THE MODERN ENGLISH POINTER. 135 
The neck should be an elegant arch in its upper outline, and 
should be round, firm, and tapering to the shoulders, without any 
tendency to throatiness. A dewlap is out of the question. 
Shoulders and chest.—Many of the old breeds had very round 
barrels and upright shoulders in consequence. A moderately flat 
side is now approved of, and deep back ribs are regarded as all 
important, marking not only a strong connection with the loins, but 
also a strong constitution, With this formation, long, powerful, 
and sloping blades may be demanded and expected. 
Back, quarters and stifles—-A pointer with a weak back soon 
tires, though of course he may be fast and flashy. A slightly 
arched loin is a mark of strength, and if there is a trifling droop 
to the root of the tail, that strength is not likely to be less. Wide 
ragged hips are preferred by most pointer judges. Usually the 
stifles are straight, but if well bent the dog can command himself 
much better and stop to a scent more rapidly. 
Legs, elbows, and hocks.—Without good legs the best nose is 
comparatively useless, because the dog either cannot go at all or 
soon tires. Hence they should be straight and strong in bone, 
especially below the knees, in order to enable the animal to stop 
himself suddenly when on the point. They must also be well 
clothed with muscle on the fore-arm and lower thigh. The elbows 
and hocks should be well developed and set straight, neither turn- 
ing in nor out, but especially the former, as the turned-in elbow 
cramps the action most unmistakably. 
The feet are generally expected to be round and cat-like, but the 
quality of the horn covering the pads is of the most importance, 
for if thin the dog soon becomes footsore. When the pointer is 
wanted for grouse-hunting, he should be selected with as much 
hair between the toes as possible. It is in this point especially 
that the setter has the advantage over him, as a bare foot soon 
becomes sore on heather. Ceeteris paribus, a cat-foot is better than 
a bare foot in this dog. 
The stern should come out of the back of full size, immediately 
after which it begins to taper, and ends in a decided point like 
the sting of a bee. The straighter it is the better, but there is 
generally a very slight curve. It should be carried low, and when 
at work should lash the sides merrily. 
