8 4 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



mean average height of adult dogs is 26 inches and of adult bitches 24 

 inches. Dogs usually vary from 25 inches to 27 inches and bitches 

 from 23 inches to 25 inches ; but in either case the greater height is 

 to be preferred, provided that character and quality are also com- 

 bined. Weight The mean average weight of adult dogs in fair con- 

 dition is 90 pounds and of adult bitches 80 pounds. Dogs attain the 

 weight of 110 pounds, bitches 100 pounds. The greater weights are 

 to be preferred, provided (as in the case of height) that quality and 

 proportion are also combined. Expression The expression is noble 

 and dignified and characterised by solemnity, wisdom and power. 

 Temperament In temperament he is extremely affectionate, quarrel- 

 some neither with companions nor with other dogs. His nature is 

 somewhat shy, and equally sensitive to kindness or correction by his 

 master. Head The head is narrow in proportion to its length and long 

 in proportion to the body, tapering but slightly from the temples 

 to the end of the muzzle thus (when viewed from above and in front) 

 having the appearance of being flattened at the sides and of being nearly 

 equal in width throughout its entire length. In profile the upper 

 outline of the skull is nearly in the same plane as that of the foreface. 

 The length from end of nose to stop (midway between the eyes) should 

 be not less than that from stop to back of occipital protuberance (peak). 

 The entire length of head from the posterior part of the occipital pro- 

 tuberance to the end of the muzzle should be 12 inches, or more, in dogs* 

 and 11 inches, or more, in bitches. Skull The skull is long and 

 narrow, with the occipital peak very pronounced. The brows are not 

 prominent, although, owing to the deep-set eyes, they may have that 

 appearance. Foreface The foreface is long, deep, and of even width 

 throughout, with square outline when seen in profile. Eyes The eyes 

 are deeply sunk in the orbits, the lids assuming a lozenge or diamond 

 shape, in consequence of the lower lids being dragged down and everted 

 by the heavy flews. The eyes correspond with the general tone of 

 colour of the animal, varying from deep hazel to yellow. The hazel 

 colour is, however, to be preferred, although very seldom seen in red- 

 and-tan hounds. Ears The ears are thin and soft to the touch, 

 extremely long, set very low, and fall in graceful folds, the lower parts 

 curling inwards and backwards. Wrinkle The head is furnished with 

 an amount of loose skin which in nearly every position appears super- 

 abundant, but more particularly so when the head is carried low ; 

 the skin then falls into loose, pendulous ridges and folds, especially 

 over the forehead and sides of the face. Nostrils The nostrils are large 

 and open. Lips, Flews, and Dewlap In front the lips fall squarely, 

 making a right-angle with the upper line of the foreface, whilst behind 

 they form deep, hanging flews, and, being continued into the pendent 

 folds of loose skin about the neck, constitute the dewlap, which is very 

 pronounced. These characters are found, though in a less degree, in 

 the bitch. Neck, Shoulders, and Chest The neck is long, the shoulders 

 muscular and well sloped backwards ; the ribs are well sprung, and 

 the chest well let down between the forelegs, forming a deep keel. 

 Legs and Feet The fore-legs are straight and large in bone, with elbows 

 squarely set ; the feet strong and well knuckled up ; the thighs and 

 second thighs (gaskins) are very muscular ; the hocks well bent and 



