(From Modern Dogs.)
Origin.—The breed is about fifty years old, and probably is a cross of the old English or Irish water-spaniel with setter, collie, or Newfoundland.
Uses.—Retrieving wounded game and birds.
* Scale of Points, Etc.
| Value. | |
|---|---|
| Skull | 10 |
| Nose and jaws | 10 |
| Ears and eyes | 5 |
| Neck | 5 |
| Loins and back | 10 |
| Quarters and stifles | 5 |
| Shoulders | 6 |
| Chest | 4 |
| Legs, knees, and hocks | 5 |
| Feet | 5 |
| Tail | 5 |
| Texture of coat and bareness of face | 15 |
| Color | 5 |
| Symmetry and temperament | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
General Appearance.—A strong, smart dog, moderately low on leg, active, lively, and intelligent.
Head.—Long and narrow for length. Ears rather small, set low, carried close to head, covered with short curls. Jaws long, strong, free from lippiness. Nose black, with wide-open nostrils. Eyes dark, rather large, showing good temper. Pug eye objectionable.
Coat.—A mass of short, crisp curls from occiput to point of tail; a saddleback or patch of uncurled hair behind shoulders.
Color.—Black or liver; a white patch on chest penalizing.
Neck.—Long, graceful, muscular, free from throatiness.
Shoulders.—Very deep, muscular, obliquely placed; chest not too wide, but deep; body rather short, well ribbed, and muscular.
Legs and Feet.—Fore legs straight, bone plenty; not too long, well set under body. Feet round, compact; toes well arched.
Loins.—Powerful and deep.
Tail.—Carried pretty straight, and covered with short curls.
Weight.—Dogs, 55 to 68 pounds; bitches, 5 pounds less.