330 The Dog Book 



fifteen is given the original club figures were fourteen for each, and the 

 four points of difference were added to colour, which made that property 

 twelve in place of eight, as given below. 



Descriptive Particulars 



Head. — Broad, running to nose only a trifle pointed, but not sharp; 

 eyes of yellow colour; ears small, placed well up on head; face covered 

 with very short hair. 



Neck. — Should be only moderately long, and with a firm, strong appear- 

 ance. 



Shoulders and Chest. — Shoulders should have full liberty, with plenty 

 of show for power and no tendency to restriction of movement; chest strong 

 and deep. 



Back, Quarters and Stifles. — Should show fully as much if not more 

 power than fore quarters and be capable of standing prolonged strain. 

 Any tendency of weakness must be avoided. Ducking on the broad waters 

 of Chesapeake Bay involves, at times, facing a tide and sea, and in cases 

 of following wounded fowl a dog is frequently subjected to a long swim. 



Legs, Elbows, Hocks and Feet. — Legs should be short, showing both 

 bone and muscle, and with well-webbed feet of good size; fore legs rather 

 straight and symmetrical. It is to be understood that short legs do not 

 convey the idea of a dumpy formation. Elbows well let down and set 

 straight, for development of easy movement. 



Stern. — Should be stout, somewhat long — ^the straighter the better — 

 and showing only moderate feather. 



Symmetry and Quality. — The Chesapeake Bay dog should show a 

 bright, lively, intelligent expression, with general outlines good at all points; 

 in fact a dog worthy of notice in any company. 



Coat and Texture. — Short and thick, somewhat coarse, with tendency 

 to wa^'e over shoulders, back and loins, where it is longest; nowhere over 

 one and a quarter to one and a half inches long; that on the flanks, legs 

 and belly shorter, tapering to quite short near the feet. Under all this a 

 short, woolly fur which should well cover the skin and can be readily observed 

 by pressing aside the outer coat. This coat preserves the dog from the 

 effects of the wet and cold, and enables him to stand severe exposure. A 

 shake or two throws off all the water, and is conducive to speed in swimming. 



