CONTENTS
PART II | ||
| chap. | page | |
| DOGS USED IN WORK | ||
| VIII. | St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Dalmatians | [147] |
| IX. | Sheep Dogs:—Rough Collies, Smooth Collies, Old English | [169] |
| X. | Bull Dogs, Bull Terriers, Boston Terriers | [179] |
| XI. | Terriers,—Irish, Airedale, Bedlington, Black and Tan, Old English | [199] |
CHAPTER VIII
Dogs Used in Work
st. bernards—newfoundlands—mastiffs—dalmations
ROUGH ST BERNARD CH. "SIR BEDIVERE" S. SMITH owner.
SMOOTH ST BERNARD CH. "GUIDE" J. F. SMITH OWNER.
St. Bernards.—Although apparently so much removed from the breeds, I have been deeply associated with for the last twenty-five years, I am bound to say I have always been a great admirer of St. Bernards, and can well remember many years ago, at a show held at Laycock's Dairy Yard, Islington, being struck with admiration at the team shown there by Mr. Cumming Macdona (at that time, and for some years later, "a name to conjure with" in the St. Bernard world), and afterwards I was a great admirer of my friend Mr. Gresham's Hector and Abbess (two of the best I had seen in possession of one owner) and many more, too numerous to mention. I am inclined to think the breed is not quite as popular as it was some years since, and that the entries at most of our best shows are neither as large, nor as good, as they were. The points desired are as follows:—The head very massive and large, showing great depth from eye to lower jaw; the face rather short; muzzle wide, deep, and cut off square; the lips should hang down well and be rather loose; the "stop" well defined, but not too abrupt; the skull massive and well rounded, eyes dark in colour, of medium size, rather deeply set, the lower eyelid drooping slightly, so as to show a little of the red haw; ears rather small, lying well to the cheek, and very slightly feathered in the Rough variety; nose black in colour, wide and deep; legs very straight, with great bone and muscle, hocks and stifle well bent; feet large and compact; body rather long, broad, straight and ribs well rounded. The coat of the Smooth or Short-coated variety, should be very close, thick and slightly brokenhaired. In the Rough variety the coat should be dense and flat, of medium length, not woolly, rather longer on the neck, thighs and tail. Colour and markings: orange, orange and tawny, and all shades of brindle, and red; the markings should be as follows:—White muzzle, white blaze up face, the white being shaded with black, also black shadings on the ears, white collar round neck, white chest, legs and tip of tail. The body may be white with patches of any of above colours.
Bk NEWFOUNDLAND. CH. "WOLF OF BADENOCH". Mrs INGLETON owner.
LANDSEER-NEWFOUNDLAND. CH. "KETTERING WONDER". LADY TOLLEMACHE OWNER.
Newfoundlands.—There are few of the non-sporting breeds which have received more notice in the newspapers than the Newfoundland dog, being so often associated with saving of life on the sea coasts, or on the banks of some of our rivers, and I think there are few, if any, dogs so really and naturally fond of the water, and being possessed of strength and courage, they are often able to render valuable aid. At one time I feared they were becoming almost extinct, and I think the many and very beautiful specimens we now see at our shows, are mainly due to my old friend, Mr. Edwin Nichols, of Kensington, who took up the breed very warmly some years ago, and became one of the most shining lights in the Newfoundland world. I remember, his ideas of the points to be sought after were as follows:—Head to be broad and massive, with a flat skull and somewhat square muzzle; ears small, in proportion to size of the animal, and lying close to the head; coat straight, dense and capable of resisting water; tail carried gaily, but not curled over the back. Colours: black, black and white, or bronze. Average weights, one hundred pounds for dogs and eighty-five pounds for bitches. General appearance that of a dignified, thoughtful, and thoroughly reliable guard, companion, or friend, with a great deal of character.
MASTIFF CH. "BEAUFORT" W. K. TAUNTON OWNER.
The Mastiff.—This, which is usually considered one of the National breeds of this kingdom, is a splendid fellow, stylish and imperious in manner and bearing, and fit to be the associate of the very highest in the land. I don't think I can do better than quote the opinion of Mr. M. B. Wynn, whom I well remember as a frequent exhibitor, breeder and judge of this variety, some years ago. He says:—"What I consider a true type of the British Mastiff. Head, this is the most important feature, it should be broad between ears, and broad between the eyes. The "stop" should extend up the face to a considerable length; forehead wrinkled and flat; cheeks very prominent; muzzle broad, blunt and heavy, and as deep as possible; profile square, and the under jaw, if any thing, to be undershot; eyes small and to be deeply set, with a deal of loose skin down the sides of the face; ears small and either half erect, or wholly pendant, and thin to the touch. Body: Chest deep and thick through, broad between forelegs; loin, broad, flat, heavy; body long. Stern: Many good breeders prefer a long one, but I do not care for it to reach much below the hock. Legs, broad, round, massive, straight. Height: this is a much disputed point. The taller the better, provided the weight corresponds in proportion. A dog standing twenty-eight inches high, ought to weigh in good condition one hundred and twenty-five pounds, and for every inch in height above that (i. e., twenty-eight inches) the weight ought to increase from eight to ten pounds. But over thirty inches, a still greater increase, in proportion. Many good dogs are only twenty-eight and twenty-nine inches high, but from thirty-one to thirty-three are to be desired. Height should ever be accompanied with massive build and length, and should proceed from the shoulder to the elbow, rather than from the elbow to the foot. I mean the height of the dog should be derived from the depth of the chest, rather than from "over-legginess," as this must tend to develop the weight, more or less, of the whole animal. Colour, after all, is the last requisite, since you may breed in a few generations, any colour you please. The purest fawns have descended from the most decided brindles, and from time to time, the white face, especially, has and will occur, and generally in the finest specimens, and those which most closely resemble the paintings of their progenitors. I am an advocate for fineness of coat, but not at the expense of other more characteristic features.
Points of the Mastiff.—The show points of this breed have been set out as follows:—Head large and massive, skull flatly rounded, muzzle square, broad and deep, teeth level, eyes dark brown or hazel coloured and wide apart in setting; front legs straight, muscular and with great bone; chest deep; loins strong and wide. Size of secondary importance, so long as symmetry is retained. Colours: brindled, or apricot fawn, in both cases noses, muzzles and ears black. General appearance that of a massive, dignified and fine looking animal, well suited as a guard or reliable companion.
THE BLACK SPOTTED DALMATIAN BITCH CH. "BEROLINA" E. T. PARKER OWNER.
The Dalmatian.—This is a breed I have bred and kept for many years and I have had the pleasure of judging some of the largest classes of them ever seen, if I remember rightly, having nearly sixty entries on one occasion, at the Crystal Palace, and large classes at the Royal Agricultural Hall, Earl's Court, Birmingham and other places. At one time they got down to a very low ebb, in numbers, but I think they are now coming forward again, as I had a very good lot before me at the last show of the Kennel Club. I think they have more of the Pointer type than that of any other breed about them although I have used them entirely as companions and guards, and there is no doubt they have a natural talent as carriage dogs, and are very fond of horses; I know they are exclusively used in Italy and other parts of the Continent of Europe for sporting purposes, and they are often included in troupes of performing dogs, in some of which I have seen very accomplished specimens, seeming to adapt themselves to the work, particularly of a humorous character, with much spirit and to be easily trained. Of course, as show dogs, their markings are of great importance. I have for some time been trying to bring forward more specimens of the liver, as well as the black, spotted variety, which is now so seldom seen. Prince 4th, and his handsome son, Champion Fauntleroy, a capital portrait of whom illustrates this variety, and the bitch Doncaster Beauty, are the three best of that colour, I have seen for many years, while Fawdry's Captain and Leaho, my Lurth and Leah, and Wilson's Acrobat and Parker's Coming Still, and Champion Berolina (formerly Wilson's), as well as Hartley's Treasure, are the best of the black spotted variety seen for a very long time. I have found them very docile and affectionate as well as more intelligent than many people suppose, from seeing them running behind a carriage.
LIVER SPOTTED DALMATIAN CH. "FONTLEROY." W. B. HERMAN OWNER.
Points of the Show Dalmatian.—The points of this breed are, longish head, flat skull, with moderate stop; long and powerful muzzle; medium sized eyes, dark for black spotted, and light for the liver spotted variety; ears rather small, white with black or liver markings, carried close to head; nose black or liver, according to markings on body; neck arched and fairly long, without throatiness; very deep but not wide chest; powerful back and well ribbed body; muscular loins and straight legs, compact, well padded feet; slightly curved, tapering tail, with markings on it same colour as on body, carried rather gaily with an upward curve; coat dense, harsh and short. Ground colour, white, pure, with spots on body, ears and tail, size of a shilling or larger, clear and distinct, not mixed or blurred, colour of spots to be rather intense black, or a rich liver. Weight from fifty to fifty-five pounds. General appearance to be that of a showy, stylish, powerful and upstanding dog (too many of even the good specimens shown, are too small, in my opinion), much of the Pointer type, but higher on leg and altogether larger. They should have a close, fine coat, which if kept in proper order, should have almost such a shiny appearance as you see on a well groomed horse, they are very lively, cleanly, affectionate, and much more intelligent animals, than is generally supposed, and as they are exceedingly active, and fond of exercise, to those persons who like a cheerful comrade, willing and able, besides being an excellent guard, to accompany them on their journeys on foot, on horseback, or when driving, or even on bicycle, when the travelling is at a moderate pace, I think a Dalmatian would be suitable.
CHAPTER IX
Dogs Used in Work (Continued)
sheep-dogs—rough collies—smooth collies—old english sheep-dogs
ROUGH COLLIE "LOCHIEL". H. R. H. PRINCESS OF WALES, OWNER.
The Rough-coated Collie is a very beautiful and interesting breed, of a highly nervous temperament, very intelligent, and capable of much training for the performance of his natural work with the flocks. Those who have seen him, at the Sheepdog trials, which are frequently held in various parts of the country, but more particularly in Wales, can testify to the patience, care, judgment and discretion, shown by many of the competitors, who, in these cases, have usually three strange sheep to conduct a long distance, over a course marked out by flags on small posts stuck in the ground at intervals, and put them into a small pen, usually made of three hurdles, at the end of the course, no one being allowed to accompany the dogs during the trial, but merely to give directions from a distance, by voice or gestures. I am inclined to think the Scotch Collie is, at the present time, nearly the most popular breed of dog in the United Kingdom, and a really first class specimen, good in head, ears, eyes, shape, size, coat, colour and brush, is very valuable. This is another breed favoured in high places, Her Majesty The Queen, the Princess of Wales (one of whose specimens illustrates this variety), the Countess of Warwick, and many more distinguished persons too numerous to particularize, being amongst those who have extended their patronage to this favourite breed of dog. The points to be desired in this breed, are as follows:—Long head, skull not too wide or round, obliquely set eyes, dark and expressive, small ears, set rather far back and high, raised semi-erect, technically known as half-pricked, when excited, with points slightly forward and hanging down; frame sinewy, active and well knit; deep but wide in chest; straight forelegs, feathered at back, with well bent hocks, strong compact feet; dense undercoat of warm, woolly hair, with coat of hard hair over, intensely full over the shoulders, neck and chest, tail carried in a graceful curve and not over back, profusely feathered on lower side, colours usually shades of black, sable grey, blue and red, with or without white; size from forty-five to sixty-five for dogs, and for bitches something less. The general appearance of a strong, active and very intelligent dog, eager and ready to obey his master's orders.
SMOOTH COLLIE CH. "LADY NELLIE" C. H. LANE OWNER.
I must not omit to mention the Smooth Collie, another variety. I have long bred and kept it. It also is distinguished for its great activity. I remember, in particular, one merle bitch of this breed I had who would run up a rough stone wall ten feet high, like a cat, and jump down the other side, and I have frequently seen her take a run and go over the large wooden doors leading into my stable yard; she was a marvel, but I have had many others, who have surprised me by their athletic performances. Some of the most intelligent work of any breed of sheep dog has been done by Smooth Collies. A black and light brown bitch, of what I may call Bloodhound colour, which I had some years since (her portrait illustrates this variety), had again and again beaten all competitors and taken gold and silver medals at Sheep Dog trials in England and Wales, and was superior in intelligence to most "two-legged animals" of any variety. If in charge of a flock of sheep, on a narrow road, or lane, and they got jammed, she would either jump the wall or hedge, at side, and run down to head them, or run over their backs to the front, and drive them back to clear the course, and she knew what was said to her almost before it was uttered. The appearance of this breed is much like that of the Rough, or Scotch Collie, except that the coat is short and sleek, ears pricked and without feathering on them or the legs; and the tail, with only a slight fringe of hair on its lower side. The favoured colours are merle (which is a sort of mottled grey, black and blue), black and white, tricolour, and what I have before mentioned as Bloodhound colour, being black on the back, and light tan-coloured brown all the rest of the body, and it is considered an advantage, rather than otherwise, for one or both of the eyes to be "wall," or china, coloured. Having used them for work, as companions, guards, and as house pets, I can speak very highly of Smooth Collies, which, I think, are more kept in the north of England and in Wales, particularly the South, than in any other parts of the country, but I also think that if they were more known, they would be more kept, as they have many advantages in their favour, and, like other short-coated breeds, their change of coat is hardly perceptible, whereas we know how very unsightly is any long-coated breed of dog when "out of coat." The points of this breed are the same as in the Rough-coated variety, except in coat.
Bobtail Sheep Dogs.—Another very favourite breed with many is the Old English, also called the Short-tailed, more commonly known as "Bobtailed" Sheep Dogs, and, except for being rather large, and carrying a heavy coat, both of which are objections in a house, they are very agreeable companions, as they are very warm, in fact devoted, in their affections, capital guards, quick to learn and carry out their owner's wishes, well able to take care of themselves in any difference with any other breed of dogs, and so marvellously active, and muscular, that I have seen a "Bobtail" win prizes in open jumping competition with all other breeds. To look at them no one would have the slightest idea of their lively and active character. I have had a great deal to do with them, having kept and bred them for many years, and almost my earliest remembrance of any kind of dog, is connected with a shaggy old customer of this breed called "Billie," belonging to a very old friend of mine, at a Somersetshire farm, with whom I was on the closest terms of friendship, and whose companionship used to impart a strong "doggy" odour to my garments on the occa sions of my visiting him. I am very pleased to say, that this breed, which had been much neglected on account of the influx of Scotch Collies, and was even in danger of becoming almost extinct, has been very much taken up the last few years, and even in London you now often see very decent specimens accompanying fashionable ladies and carriages. It may not be generally known, but I have proved it by actual practice with a great many of my own specimens, that a "Bobtail" is a capital dog to follow carriage, trap, or a rider on horseback. I have come many miles, on the darkest nights, across country roads and lanes, with a couple following me, and never knew an instance where they missed me, or failed to turn up at the end of the journey, and the same in the crowded streets of a large city I often visit. It is supposed to be one of the oldest breeds of dog we have, and in one of Shakespeare's old English comedies, which was lately mounted in unusually first class style, and with many novel realistic effects, by a popular and well known manager at a West End theatre, a quaint old shepherd appeared on the stage accompanied by a rugged Bobtail, who made herself quite at home in her novel surroundings, and gave a great finish to the scene. The Bobtail in question was lent by me, and is the sister of a well known "Champion" belonging to one of the most successful exhibitors and spirited buyers of Sheep dogs in the United Kingdom. The points of this breed, as show specimens, are:—Head square and large, eyes rather small and dark, but wall or marble eyes are considered an advantage when obtainable, particularly in light coloured specimens, body should be large and powerful, without coarseness, sloping rather to front; legs straight, very strong and muscular, well covered with hair down to toes, hindquarters high and heavy, ears small for size of animal, neatly set on side of head, densely coated with a harsh, straight and broken coat, of weather-resisting character, colours very various, but shades of blue, particularly that known as pigeon blue, mixed with white, especially on head, chest and forelegs, most desired, weight forty-five to fifty-five pounds.
Champion Cupid's Dart, whose portrait is here given, is one of the best of the breed at present before the public.
OLD ENGLISH SHEEP-DOG. CH. "CUPID'S DART" F. WILMOT. OWNER.
CHAPTER X
Dogs Used in Work (Continued)
bull dogs—bull terriers—boston terriers
BULLDOG CH. "BLACKBERRY" S. WOODIWISS OWNER. (LARGE)
BULLDOG "BARNEY BARNATO" G. R. SIMS OWNER. (MEDIUM)
Amongst the most popular breeds of late years, has been one that would not be generally expected to be found in that capacity, although it is a very old and national breed. Perhaps I should say that, in reference to all the companionable breeds I have mentioned in these articles, I mean more especially kept by ladies, as when one speaks of such dogs, one naturally thinks of animals not chained to a dog box, or shut up in a kennel outside, but brought into the house, and, literally "treated as one of the family." I refer to the Bull Dog, and having owned and had to do with a great many of these, I can testify to their usual good temper and placidity of disposition, in spite of the many unfavourable comments we frequently hear about them. Indeed, it is a rare thing to meet with a bad tempered Bull dog, and the majority of them will submit to great liberties being taken, even by smaller dogs, rather than attempt to take their own part, and have little idea of fighting in the style practised by some other breeds. But if they once make up their minds to go for any person, or animal, they are difficult to dislodge when they have taken hold. The sizes are very various, the dogs running from under forty pounds to over fifty-five pounds, and the bitches from under thirty-five to under fifty pounds, and of late years a class of "Toy Bull dogs" have been brought out, which I mention elsewhere. The head large, small ears, rather prominent eyes, very short nose, chin rather turned up and generally pugilistic look of the face, with the body rather heavy in front, swung between legs placed widely apart, back short and curved, technically called "roached," with mean hindquarters and a short tail, with a downward turn in it if not "screwed," are familiar features of the breed to most people knowing anything of it, and the colours are white, white and brindle, white and Hound tan, white and black, brindle, brindle and white, brindle and fallow, fawn with black muzzle, fawn and white, red, red and white, red and black, black, and black and white. Of course the brindles, reds, and fawns run into different shades of each, but I think the foregoing contain nearly all the colours allowed by the Bull Dog Clubs. It is a fascinating breed, and when once it has been taken up, is seldom altogether dropped, and I have known several generations of the same family keeping up the strain. I should say the mortality amongst Bull Dogs is as great as, or probably greater than, in any other breed of dog, particularly before they are a year old. Whether their being so much inbred, to preserve certain characteristics, or being so short faced as to interfere with their organs of respiration, are the causes, I will not pretend to say, but if you ask any breeder, he will tell you what considerable losses he suffers every year. Another difficulty which would not be suspected, is that many of them are such bad "doers," that is, do not seem to have any appetite for their food. I remember congratulating an enthusiast of the breed on the condition of his favourite, a large brindle and white, at least fifty pounds weight. "Yes," he said, "he is looking well, but for the last fortnight he has been living entirely on veal cutlets." I thought he would be an expensive boarder on such fare, but from my experience of the breed and its owners, I doubt very much if any other kind of dog is so much pampered. They are naturally slow and lazy in their movements, do not, as a rule, take much exercise, or go much into the open air, so have not much healthy appetite, but as a thin Bull Dog is an abomination, their "condition" must be kept up.
BULLDOG, CH. "LADY ROZELLE" C. H. LANE OWNER. (SMALL)
BULLTERRIER CH. "SHERBOURNE QUEEN" W. J. PEGG OWNER.
Bull Terrier.—The Bull Terrier, formerly so much used in combats with others of the same variety, (now happily things of the past, except "on the quiet" at some of the less reputable public houses in out of the way spots), has always been a prime favourite with the younger members of the sporting fraternity, on account of his undaunted courage, activity, lively disposition, and neat "business-like" appearance. He has been much affected by the stoppage of "cropping the ears," and they are only now beginning to produce specimens with small, well-carried, drop ears, which take off much of the fierce expression they formerly wore, and make them more presentable to the general public. For my own part, and I have had many good specimens in my time, I do not care for them being too big. I think twenty-five pounds quite heavy enough, even for a dog, but I have often seen them at shows nearly or quite double that weight, when to my mind, they become coarse and unwieldy, whereas such a breed should be active, bright and lively, as well as shapely and stylish in appearance. In colour he should be pure white, although I have seen and owned many otherwise nearly perfect specimens, with markings, usually lemon or brindled, on some part of head or body. The following are the points laid down by Mr. S. E. Shirley, President of the Kennel Club, who used to own some grand specimens:—The head should be long; the forehead flat, the eyes small, round, keen, and as dark as possible, any approach to a light or hazel coloured eye, being very objectionable; the jaws should be quite level, strong and muscular; the muzzle fine and tapering from the eyes; the nose quite black; the neck, long and well set into strong, sloping shoulders; the chest wide and deep; the legs very straight, strong and powerful; the feet small and round; the back strong and short; the tail, which is or should be a great point in the Bull Terrier, should be moderately fine, at the root, gradually tapering to the point, it should be set on rather low, and carried in a gay, jaunty manner, neither high nor low, not "hooped," or with the slightest inclination to twist or "screw."
BOSTON-TERRIER "TURPIN". MISS J. TOZIER, OWNER.
The Boston Terrier.—By the kindness of a correspondent on the "other side of the water," who has taken the trouble to supply some authentic details of this breed of which so little is known amongst Englishmen, but which are sure to be of much interest to the many fanciers and admirers of the variety, I have much pleasure in giving the actual words of my correspondent in the following description and standard of show points of the Boston Terrier.
"Concerning the earlier dogs of the breed.—How did the breed originate? It resulted from a cross between the English Bull dog and the English Terrier, and these two have been considerably inbred. Accidental peculiarities of the first dogs used as sires are partly responsible for the present type. About 30 years ago Mr. Robert C. Hooper, of Boston, Mass., U. S. A., came into possession of a dog named Judge who was imported from England. This dog known as Hooper's Judge was destined to be the ancestor of the true modern Boston Terrier. He was a cross between an English Bull dog and an English Terrier, leaning in type rather more toward the Bull dog. Judge was bred to Gyp, or Kate, a white bitch, owned by Ed. Burnett, of Southboro, Mass. She weighed twenty pounds, had a fine three-quarter tail low stationed, stocky-build, showing strength in her make-up, good head, being short and blocky. From Judge and Gyp descended Well's Eph. Eph was mated to Tobin's Kate, weighing twenty pounds, short head, golden brindle in colour, and straight three-quarter tail. From Well's Eph and Tobin's Kate came Barnard's Tom, the first dog with a screw tail. This dog Tom was a great improvement over his sire and grandsire, beside being the first to show the fine quality that is present in a good specimen of the modern Boston Terrier—Tom was the best Boston Terrier of his day, so, of course, was much used in stud. The above gives very briefly the main facts concerning the older dogs of this breed. To correct an idea that has become somewhat prevalent, it can here be stated that the dog is in no sense a fighting dog. While he is plucky as might be expected from his ancestry, he is not quarrelsome or aggressive—is very loyal to his master, obedient, affectionate and of sweet nature, quick in motion and very intelligent."
Show points and standard of the Boston Terrier, furnished by an enthusiastic American fancier of the breed.
General Appearance.—The general appearance of the Boston Terrier is that of a smooth, short-coated, compactly built dog of medium stature. The head should indicate a high degree of intelligence, and should be in proportion to the dog's size, the body rather short and well knit, the limbs strong and finely turned, no feature being so prominent that the dog appears badly proportioned. The dog conveys an idea of determination, strength and activity—style of a high order, carriage easy and graceful.
Skull—Broad and flat without prominent cheeks, and forehead free from wrinkles.
Stop—Well defined but indenture not too deep.
Eyes—Wide apart, large and round, neither sunken nor too prominent, dark in colour and soft—the out side corner on a line with the cheeks as viewed from the front.
Ears—Small and thin, as near corners of the skull as possible.
Muzzle—Short, square, wide and deep, without wrinkles; nose black and wide, with a well defined straight line between nostrils. The jaws broad and square with short, regular teeth; the chops wide and deep, not pendulous, completely covering the teeth when the mouth is closed.
Neck—Of fair length, without throatiness, and slightly arched.
Body—Deep and broad at chest, well ribbed up. Back short, not roached. Loins and quarters strong.
Elbows—Standing neither in nor out.
Fore legs—Wide apart, straight and well muscled.
Hind legs—Straight, quite long from stifle to hock, which should turn neither in nor out, short and straight from hock to pastern, thighs well muscled, hocks not too prominent.
Feet—Small, turned neither in nor out. Toes compact and arched.
Tail—Set on low, fine tapering or screw—devoid of fringe or coarse hair, not carried above the horizontal.
Colour—Any colour, brindle, evenly marked with white, strongly preferred.
Markings—White muzzle, blaze on face, collar, chest and feet.
Coat—Fine in texture, short and bright and not hard.
Weight—Light-weight class, under twenty-three pounds, but not less than thirteen pounds. Heavy-weight class, twenty-three to thirty pounds, inclusive.
Disqualifications—Cocked tail or any artificial means to deceive the judge.
SCORE OF POINTS.
Skull, 12; ears, 2; eyes, 5; stop, 2; muzzle, 12; neck, 5; body, 15; elbows, 2; forelegs, 4; hindlegs, 4; feet, 2; tail, 10; colour, 8; markings, 4; coat, 3; general appearance, style, 10.
CHAPTER XI
Dogs Used in Work (Continued)
terriers—irish—airedale—bedlington—black and tan—smooth english
IRISH TERRIER CH. "TED MALONE" Mrs BUTCHER OWNER
The Irish Terrier.—There is scarcely any breed of any of the many varieties of the Terrier, which has grown more in popularity during the last twenty years, than this. And I believe it has done so strictly on its merits; of course, somewhat helped by the ardour and zeal of his excitable and genial fellow-countrymen, who have done all in their power to help on one of their "national breeds." From the points hereafter given, my readers will get a good description of the breed. I may say that my experience of it, personally, was chiefly in some I bought of my friend, Mr. W. Graham, of Belfast, (so much known and liked in English as well as Irish doggy circles, and the breeder and exhibitor of some of the best specimens of the breed ever seen). The only reason we "parted company," was their talent for "boxing." If I had a dozen or more dogs out peaceably enjoying themselves in a paddock, the moment "the Irishmen" were let out, there were "ructions," and they could not content themselves with just a friendly bout amongst themselves, or with some of the Dandies, Skyes, or others, near their own size and weight, but must needs go and pick a quarrel with some of the Collies, Bobtails or other larger dogs, and I feared they would be killed, so got rid of them, though they were all right with all of us, and indeed great favourites. The following description of the breed is by my friend, Mr. L. I. Barnett, so well known as Secretary of the English Section of the Irish Terrier Club, and a frequent judge:—
Points of the Irish Terrier.—"Head long, rather narrow; punishing jaw; eyes, small and dark; ears fairly small, not set on too high; legs straight, and strong; feet, round, and thick, with good heels; chest narrow, with good depth of brisket; back strong, and straight, with tail set on rather high; loins strong; neck, strong, and muscular; coat very hard, and straight, shorter on head; colour yellow-red, darker on ears; expression, 'wicked,' but intelligent."
AIREDALE TERRIER CH. "DUMBARTON LASS" A. E. JENNINGS OWNER.
Airedales.—Another breed I see occasionally kept is the Airedale Terrier, which are seldom less than forty pounds weight, and often much more. As guards, or companions, they are admirable, and follow a trap well, and can look after their own welfare, but although they have been immensely improved since they were first brought out, in the North of England, as "The Waterside Terrier," there is, to my mind, a coarse and common look about them, that seems to keep them more associated with a breed suitable to accompany his master's trap or cart, or to mount guard over premises liable to be attacked by burglars, and its size always seems to me much to its disadvantage, in doing any of the work which usually falls to the members of the different varieties of "Terriers." The long shaped head, small ears, dark hazel eyes, strong, well-knit body, with docked tail, and the colour grizzled black above, and light tan below, will be familiar to most readers of these words. I have known many beautiful Airedales, some of them (except in size) nearly perfect in their Terrier character, and on the occasions I have judged the breed I have had excellent entries of good quality, and I know now many who keep them, and prefer them to any other breed of dog. I am bound, however, to say I have never been very much taken up with them, as I object to their size as being too big to be classed amongst Terriers for the work of that variety.
BEDLINGTON-TERRIER. CH. "CLYDE-BOY" R.H. SMITH. OWNER.
The Bedlington.—This breed, which first appeared at Darlington Dog show in 1866, had existed in the extreme north of England, for nearly or quite fifty years before that, and has always been more bred and kept in the north than in any other part of the country, although I have occasionally seen good specimens elsewhere. The following extract from a letter published in "The Field" in March, 1869, from a staunch supporter of the breed, will be of interest to some of my readers. "The Bedlington Terrier is fast, and whether on land, or in water, is equally at home; in appetite, these dogs are dainty, and they seldom fatten; but experience has shown them to be wiry, enduring, and, in courage, equal to the bull dog. They will face almost anything, and I know of a dog which will extinguish a candle or lighted paper at his master's bidding! To these other good qualities may be added, their marked intelligence, and hostility to vermin of all kinds. They will encounter the otter, fox, badger, with the greatest determination. The points of the Bedlington Terrier, which is a very lively member, as a rule, are as follows: Skull narrow and domed, and adorned with a silky top-knot; jaws very strong and punishing and lips tight; nose large and either black or liver-coloured, according to shade of the coat, eyes small and rather deeply sunk, their colour following that of body, ears fine, filbert shaped, tipped with soft silky hair and carried flat against the sides of the head, neck long and shoulders sloping, body rather narrow at the chest, but deep at this point, ribs flat, slightly arched at the loins, which should be powerful, legs straight, feet of fair size, hindquarters graceful looking and not too heavy, tail tapering almost all the way from base, carried in a curve like a Turkish Sword; coat much as a Dandie's, linty, composed of a mixture of hard and soft hair. Colours blue liver or sandy, or mixtures of above with tanned markings, pure self colours preferred and any white objectionable. General appearance that of a particularly alert and active dog of immense energy and courage, and quite prepared to take his own part, with any dog of any breed.
WELSH TERRIER CH. "BRYNHIR BURNER" W. S. GLYNN. OWNER.
The Welsh Terrier.—Another handy sized breed for pet or companion and a smart guard is the Welsh Terrier, which is practically a wire-haired black and tan terrier, not over twenty pounds, and often less, in weight, head flat and wider at base, eyes set rather wide, muzzle longish, and a bit stronger than usually seen in Fox Terriers, ears small, with forward carriage, neck clean and not short, muscular thighs and well-boned, straight, fore-legs, coat (black, or grizzle and tan, in colour) wiry, hard and dense, should have no white spots, or markings. They are very smart, showy dogs and usually very keen on anything in the vermin, or sporting line, and are being bred very true to type by some of their patrons, many of whom are very enthusiastic in their praise.
The Old English Terrier.—A breed closely resembling these are the Old English Terriers, usually rather larger and more grizzled in colour than their Welsh brethren, and very suitable, being something like a small Airedale in appearance, as companions or house guards. The considerable interest taken in Airedales and Welsh Terriers, (both of which have one or more specialist clubs to look after their interests and push them forward) has been rather prejudicial to the Old English Terriers, which have been somewhat neglected, but I should like to see someone take them up, as there is much of "general utility" about them, and they should not be allowed to die out.
BLACK & TAN TERRIER CH. STARKIE BEN LT. COL. C. S. DEAN. OWNER.
The Black and Tan Terrier.—Another well-known breed is the Manchester or Black and Tan Terrier, which, some years since, enjoyed considerable popularity, and I think the main cause of its decline, was its getting into the hands of some unscrupulous members of the community, who dyed, faked, and "rang the changes," as it was called, with them, to such an extent, that respectable people were afraid to have anything to do with them. I have no doubt that the cropping edict has also been against them, as formerly, if a dog had large, or ugly ears, their appearance was often improved in the cropping, but now, unless the ears are naturally small, good specimens have little chance in the keen competition of these dogs. I need hardly describe them as fine-coated, rather snake-headed dogs with bright eyes of dark colour, and marked with tan, which should be clear in shade on the legs, thighs, feet, and other parts. They are well adapted as pets and companions, being smart, lively and intelligent in their manners and cleanly and vigilant in their habits. The points of the Manchester or Black and Tan Terrier are rather elaborate and run as follows: Head long and narrow, flat from the back to the nose and with no humps at sides or cheek, muzzle long and tapering, but not weak, eyes small and oval shaped, black and bright. The correct carriage of the ears is a debatable point since cropping has been abolished, but probably the drop ear is correct; neck light and graceful, shoulders sloping, chest rather narrow but deep and the body slightly arched with good back ribs; forelegs quite straight with well arched toes and jet black toenails, powerful hindquarters with hocks well let down, tail very fine and carried almost straight, coat short, yet close. Colour: Lustrous blue black, with rich mahogany tan markings along the jaws, under the throat, over the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on each side of breast, on the inside of the hind legs, under the vent and on the forelegs up to above the pastern joint. The toes, however, have black lines called "pencilling," running up them and there is a black spot called the thumb mark just along the pastern joint in front of the limb. The general appearance is that of a high class and well-bred, smart and neat-looking dog well suited for any work, coming into the sphere of a terrier, and a fit companion or guard for either sex, or any rank of life. He can adapt himself to the cottage, or the palace, and look well in either.
WHITE ENGLISH TERRIER. CH. ECLIPSE J. WALSH. OWNER.
The White English Terrier—I may here mention what is doubtless a branch of the same variety or closely allied to it, the White English Terrier, which, but for its colour, being all pure white, is just built on the same lines, and is suitable for the same purposes, as his black and tan cousin. Some years since when the lighter weights of bull terriers were more popular than at present, I think they were largely crossed with White English, so as to get down their size, and some I have had, and many I have seen, have undoubtedly had some of the Bull Terrier blood in them, which could be traced in their skulls, showing rather more fullness than the breed should indicate, and their dispositions being rather more warlike than was always convenient to their owners, or agreeable to their kennel companions. I contend that a thoroughbred White English Terrier is quite a superior dog and fit company for anyone. I know some of the best at the present time are owned by ladies.