The Descent of Man

variations in strength, size, and courage, whether
due to mere variability or to the effects of
use, by the accumulation of which male quadrupeds
have acquired these characteristic qualities,
occurred rather late in life, and were consequently
to a large extent limited in their
transmission to the same sex.
From these considerations I was anxious to
obtain information as to the Scotch deer-hound,
the sexes of which differ more in size than those
of any other breed (though blood-hounds
differ considerably), or than in any wild canine
species known to me. Accordingly, I applied to
Mr. Cupples, well known for his success with
this breed, who has weighed and measured
many of his own dogs, and who has with great
kindness collected for me the following facts
from various sources. Fine male dogs, measured
at the shoulder, range from 28 inches,
which is low, to 33 or even 34 inches in height;
and in weight from 80 pounds, which is light,