undoubtedly is the soundness of his constitution, a capacity for withstanding diseases to which others succumb only too readily. Whether this immunity will be retained or no is a debatable point. When the breed first started upon its career of popularity some twelve or fifteen years ago the numbers were strictly limited, and much inbreeding must have been necessary. While this may mean the perpetuation of a desired type it connotes also the possibility of an increased susceptibility to disease. The longevity attained by the earlier importations is sufficient proof of their stamina then. The letter I have quoted speaks of one reaching seventeen years, an age exceeded by a year by one of Lord John Hay's.
The charm of so many Pekingese that I have seen is that although toys in weight there is nothing toyish in their dispositions. They have all the boldness of bigger dogs, a fine capacity for devotion to master or mistress, engaging manners, tenacious memories, and indefatigable activity, all of which are virtues to justify our regard.
Externally they should have a massive front, tapering off behind the ribs to a distinct "waist," a conformation which is supposed to give them a leonine aspect. The legs should be short, heavy of bone in front and bowed outwards at the elbows. The head needs to be massive, with a broad flat skull, wide between the ears. The body must not be long. On the other hand,
