THE RETRIEVERS 143 



Cornwall Legh must be included. Many of Colonel Legh's 

 bitches were of Shirley blood, but it is believed that a breed 

 of Retrievers had existed at High Legh for several genera- 

 tions, with which a judicious cross was made, the result being 

 not only the formation of a remarkable kennel, but also a 

 decided influence for good upon the breed in general. 



But since the Shirley days, when competition was more 

 limited than it is at present, no kennel of Retrievers has ever 

 attained anything like the distinction of that owned by Mr. 

 H. Reginald Cooke, at Riverside, Nantwich. By acquiring 

 the best specimens of the breed from all available sources, Mr. 

 Cooke has gathered together a stock which has never been 

 equalled. His ideas of type and conformation are the outcome 

 of close and attentive study and consistent practice, and 

 one needs to go to Riverside if one desires to see the highest 

 examples of what a modern flat-coated Retriever can be. 



Since Dr. Bond Moore imparted to the Retriever a fixity 

 of character, the coats have become longer and less wavy, 

 and in conformation of skull, colour of eye, straightness of 

 legs, and quality of bone, there has been a perceptible 

 improvement. 



As there is no club devoted to the breed, and consequently 

 no official standard of points, the following description of the 

 perfect Retriever is offered : 



General Appearance That of a well-proportioned bright and active 

 sporting dog, showing power without lumber and raciness without 

 weediness. Head Long, fine, without being weak, the muzzle square, 

 the underjaw strong with an absence of lippiness or throatiness. Eyes 

 Dark as possible, with a very intelligent, mild expression. Neck 

 Long and clean. Ears Small, well set on, and carried close to the 

 head. Shoulders Oblique, running well into the back, with plenty of 

 depth of chest. Body Short and square, and well ribbed up. Stern 

 Short and straight, and carried gaily, but not curled over the back. 

 Fore-legs Straight, pasterns strong, teet small and round. Quarters 

 Strong ; stifles well bent. Coat Dense black or liver, of fine quality 

 and texture. Flat, not wavy. Weight From 65 Ib. to 80 Ib. for dogs ; 

 bitches rather less. 



As a rule the Retriever should be chosen for the intelligent 

 look of his face, and particular attention should be paid to the 



