252 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



should be close in to the body both when moving or standing, thus 

 causing the fore-leg to be well placed in under the shoulder. The fore- 

 legs should be straight and thickly covered with short hard hair. 

 The hind-legs should be short and sinewy. The thighs very muscular 

 and not too wide apart. The hocks bent and well set in under the 

 body, so as to be fairly close to each other either when standing, walking, 

 or running (trotting) ; and, when standing, the hind-legs, from the 

 point of the hock down to fetlock joint, should be straight or per- 

 pendicular and not far apart. The fore-feet are larger than the hind 

 ones, are round, proportionate in size, strong, thickly padded, and 

 covered with short hard hair. The foot must point straight forward. 

 The hind-feet are smaller, not quite as round as fore-feet, and thickly 

 padded. The under surface of the pads of feet and all the nails should 

 be distinctly black in colour. Hocks too much bent (cow hocks) 

 detract from the general appearance. Straight hocks are weak. 

 Both kinds are undesirable, and should be guarded against. Tail 

 Six or seven inches long, covered with hard hairs, no feathers, as straight 

 as possible ; carried gaily, but not curled over back. A long t;iil 

 is objectionable. Movement Should be free, straight, and easy all 

 round. In front, the leg should be freely extended forward by the 

 shoulder. The hind movement should be free, strong, and close. 

 The hocks should be freely flexed and drawn dose in under the body, 

 so that, when moving off the foot, the body is thrown or pushed forward 

 with some force. Stiff, stilty movement behind is very objectionable. 

 FAULTS : Coat Any silkiness, wave, or tendency to curl is a serious 

 blemish, as is also an open coat. Black or grey hairs disqualify for 

 competition. Size Any specimens under the minimum, or above the 

 maximum weight, are objectionable. Eyes Full or light coloured. 

 Ears Round-pointed, drop, broad and large, or too heavily covered 

 with hair. Muzzle Either under or over shot, and defective teeth. 



