The Cocker Spaniel 263 



Body. — Comparatively short, compact and firmly knit together, giving 

 the impression of a concentration of power and untiring activity. Chest 

 deep rather than wide, not narrow fronted nor yet so wide is to interfere 

 with free action of the fore legs. Ribs well sprung, deep and carried far 

 back, short in the coupling and flank, free from any tucked appearance. 

 Back and loin immensely strong and compact in proportion to the size of 

 the dog, the former level and the latter slightly arched. Hips wide, with 

 quarters considerably rounded and very muscular. 



Legs and Feet. — Fore legs short and straight, though proportionately 

 longer than in any of the other breeds of short-legged spaniels, strongly 

 boned and muscled, with elbows well let down and straight, short, strong 

 pasterns. Hind legs proportionately short. Stifles well bent. Second 

 thighs clearly defined. Hocks clean, strong, well let down, bent and turn- 

 ing neither in nor out, the hind quarters from a back view presenting an 

 impressive combination of propelling power. Feet neither small nor 

 large, round, firm, not spreading, and with deep, strong, horny pads and 

 plenty of hair between the toes. They should turn neither in nor out. 



Stern. — Should be set on and carried level with the back, and when 

 at work its action should be incessant in this, the brightest and merriest 

 of the whole spaniel family. 



Coat. — Flat or slightly waved, silky and very dense, with ample setter- 

 like feather. 



•Colour and Markings. — Blacks should be jet black, and reds, livers, 

 etc., should never be of faded or "washy" shades, but of good sound colours. 

 White on the chest of self-colours, while objectionable, should not dis- 

 qualify. 



Weight. — ^Not under eighteen nor exceeding twenty-four pounds. 



General Description. — Embodying the foregoing, i. e., a neat-headed, 

 wide-awake, serviceable-looking little dog with an expression of great 

 intelligence, short in body when viewed from above, yet standing over 

 considerable ground for one of his inches upon strong, straight front legs, 

 with wide, muscular quarters suggestive of immense power, especially 

 when viewed from behind. A downward tendency in front he ought not 

 to possess, but should stand well up at the shoulders like the clever little 

 sporting dog that he is. Massive in appearance by reason of his sturdy 

 body, powerful quarters and strong, well-boned limbs, he should never- 

 theless impress one as being a dog capable of considerable speed combined 



