THE DACHSHUND. 79 



apart, while the knees should be not more than 2^ inches ; the 

 closer the better. From the knees the feet turn outwards again, 

 and are often 4 or 5 inches apart at the ground, but from pad 

 to pad should not be more than 3^- inches. This formation is 

 strongly commented on by German fanciers. In spite of their 

 peculiar shape, the fore-legs must not be weak, and, in particular, 

 the knees must be strong and the pasterns large in bone. The 

 feet are rather large, but the pads should be firm, and should be 

 covered with thick and hard horn. The claws should be dark. 

 On the hind-legs there are often dew-claws, but they are not 

 regarded as typical points. The hind- legs are longer in proportion 

 than the fore-legs, being only slightly bent at the stifles. They 

 are shaped with great elegance, and are by no means so muscular 

 as the fore-legs. The second thigh is very short, and the calf 

 well developed, but not clumsily so. Quarters wide rather than 

 deep. Feet small and round, and inclining forward nearly on a 

 straight line, the hocks being very slightly in and the feet 

 out. 



The stem is moderately long, strong at the root, and tapering 

 to a fine point. It is carried gaily over the back in a hound- 

 like manner, resembling the Dandie Dinmont terrier in this 

 respect. 



The coat is glossy and smooth, but hard and wiry, except on the 

 ears, where it must be soft and silky. 



Colour. — The experts are by no means agreed as to the com- 

 parative value of tan and black and tan, but between these two 

 and any- other colour there is no room for doubt. Sometimes, 

 even in good strains, a whole black or chocolate puppy occurs, 

 occasionally a liver and tan of varying shade, and even a hare or 

 badger pie ; but these colours are not fancied, and should, as far 

 as possible, be bred out. If whole tan, the nose should be black, 



