Having had some classes given for it at shows

Having had some classes given for it at shows

Having had some classes given for it at shows

The Toy Trawler Spaniel. This little dog, having had some classes given for it at shows, deserves notice, and its standard and scale of points are appended, together with some remarks made upon it by a lady who has introduced it, and whose kennel of beautiful Toy Spaniels of all breeds is well known. Points. Head small and light, with very pointed, rather short, nose, fine and tapery, with a very slight curve upwards of tip of nose. A curve downwards (as in the Borzoi) should be an absolute disqualification. The "stop" well marked, and the skull rather raised, but flat on the top, not dome-shaped. Muzzle just finished, not overshot. Long ears, set high, and carried pricked forwards, framing the face. Large dark eyes, set wide apart, and showing the white when turned. They must be set perfectly straight, not obliquely, in the head. Whatever colour the dog may be, the nose and lips must be black. Neck arched. Back broad and short. Tail set on a level with the back, and carried gaily, though not straight up in the air, or curled over the back like a Pomeranian. It should be docked to about 4 or 5 inches, and well furnished with long feathering. General carriage very smart and gay. Legs reasonably short, and perfectly straight, bone light, though strong. Build square, sturdy, and compact, but never heavy. The action should be smart and prancing, coat very curly, but not woolly. It should be rather silky in texture, and very glossy. Liberal feathering, waistcoat, and breechings. Shape is all important; colour a secondary matter. Best colour a brilliant black, with white waistcoat. Next, red with white waistcoat, black and white, and red and white. Best size from 11 to 13 inches at shoulder. Any tendency to weediness should be carefully avoided, and the height at shoulders should just about equal the length from top of shoulders to root of tail. The size should not be judged by weight, but by height, as they should weigh heavily for their size. A dog about 13 inches high should weigh about 15 lbs. Very small specimens i.e., under 9 inches high are only desirable if the type, soundness, compactness, and sturdiness are unimpaired. Feet close, firm, and hard. They and the lower part of the legs should not be too heavily feathered. The expression of face should be very alert, and very sweet. The dogs should be very bold and courageous. Timidity is a great fault, and should tell against them in the ring. They are excellent ratters and rabbiters. As to proportion of head, if the total length of head be about 6 inches, the ears should be set about 4 inches apart. The whole head, seen from a bird's-eye point of view, should be triangle, with the tip of nose as apex. General appearance should be that of an exquisitely pretty little sporting dog, very strong, and exceedingly smart and compact.