The differences between these two leading classes is one of form, type
and quality, as the breeders say. A good dairy cow has a very soft,
mellow skin, and fine, silky hair. Her head is narrow and long, and the
distance between the eyes is noticed to be great. This indicates much
nerve force, an important quality of the heavy milkers. The neck of a
good dairy cow is long and thin. The shoulders are thin and lithe, and
narrow at the top. The back is open, angular, and tapering toward the
tail. The hips are wide apart and covered with little meat. The good cow
is also thin in the region of the thigh and flank, but very deep through
the stomach girth, as a result of the long, open ribs. The udder is
large, attached well forward on the abdomen, and high up behind. It
should be full but not fleshy. The lacteal or milk veins ought also to
be large, and extend considerably toward the front legs.