THE SMOOTH GREYHOUND. 43 



the backbone, and upon which, as I before observed, the size of the 

 back depends. Very round ribs like a barrel are not so desirable 

 as the squ ired for.n which I nave alluded to, for several reasons 

 which will be given under the anatomical description of this part. 

 Great depth of chest is apt to prevent the dog stooping on rouh 

 ground, as he strikes it against high ridges or large stones, but a 

 moderately deep chest is a valuable point, giving plenty of " bel- 

 lows' room " as it is popularly called. This, however, is provided 

 for better by breadth than depth, and the former should be insisted 

 on more than the latter, provided there is not that round tub-like 

 form of the ribs which interferes with the action of the shoulder- 

 blades, and often accompanies low-breeding. 



A rat-like TAIL is insisted upon, not as of absolute use in any 

 way, but as a sign of high breeding, without which it is well known 

 the greyhound is comparatively valueless. But it must be under- 

 stood that it is only in the size of the bones that the similarity 

 should be insisted on, for many goo 1 breeds have a considerable 

 quantity of hair upon the tail, though this never ought to be in a 

 bushy form. A slight fan-like distribution of hair is not therefore to 

 be considered objectionable, and in puppies is a mark of hardihood. 



Cat-like FEET are much insisted on, and this point has been so 

 much atl ended to that some breeds have been produced remarkable 

 for having their feet even more round than those of the cat. 

 Their toes seem to be the only parts touching the ground, the pad 

 appearing as if it was not in contact with it. This form I believe 

 to bo an exaggeration of a goo 3 point, as all dogs so provided are 

 very apt to draw their nails, or break their toes, both of which 

 accidents it is of great importance to avoid. The most essential 

 point, therefore, is such a form of foot as will prevent the toesf 

 spreading, taking care that the knuckles are well up, by which a 

 good foothold is secured. But beyond this it is necessary to pro- 

 vide for t jc wear and tear which the sole of the foot incurs, and 

 hence a thick pad well covered with hard skin is to be insisted on. 

 If the greyhound has this he will stand his work, while its absence 

 renders him at all times liable to become footsore, and incapable 

 of doing it. 



