194 WATCHDOGS AND HOUSE-DOGS. 
(12.) The back should be short and strong, very broad forward, 
and comparatively narrow at the loins. There should be a slight 
fall close behind the shoulders, whence the spine should rise to 
the loin, thence curving again more suddenly to the tail, forming 
an arch, termed the roach-back, or more correctly “ wheel-back,” 
which is a distinct characteristic of the breed. 
(13.) The tai/, termed the “stern,” should be set on low, jut out 
rather straight, and then turn downwards, the end pointing hori- 
zontally. It should be quite round in its whole length, smooth, 
and devoid of fringe or coarse hair. It should be moderate in 
length, rather short than long, thick at the root, and then tapering 
to a fine point. It should not have a decided upward curve at the 
end or be screwed or deformed, and the dog should, from its shape, 
not be able to raise it over its back. . 
(14.) The fore-legs should be very stout and strong, set wide apart, 
thick, muscular, and straight, with well-developed calves, presenting 
a rather bowed outline; but the bones should be large and straight, 
not bandy or curved. They should be rather short in proportion 
to the hind-legs, but not so short as to make the back appear long 
or detract from the dog’s activity. The elbows should be low and 
stand well away from the ribs. The ankles or pasterns should be 
short, straight, and strong. The fore-part should be straight, 
and turn very slightly outward, of medium size, and moderately 
round; the toes compact and thick, being well split up, making 
the knuckles prominent and high. 
(15.) The Aind-legs should be large and muscular, and longer in 
proportion than the fore-legs, so as to elevate the loins. The hocks 
should be slightly bent and well let down, the thighs long and 
muscular from the loins to the point of the hoek, The lower part 
of the leg should be short, straight, and strong. The stifles should 
be round, and turned slightly outwards away ‘frowi the body. The 
hocks are thereby made to approach each other, and the hind-feet 
to turn outwards. The latter, like the fore-feet, should be round 
and compact, with the toes well split up and the knuckles 
prominent. 
(16.) The most desirable size is about 50 lbs. in weight. 
(17.) The coat should be fine in texture, short, close, and 
smooth ; hard, but not wiry. 
