188 JUDGING JACKS, JENNETS, AND MULES 



texture, although not as large and strong as in the Andalusian. 

 The color is black or brown, the former color usually pre- 

 dominating. The points are light or mealy in color. The 

 ears are large and usually erect, the head broad, the eyes 

 large and prominent, and the facial lines unusually strong. 

 The breed is unusually refined, showing much character, 

 style, and action. It is early maturing and extremely popular 

 among breeders for mule production. The principal points 

 in favor of the breed are the style, quality, color, and refine- 

 ment. Compared with the Andalusian it possesses superior 

 color, bone, and quality. 



Andalusion. — The Andalusion breed of jacks is a native of 

 southern Spain. The breed is of ancient origin and has a 

 number of very desirable qualifications. It is characterized 

 usually by a gray color. Some specimens of the breed are 

 black, although this is rather unusual. The breed has never 

 become popular in America, this being partly due to the 

 gray color which is considered objectionable. Representative 

 specimens of the breed range from 14-2 to 15-2 hands high. 

 The breed is characterized by good bone, which is hard and 

 fine in texture. The head is broad, well shaped, and expres- 

 sive. The breed possesses considerable style and cleanness 

 and trimness of outline. Some of the other breeds, because 

 of more desirable color qualifications and their special 

 adaptability to mule production, have become more promi- 

 nent. The quality and temperament of the breed are very 

 acceptable. While a great many jacks of this breed have 

 been imported, they have not gained special prominence. 



Poitou. — The Poitou breed is a native of France, where 

 it is regarded very favorably. Specimens of this breed 

 have never been widely introduced into the United States, 

 and they are therefore not of practical interest. The color 

 is black with light points, although grays are not uncommon. 

 The gray color is neither popular with this or other breeds, 

 Poitou jacks, gray in color, not being eligible to registry in 

 the French Record Book. In the native home the animals 

 are ill-managed and usually present a very unattractive 

 appearance. The hair is allowed to become long, shaggy, 

 and matted, the natural tendency being to a profuse growth 



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