_Legs, Feet and Toes._--Most important. The forearm should be short and thick, running inwards so as to form almost right angles with the parts below. At the wrists or knees the parts touch each other and almost immediately bend outwards (splay-feet), as long, flat paws. These latter ought to be large and shovel-shaped, bearing long, strong, slightly-hooked claws of a black or brown colour, a white claw (as in Pugs) being objectionable. The more the "crook" the better. This, with well-rounded ribs and a long body, constitutes one of the chief points in a Dachshund, giving it a well-let-down appearance, but not too low. _Hind-quarters._--Strength in this region is of great importance, the croup being well-rounded and the thighs strong. The loins must be well arched. The tail thick and tapering, and carried like that of the Foxhound under excitement. It must not curl over the back, this being one of the worst faults a Dachshund can have. From 17 to 22 lbs. is the average weight of dogs in fair condition. The Dachshund Club, and the Northern Dachshund Association, are the two principal societies, in this country, presiding over the interests of the breed. The service of A1 stud dogs can be had at fees from two to four guineas, and excellent youngsters obtained from three to ten or twelve guineas. The Basset-hound This is said to be a very ancient variety of dog, having existed in France for several centuries. In France the term "Basset" is frequently employed to indicate any crooked-legged variety of dog, being synonymous with the English word "Terrier" and the German "Dachs." Consequently the word "Basset," when applied to a dog in France, may become a very ambiguous one. There are Rough and Smooth-coated strains of Basset-hounds, but the Smooth-coated are the most popular varieties, and most of the Hounds shown at the Kennel Club shows are of the Smooth-coated variety, although this useful canine body provides a class for Rough-coated ones in addition. The Smooth-coated Basset had his origin in the province of Artois, whilst the Rough-coated variety came from Flanders. Although there are the crooked, half-crooked, and straight-legged Bassets in both Rough and Smooth coats, the only one of interest in this country is that having the full-crook of leg. The late Mr Everett Millais brought the breed into prominence in England in 1874, through the importation of a famous Basset, called Model. He purchased this hound at the Jardin d'Acclimation in Paris. This animal was the foundation-stone of the Basset as he appears in England at the present day. The late Mr G. R. Krehl did much towards the improvement of the breed, and later, many other enthusiastic admirers, none more so than Mrs Tottie.