136 DOMESTICATED DOGS. 



nerves of smelling are spread out, and consequently it is of equal 

 importance with the skull. Neither of the two is of any use 

 without the other, for a clever dog of the best temper cannot 

 find game if he has a bad nose, while a keen sense of smell is 

 useless if he will not display his powers from obstinacy or lazi- 

 ness. It should be of full size to allow of nerve surface, long 

 and broad, with nostrils large and open to allow of the air enter- 

 ing readily. For health's sake, the end should feel cold and 

 moist, and, as indicating hardness, it is better dark in colour, a pink 

 nose being a mark of softness, except in the lemon and whites, 

 who generally have it. The end should be square and not pointed 

 (known as " snipey " or " pig jawed ") or underhung. 



Ears, eyes, and lips. — The ears should be moderately long in 

 leather, but flat and filbert-shaped, not folding like those of the 

 hound. They should be set on low, and any tendency to prick 

 them is an abomination. The leather should be thin and flexible, 

 and the coat covering them very soft. Eyes of middle size and 

 depth, soft in expression, and of the various shades of brown, 

 according to colour of coat. Lips full, but not showing any flew 

 frothing when at work. 



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, power- 

 ful, 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 



