzled by the 

 constant use of the word " class " in public prints 

 and in the private discussions of the sophisticated. 



In its application to bench-show exhibits the 

 word is not so difficult to understand. Those 

 who so use it generally mean one of two things, 

 either that the specimen under consideration has 

 a general distinction of appearance which is 

 better expressed by the word " quality," or that 

 the typical points regarded as essential by the 

 specialists are present to an extent which over- 

 shadows minor defects. For example, in the case 

 of a pointer, a general smoothness of finish and 

 symmetry of parts might produce an impression 

 of class, though small defects of detail would im- 

 press one who was following the rules as he had 

 read them in the books. In setters I might cite 

 the example of a noted winner, the orange belton, 

 Queen's Place Pride. This Laverack had un- 

 doubted class. Her coat, color, and finish were 

 beautiful, and her head and expression remark- 



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