i 94 PASTORAL DOGS, ETC. 



■head. The hair short, with a very slight fringe at the edge. 

 Eyes of medium size, intelligent and soft. 



Neck, moderately long, that is to say, as long as it can he got ; 

 imported and pure Labradors being very often too short to stoop 

 for a scent without difficulty. 



Shoulders and chest. — The chest is apt to be barrel-like, but it 

 is better somewhat narrow and deep, giving lodgment for more 

 oblique shoulders, and rendering the "dog better able to stoop., 



The back and ' loins should be strong and well coupled, with 

 deep back ribs. 



Quarters and stifles.. — Bent stifles are seldom met with in this 

 breed, but they should not be confined in width. The quarters 

 are generally straight, but a slight slope is by no means a dis- 

 advantage. 



Legs, knees, and hocks.. — These ought always to be straight, mus- 

 cular, and strong in bone. 



The feet are large, and should be specially attended to, as they 

 are apt to be flat and thin-soled. 



The tail is bushy without setter, feather. It is carried high 

 during excitement, but should not be curled over the back. 



The coat is moderately short, but wavy, from its length being 

 too great for absolute smoothness. It is glossy and close, admit- 

 ting wet with difficulty to the skin, owing to its oiliness, but pos- 

 sessing no under-coat. 



The colour is a rich jet black without rustiness. No quantity 

 of white is admissible, but the best-bred puppies often have a 

 white toe or star. 



Symmetry is of some importance, as indicating adaptation to 

 the work this dog has to do. It is often considerable. 



Temperament. — Without a good disposition and temper, no dog 



