DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM

BY

ROBERT LEIGHTON

ASSISTED BY

EMINENT AUTHORITIES ON THE VARIOUS BREEDS

WITH SEVENTEEN FULL-PAGE PLATES

[Frontispiece: SMOOTH-COATED ST. BERNARD: CH. THE VIKING. (_From thePainting by Lilian Cheviot. )]

[Transcriber's Note: The capital letter "P" has been used throughoutto represent the pound sign of British currency. ]

PREFACE

The popularity of the dog as a companion, as a guardian of property, as an assistant in the pursuit of game, and as the object of apleasurable hobby, has never been so great as it is at the presenttime. More dogs are kept in this country than ever there formerlywere, and they are more skilfully bred, more tenderly treated, andcared for with a more solicitous pride than was the case a generationago. There are fewer mongrels in our midst, and the family dog hasbecome a respectable member of society. Two million dog licences weretaken out in the British Isles in the course of 1909. In that year, too, as many as 906 separate dog shows were sanctioned by the KennelClub and held in various parts of the United Kingdom. At the presenttime there exist no fewer than 156 specialist clubs established forthe purpose of watching over the interests of the different breeds. 

Recognising this advance in our national love of dogs and the growingdemand for information on their distinguishing characteristics, Iam persuaded that there is ample room for a concise and practicalhandbook on matters canine. In preparing the present volume, I havedrawn abundantly upon the contents of my larger and more expensive_New Book of The Dog_, and I desire to acknowledge my obligationsto the eminent experts who assisted me in the production of theearlier work and whose contributions I have further utilised in thesepages. I am indebted to Mr. W. J. Stubbs for his clear expositionof the points of the Bulldog, to Colonel Claude Cane for hisdescription of the Sporting Spaniels, to Lady Algernon Gordon Lennoxfor her authoritative paragraphs on the Pekinese, to Mr. DesmondO'Connell for his history of the Fox-terrier, and to Mr. Walter S. Glynn, Mr. Fred Gresham, Major J. H. Bailey, Mr. E. B. Joachim andother specialists whose aid I have enlisted. 

In the following chapters the varieties of the dog are classifiedin the order of (1) Non-Sporting and Utility breeds, (2) Hounds, Gundogs and other Sporting breeds, (3) the Terriers, (4) Toy andMiniature breeds. 

 ROBERT LEIGHTON. 

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1. General History of the Dog 2. The English Mastiff 3. The Bulldog 4. The St. Bernard 5. The Newfoundland 6. The Great Dane 7. The Dalmatian 8. The Collie 9. The Old English Sheepdog 10. The Chow Chow 11. The Poodle 12. The Schipperke 13. The Bloodhound 14. The Otterhound 15. The Irish Wolfhound 16. The Deerhound 17. The Borzoi, or Russian Wolfhound 18. The Greyhound 19. The Whippet 20. The Foxhound 21. The Harrier and the Beagle 22. The Pointer 23. The Setters 24. The Retrievers 25. The Sporting Spaniel 26. The Basset-Hound 27. The Dachshund 28. The Old Working Terrier 29. The White English Terrier 30. The Black and Tan Terrier 31. The Bull-Terrier 32. The Smooth Fox-Terrier 33. The Wire-Hair Fox-Terrier 34. The Airedale Terrier 35. The Bedlington Terrier 36. The Irish Terrier 37. The Welsh Terrier 38. The Scottish Terrier 39. The West Highland White Terrier 40. The Dandie Dinmont 41. The Skye and Clydesdale Terriers 42. The Yorkshire Terrier 43. The Pomeranian 44. The King Charles Spaniels 45. The Pekinese and Japanese 46. The Maltese Dog and the Pug 47. The Brussels Griffon 48. The Miniature Breeds 49. Practical Management 50. Breeding and Whelping 51. Some Common Ailments of the Dog and their Treatment 52. The Dog and the Law

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

The Smooth-Coated St. Bernard, Ch. The Viking (From the painting byLilian Cheviot. ) _Frontispiece_

Mr. And Mrs. Arthur Mayor's Bulldog, Ch. Silent Duchess

Mr. George Sinclair's St. Bernard, Ch. Lord Montgomery

Mrs. Vale Nicolas's Newfoundland, Ch. Shelton Viking

Mrs. H. Horsfall's Great Dane, Ch. Viola of Redgrave

Mr. R. A. Tait's Collie, Ch. Wishaw Leader

Bloodhound, Ch. Chatley Beaufort. Bred and owned by Mrs. G. A. Oliphant, Shrewton, Wilts. 

Mrs. Armstrong's Deerhound, Ch. Talisman

Mrs. Aitcheson's Borzoi, Ch. Strawberry King

Mr. H. Reginald Cooke's Retriever, Ch. Worsley Bess

Three generations of Mr. R. De C. Peele's Blue Roan Cocker Spaniels, Ch. Ben Bowdler (Father), Ch. Bob Bowdler (Son), and Ch. Dixon Bowdler(Grandson)

Fox-Terriers: 1. Mrs. J. H. Brown's, Ch. Captain Double 2. Mr. J. C. Tinne's, Ch. The Sylph 3. Mr. T. J. Stephen's Wire-Hair, Ch. Sylvan Result

Mr. Fred. W. Breakell's Irish Terrier, Ch. Killarney Sport

Mrs. Spencer's Dandie Dinmont, Ch. Braw Lad

A Typical Airedale Head

Mr. W. L. McCandlish's Scottish Terrier, Ems Cosmetic

Col. Malcolm's West Highland White Terriers Sonny and Sarah

Miss E. McCheane's Skye Terriers, Ch. Fairfield Diamond and Ch. Wolverley Chummie

Toy Dogs: Miss Stevens' Typical Japanese Puppy Mrs. Vale Nicolas's Pomeranian, Ch. The Sable Mite Miss M. A. Bland's Pomeranian, Ch. Marland King Lady Hulton's Blenheim, Ch. Joy The Hon. Mrs. Lytton's King Charles, Ch. The Seraph

Toy Dogs: 1. Mrs. Gresham's Pug, Ch. Grindley King 2. Mrs. T. Whaley's Brussels Griffon, Glenartney Sport 3. Pekinese, Ch. Chu-erh of Alderbourne

CHAPTER I

GENERAL HISTORY OF THE DOG

There is no incongruity in the idea that in the very earliest periodof man's habitation of this world he made a friend and companion ofsome sort of aboriginal representative of our modern dog, and thatin return for its aid in protecting him from wilder animals, and inguarding his sheep and goats, he gave it a share of his food, a cornerin his dwelling, and grew to trust it and care for it. Probably theanimal was originally little else than an unusually gentle jackal, or an ailing wolf driven by its companions from the wild maraudingpack to seek shelter in alien surroundings. One can well conceivethe possibility of the partnership beginning in the circumstance ofsome helpless whelps being brought home by the early hunters to betended and reared by the women and children. The present-day savageof New Guinea and mid-Africa does not, as a rule, take the troubleto tame and train an adult wild animal for his own purposes, andprimitive man was surely equally indifferent to the questionableadvantage of harbouring a dangerous guest. But a litter of woollywhelps introduced into the home as playthings for the children wouldgrow to regard themselves, and be regarded, as members of the family, and it would soon be found that the hunting instincts of the maturinganimal were of value to his captors. The savage master, treading theprimeval forests in search of food, would not fail to recognise thehelpfulness of a keener nose and sharper eyes even than his ownunsullied senses, while the dog in his turn would find a bettershelter in association with man than if he were hunting on his ownaccount. Thus mutual benefit would result in some kind of tacitagreement of partnership, and through the generations the wild wolfor jackal would gradually become gentler, more docile, and tractable, and the dreaded enemy of the flock develop into the trusted guardianof the fold. 

In nearly all parts of the world traces of an indigenous dog familyare found, the only exceptions being the West Indian Islands, Madagascar, the eastern islands of the Malayan Archipelago, NewZealand, and the Polynesian Islands, where there is no sign that anydog, wolf, or fox has existed as a true aboriginal animal. In theancient Oriental lands, and generally among the early Mongolians, the dog remained savage and neglected for centuries, prowling inpacks, gaunt and wolf-like, as it prowls to-day through the streetsand under the walls of every Eastern city. No attempt was made toallure it into human companionship or to improve it into docility. It is not until we come to examine the records of the highercivilisations of Assyria and Egypt that we discover any distinctvarieties of canine form. 

Assyrian sculptures depict two such, a Greyhound and a Mastiff, thelatter described in the tablets as "the chained-up, mouth-openingdog"; that is to say, it was used as a watch-dog; and severalvarieties are referred to in the cuneiform inscriptions preservedin the British Museum. The Egyptian monuments of about 3000 B. C. Present many forms of the domestic dog, and there can be no doubtthat among the ancient Egyptians it was as completely a companionof man, as much a favourite in the house, and a help in the chase, as it is among ourselves at present. In the city of Cynopolis it wasreverenced next to the sacred jackal, and on the death of a dog themembers of the household to which he had belonged carefully shavedtheir whole bodies, and religiously abstained from using the food, of whatever kind, which happened to be in the house at the time. Among the distinct breeds kept in Egypt there was a massive wolf-dog, a large, heavily-built hound with drooping ears and a pointed head, at least two varieties of Greyhound used for hunting the gazelle, and a small breed of terrier or Turnspit, with short, crooked legs. This last appears to have been regarded as an especial household pet, for it was admitted into the living rooms and taken as a companionfor walks out of doors. It was furnished with a collar of leaves, or of leather, or precious metal wrought into the form of leaves, and when it died it was embalmed. Every town throughout Egypt hadits place of interment for canine mummies. 

The dog was not greatly appreciated in Palestine, and in both theOld and New Testaments it is commonly spoken of with scorn andcontempt as an "unclean beast. " Even the familiar reference to theSheepdog in the Book of Job--"_But now they that are younger thanI have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to setwith the dogs of my flock_"--is not without a suggestion of contempt, and it is significant that the only biblical allusion to the dog asa recognised companion of man occurs in the apocryphal Book of Tobit(v. 16), "_So they went forth both, and the young man's dog withthem_. "

The pagan Greeks and Romans had a kindlier feeling for dumb animalsthan had the Jews. Their hounds, like their horses, were selectedwith discrimination, bred with care, and held in high esteem, receiving pet names; and the literatures of Greece and Rome containmany tributes to the courage, obedience, sagacity, and affectionatefidelity of the dog. The Phoenicians, too, were unquestionably loversof the dog, quick to recognise the points of special breeds. In theircolony in Carthage, during the reign of Sardanapalus, they had alreadypossessed themselves of the Assyrian Mastiff, which they probablyexported to far-off Britain, as they are said to have exported theWater Spaniel to Ireland and to Spain. 

It is a significant circumstance when we come to consider the probableorigin of the dog, that there are indications of his domesticationat such early periods by so many peoples in different parts of theworld. As we have seen, dogs were more or less subjugated and tamedby primitive man, by the Assyrians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, as also by the ancient barbaric tribes of the westernhemisphere. The important question now arises: Had all these dogsa common origin in a definite parent stock, or did they spring fromseparate and unrelated parents?

Half a century ago it was believed that all the evidence which couldbe brought to bear upon the problem pointed to an independent originof the dog. Youatt, writing in 1845, argued that "this power oftracing back the dog to the very earliest periods of history, andthe fact that he then seemed to be as sagacious, as faithful, andas valuable as at the present day, strongly favours the opinion thathe was descended from no inferior and comparatively worthless animal;and that he was not the progeny of the wolf, the jackal, or the fox, but was originally created, somewhat as we now find him, the associateand friend of man. "

When Youatt wrote, most people believed that the world was only sixthousand years old, and that species were originally created andabsolutely unchangeable. Lyell's discoveries in geology, however, overthrew the argument of the earth's chronology and of the antiquityof man, and Darwin's theory of evolution entirely transformed theaccepted beliefs concerning the origin of species and the supposedinvariability of animal types. 

The general superficial resemblance between the fox and many of ourdogs, might well excuse the belief in a relationship. Gamekeepersare often very positive that a cross can be obtained between a dogfox and a terrier bitch; but cases in which this connection is allegedmust be accepted with extreme caution. The late Mr. A. D. Bartlett, who was for years the superintendent of the Zoological Gardens inLondon, studied this question with minute care, and as a result ofexperiments and observations he positively affirmed that he had nevermet with one well-authenticated instance of a hybrid dog and fox. Mr. Bartlett's conclusions are incontestable. However much inappearance the supposed dog-fox may resemble the fox, there arecertain opposing characteristics and structural differences whichentirely dismiss the theory of relationship. 

One thing is certain, that foxes do not breed in confinement, exceptin very rare instances. The silver fox of North America is the onlyspecies recorded to have bred in the Zoological Gardens of London;the European fox has never been known to breed in captivity. Then, again, the fox is not a sociable animal. We never hear of foxesuniting in a pack, as do the wolves, the jackals, and the wild dogs. Apart from other considerations, a fox may be distinguished from adog, without being seen or touched, by its smell. No one can producea dog that has half the odour of Reynard, and this odour the dog-foxwould doubtless possess were its sire a fox-dog or its dam a vixen. 

Whatever may be said concerning the difference existing between dogsand foxes will not hold good in reference to dogs, wolves, andjackals. The wolf and the jackal are so much alike that the onlyappreciable distinction is that of size, and so closely do theyresemble many dogs in general appearance, structure, habits, instincts, and mental endowments that no difficulty presents itselfin regarding them as being of one stock. Wolves and jackals can be, and have repeatedly been, tamed. Domestic dogs can become, and againand again do become, wild, even consorting with wolves, interbreedingwith them, assuming their gregarious habits, and changing thecharacteristic bark into a dismal wolf-like howl. The wolf and thejackal when tamed answer to their master's call, wag their tails, lick his hands, crouch, jump round him to be caressed, and throwthemselves on their backs in submission. When in high spirits theyrun round in circles or in a figure of eight, with their tails betweentheir legs. Their howl becomes a business-like bark. They smell atthe tails of other dogs and void their urine sideways, and lastly, like our domestic favourites, however refined and gentlemanly in otherrespects, they cannot be broken of the habit of rolling on carrionor on animals they have killed. 

This last habit of the domestic dog is one of the surviving traitsof his wild ancestry, which, like his habits of burying bones orsuperfluous food, and of turning round and round on a carpet as ifto make a nest for himself before lying down, go far towardsconnecting him in direct relationship with the wolf and the jackal. 

The great multitude of different breeds of the dog and the vastdifferences in their size, points, and general appearance are factswhich make it difficult to believe that they could have had a commonancestry. One thinks of the difference between the Mastiff and theJapanese Spaniel, the Deerhound and the fashionable Pomeranian, theSt. Bernard and the Miniature Black and Tan Terrier, and is perplexedin contemplating the possibility of their having descended from acommon progenitor. Yet the disparity is no greater than that betweenthe Shire horse and the Shetland pony, the Shorthorn and the Kerrycattle, or the Patagonian and the Pygmy; and all dog breeders knowhow easy it is to produce a variety in type and size by studiedselection. 

In order properly to understand this question it is necessary firstto consider the identity of structure in the wolf and the dog. Thisidentity of structure may best be studied in a comparison of theosseous system, or skeletons, of the two animals, which so closelyresemble each other that their transposition would not easily bedetected. 

The spine of the dog consists of seven vertebrae in the neck, thirteenin the back, seven in the loins, three sacral vertebrae, and twentyto twenty-two in the tail. In both the dog and the wolf there arethirteen pairs of ribs, nine true and four false. Each has forty-twoteeth. They both have five front and four hind toes, while outwardlythe common wolf has so much the appearance of a large, bare-boneddog, that a popular description of the one would serve for the other. 

Nor are their habits different. The wolf's natural voice is a loudhowl, but when confined with dogs he will learn to bark. Althoughhe is carnivorous, he will also eat vegetables, and when sickly hewill nibble grass. In the chase, a pack of wolves will divide intoparties, one following the trail of the quarry, the other endeavouringto intercept its retreat, exercising a considerable amount ofstrategy, a trait which is exhibited by many of our sporting dogsand terriers when hunting in teams. 

A further important point of resemblance between the _Canis lupus_and the _Canis familiaris_ lies in the fact that the period ofgestation in both species is sixty-three days. There are from threeto nine cubs in a wolf's litter, and these are blind for twenty-onedays. They are suckled for two months, but at the end of that timethey are able to eat half-digested flesh disgorged for them by theirdam--or even their sire. 

We have seen that there is no authenticated instance of a hybridbetween the dog and the fox. This is not the case with the dog andthe wolf, or the dog and the jackal, all of which can interbreed. Moreover, their offspring are fertile. Pliny is the authority forthe statement that the Gauls tied their female dogs in the wood thatthey might cross with wolves. The Eskimo dogs are not infrequentlycrossed with the grey Arctic wolf, which they so much resemble, andthe Indians of America were accustomed to cross their half-wild dogswith the coyote to impart greater boldness to the breed. Tame dogsliving in countries inhabited by the jackal often betray the jackalstrain in their litters, and there are instances of men dwelling inlonely outposts of civilisation being molested by wolves or jackalsfollowing upon the trail of a bitch in season. 

These facts lead one to refer to the familiar circumstance that thenative dogs of all regions approximate closely in size, coloration, form, and habit to the native wolf of those regions. Of this mostimportant circumstance there are far too many instances to allow ofits being looked upon as a mere coincidence. Sir John Richardson, writing in 1829, observed that "the resemblance between the NorthAmerican wolves and the domestic dog of the Indians is so great thatthe size and strength of the wolf seems to be the only difference. I have more than once mistaken a band of wolves for the dogs of aparty of Indians; and the howl of the animals of both species isprolonged so exactly in the same key that even the practised ear ofthe Indian fails at times to discriminate between them. "

As the Eskimo and Indian dogs resemble the North American wolf, sothe dog of the Hare Indians, a very different breed, resembles theprairie wolf. Except in the matter of barking, there is no differencewhatever between the black wolf-dog of the Indians of Florida andthe wolves of the same country. The same phenomenon is seen in manykinds of European dogs. The Shepherd Dog of the plains of Hungaryis white or reddish-brown, has a sharp nose, short erect ears, shaggycoat, and bushy tail, and so much resembles a wolf that Mr. Paget, who gives the description, says he has known a Hungarian mistake awolf for one of his own dogs. Many of the dogs of Russia, Lapland, and Finland are comparable with the wolves of those countries. Someof the domestic dogs of Egypt, both at the present day and in thecondition of mummies, are wolf-like in type, and the dogs of Nubiahave the closest relation to a wild species of the same region, whichis only a form of the common jackal. Dogs, it may again be noted, cross with the jackal as well as with wolves, and this is frequentlythe case in Africa, as, for example, in Bosjesmans, where the dogshave a marked resemblance to the black-backed jackal, which is a SouthAfrican variety. 

It has been suggested that the one incontrovertible argument againstthe lupine relationship of the dog is the fact that all domestic dogsbark, while all wild _Canidae_ express their feelings only by howls. But the difficulty here is not so great as it seems, since we knowthat jackals, wild dogs, and wolf pups reared by bitches readilyacquire the habit. On the other hand, domestic dogs allowed to runwild forget how to bark, while there are some which have not yetlearned so to express themselves. 

The presence or absence of the habit of barking cannot, then, beregarded as an argument in deciding the question concerning the originof the dog. This stumbling block consequently disappears, leavingus in the position of agreeing with Darwin, whose final hypothesiswas that "it is highly probable that the domestic dogs of the worldhave descended from two good species of wolf (_C. Lupus_ and_C. Latrans_), and from two or three other doubtful species ofwolves--namely, the European, Indian, and North African forms; fromat least one or two South American canine species; from several racesor species of jackal; and perhaps from one or more extinct species";and that the blood of these, in some cases mingled together, flowsin the veins of our domestic breeds. 

CHAPTER II

THE ENGLISH MASTIFF

Of the many different kinds of dogs now established as British, nota few have had their origin in other lands, whence specimens havebeen imported into this country, in course of time to be so improvedby selection that they have come to be commonly accepted as nativebreeds. Some are protected from the claim that they are indigenousby the fact that their origin is indicated in their names. No onewould pretend that the St. Bernard or the Newfoundland, the Spanielor the Dalmatian, are of native breed. They are alien immigrants whomwe have naturalised, as we are naturalising the majestic Great Dane, the decorative Borzoi, the alert Schipperke, and the frowning ChowChow, which are of such recent introduction that they must still beregarded as half-acclimatised foreigners. But of the antiquity ofthe Mastiff there can be no doubt. He is the oldest of our Britishdogs, cultivated in these islands for so many centuries that the onlydifficulty concerning his history is that of tracing his descent, and discovering the period when he was not familiarly known. 

It is possible that the Mastiff owes his origin to some remoteancestor of alien strain. The Assyrian kings possessed a large dogof decided Mastiff type, and used it in the hunting of lions. It issupposed by many students that the breed was introduced into earlyBritain by the adventurous Phoenician traders who, in the sixthcentury B. C. , voyaged to the Scilly Islands and Cornwall to bartertheir own commodities in exchange for the useful metals. Knowing therequirements of their barbarian customers, these early merchants fromTyre and Sidon are believed to have brought some of the larger_pugnaces_, which would be readily accepted by the Britons tosupplant, or improve, their courageous but undersized fighting dogs. 

In Anglo-Saxon times every two villeins were required to maintainone of these dogs for the purpose of reducing the number of wolvesand other wild animals. This would indicate that the Mastiff wasrecognised as a capable hunting dog; but at a later period his huntinginstincts were not highly esteemed, and he was not regarded as a perilto preserved game; for in the reign of Henry III. The Forest Laws, which prohibited the keeping of all other breeds by unprivilegedpersons, permitted the Mastiff to come within the precincts of aforest, imposing, however, the condition that every such dog shouldhave the claws of the fore-feet removed close to the skin. 

The name Mastiff was probably applied to any massively built dog. It is not easy to trace the true breed amid the various names whichit owned. Molossus, Alan, Alaunt, Tie-dog, Bandog (or Band-dog), wereamong the number. The names Tie-dog and Bandog intimate that theMastiff was commonly kept for guard, but many were specially trainedfor baiting bears, imported lions, and bulls. 

There is constant record of the Mastiff having been kept and carefullybred for many generations in certain old English families. One ofthe oldest strains of Mastiffs was that kept by Mr. Legh, of LymeHall, in Cheshire. They were large, powerful dogs, and longer inmuzzle than those which we are now accustomed to see. Another oldand valuable strain was kept by the Duke of Devonshire at Chatsworth. It is to these two strains that the dogs of the present day traceback. 

Mr. Woolmore's Crown Prince was one of the most celebrated ofMastiffs. He was a fawn dog with a Dudley nose and light eye, andwas pale in muzzle, and whilst full credit must be given to him forhaving sired many good Mastiffs, he must be held responsible for thefaults in many specimens of more recent years. Unfortunately, he wasindiscriminately bred from, with the result that in a very short timebreeders found it impossible to find a Mastiff unrelated to him. 

It is to be deplored that ever since his era there has been aperceptible diminution in the number of good examples of this fineold English breed, and that from being an admired and fashionabledog the Mastiff has so declined in popularity that few are to be seeneither at exhibitions or in breeders' kennels. At the Crystal Palacein 1871 there were as many as sixty-three Mastiffs on show, forminga line of benches two hundred yards long, and not a bad one amongthem; whereas at a dog show held twenty-five years later, where morethan twelve hundred dogs were entered, not a single Mastiff wasbenched. 

The difficulty of obtaining dogs of unblemished pedigree andsuperlative type may partly account for this decline, and anotherreason of unpopularity may be that the Mastiff requires so muchattention to keep him in condition that without it he is apt to becomeindolent and heavy. Nevertheless, the mischief of breeding toocontinuously from one strain such as that of Crown Prince has to someextent been eradicated, and we have had many splendid Mastiffs sincehis time. Special mention should be made of that grand bitch CambrianPrincess, by Beau. She was purchased by Mrs. Willins, who, matingher with Maximilian (a dog of her own breeding by The Emperor), obtained Minting, who shared with Mr. Sidney Turner's Beaufort thereputation of being unapproached for all round merit in any period. 

The following description of a perfect Mastiff, taken from the OldEnglish Mastiff Club's _Points of a Mastiff_, is admirable as astandard to which future breeders should aim to attain. 

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POINTS OF THE MASTIFF: GENERAL CHARACTER AND SYMMETRY--Large, massive, powerful, symmetrical and well-knit frame. A combination of grandeurand good nature, courage and docility. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF HEAD--Ingeneral outline, giving a square appearance when viewed from anypoint. Breadth greatly to be desired, and should be in ratio to lengthof the whole head and face as 2 to 3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OFBODY--Massive, broad, deep, long, powerfully built, on legs wideapart, and squarely set. Muscles sharply defined. Size a greatdesideratum, if combined with quality. Height and substance importantif both points are proportionately combined. SKULL--Broad betweenthe ears, forehead flat, but wrinkled when attention is excited. Brows(superciliary ridges) slightly raised. Muscles of the temples andcheeks (temporal and masseter) well developed. Arch across the skullof a rounded, flattened curve, with a depression up the centre ofthe forehead from the medium line between the eyes, to half way upthe sagittal suture. FACE OR MUZZLE--Short, broad under the eyes, and keeping nearly parallel in width to the end of the nose;truncated, _i. E. _ blunt and cut off square, thus forming a right anglewith the upper line of the face, of great depth from the point ofthe nose to under jaw. Under jaw broad to the end; canine teethhealthy, powerful, and wide apart; incisors level, or the lowerprojecting beyond the upper, but never sufficiently so as to becomevisible when the mouth is closed. Nose broad, with widely spreadingnostrils when viewed from the front; flat (not pointed or turned up)in profile. Lips diverging at obtuse angles with the septum, andslightly pendulous so as to show a square profile. Length of muzzleto whole head and face as 1 to 3. Circumference of muzzle (measuredmidway between the eyes and nose) to that of the head (measured beforethe ears) as 3 to 5. EARS--Small, thin to the touch, wide apart, seton at the highest points of the sides of the skull, so as to continuethe outline across the summit, and lying flat and close to the cheekswhen in repose. EYES--Small, wide apart, divided by at least the spaceof two eyes. The stop between the eyes well marked, but not tooabrupt. Colour hazel-brown, the darker the better, showing no haw. NECK, CHEST AND RIBS--Neck--Slightly arched, moderately long, verymuscular, and measuring in circumference about one or two inches lessthan the skull before the ears. Chest--Wide, deep, and well let downbetween the fore-legs. Ribs arched and well-rounded. False ribs deepand well set back to the hips. Girth should be one-third more thanthe height at the shoulder. Shoulder and Arm--Slightly sloping, heavyand muscular. FORE-LEGS AND FEET--Legs straight, strong, and set wideapart; bones very large. Elbows square. Pasterns upright. Feet largeand round. Toes well arched up. Nails black. BACK, LOINS ANDFLANKS--Back and loins wide and muscular; flat and very wide in abitch, slightly arched in a dog. Great depth of flanks. HIND-LEGSAND FEET--Hind-quarters broad, wide, and muscular, with well developedsecond thighs, hocks bent, wide apart, and quite squarely set whenstanding or walking. Feet round. TAIL--Put on high up, and reachingto the hocks, or a little below them, wide at its root and taperingto the end, hanging straight in repose, but forming a curve, withthe end pointing upwards, but not over the back, when the dog isexcited. COAT--COLOUR--Coat short and close lying, but not too fineover the shoulders, neck and back. Colour, apricot or silver fawn, or dark fawn-brindle. In any case, muzzle, ears, and nose should beblack, with black round the orbits, and extending upwards betweenthem. 

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Size is a quality very desirable in this breed. The height of manydogs of olden days was from thirty-two to thirty-three inches. Theheight should be obtained rather from great depth of body than lengthof leg. A leggy Mastiff is very undesirable. Thirty inches may betaken as a fair average height for dogs, and bitches somewhat less. Many of Mr. Lukey's stood 32 inches and over; Mr. Green's Monarchwas over 33 inches, The Shah 32 inches, and Cardinal 32 inches. 

The method of rearing a Mastiff has much to do with its ultimate size, but it is perhaps needless to say that the selection of the breedingstock has still more to do with this. It is therefore essential toselect a dog and bitch of a large strain to obtain large Mastiffs. It is not so necessary that the dogs themselves should be so largeas that they come from a large strain. The weight of a full-growndog should be anything over 160 lb. Many have turned over the scaleat 180 lb. The Shah, for instance, was 182 lb. In weight, Scawfellover 200 lb. 

One of the great difficulties that breeders of Mastiffs and all otherlarge dogs have to contend against is in rearing the puppies; so manybitches being clumsy and apt to kill the whelps by lying on them. It is, therefore, always better to be provided with one or more fosterbitches. At about six weeks old a fairly good opinion may be formedas to what the puppies will ultimately turn out in certain respects, for, although they may change materially during growth, the good orbad qualities which are manifest at that early age will, in allprobability, be apparent when the puppy has reached maturity. It is, therefore, frequently easier to select the best puppy in the nestthan to do so when they are from six to nine or ten months old. 

Puppies should be allowed all the liberty possible, and never be tiedup: they should be taken out for steady, gentle exercise, and notpermitted to get too fat or they become too heavy, with detrimentalresults to their legs. Many Mastiff puppies are very shy and nervous, but they will grow out of this if kindly handled, and eventuallybecome the best guard and protector it is possible to have. 

The temper of a Mastiff should be taken into consideration by thebreeder. They are, as a rule, possessed of the best of tempers. Asavage dog with such power as the Mastiff possesses is indeed adangerous creature, and, therefore, some inquiries as to the temperof a stud dog should be made before deciding to use him. In thesedogs, as in all others, it is a question of how they are treated bythe person having charge of them. 

The feeding of puppies is an important matter, and should be carefullyseen to by anyone wishing to rear them successfully. If goat's milkis procurable it is preferable to cow's milk. The price asked forit is sometimes prohibitory, but this difficulty may be surmountedin many cases by keeping a goat or two on the premises. Many breedershave obtained a goat with the sole object of rearing a litter ofpuppies on her milk, and have eventually discarded cow's milkaltogether, using goat's milk for household purposes instead. As soonas the puppies will lap they should be induced to take arrowrootprepared with milk. Oatmeal and maizemeal, about one quarter of thelatter to three quarters of the former, make a good food for puppies. Dog biscuits and the various hound meals, soaked in good broth, maybe used with advantage, but no dogs, either large or small, can bekept in condition for any length of time without a fair proportionof meat of some kind. Sheep's paunches, cleaned and well boiled, mixedwith sweet stale bread, previously soaked in cold water, make anexcellent food and can hardly be excelled as a staple diet. In feedingon horseflesh care should be taken to ascertain that the horse wasnot diseased, especially if any is given uncooked. 

Worms are a constant source of trouble from the earliest days ofpuppy-hood, and no puppy suffering from them will thrive; everyeffort, therefore, should be made to get rid of them. 

With proper feeding, grooming, exercise, and cleanliness, any largedog can be kept in good condition without resort to medicine, theuse of which should be strictly prohibited unless there is real needfor it. Mastiffs kept under such conditions are far more likely toprove successful stud dogs and brood bitches than those to whichdeleterious drugs are constantly being given. 

CHAPTER III

THE BULLDOG

The Bulldog is known to have been domiciled in this country forseveral centuries. Like the Mastiff, of which it is a smaller form, it is a descendant of the "Alaunt, " Mastive, or Bandog, describedby Dr. Caius, who states that "the Mastyve or Bandogge is vaste, huge, stubborne, ougly and eager, of a hevy, and burthenous body, andtherefore but of little swiftnesse, terrible and frightful to beholde, and more fearce and fell than any Arcadian curre. "

The first mention of "Bulldog" as the distinctive name of this nownational breed occurs in a letter, written by Prestwich Eaton fromSt. Sebastian to George Wellingham in St. Swithin's Lane, London, in 1631 or 1632, "for a good Mastive dogge, a case of bottlesreplenished with the best lickour, and pray proceur mee two goodbulldoggs, and let them be sent by ye first shipp. " Obviously thename was derived from the dog's association with the sport ofbull-baiting. The object aimed at in that pursuit was that the dogshould pin and hold the bull by the muzzle, and not leave it. Thebull was naturally helpless when seized in his most tender part. Ashe lowered his head in order to use his horns it was necessary forthe dog to keep close to the ground, or, in the words of the oldfanciers of the sport, to "play low. " Larger dogs were at adisadvantage in this respect, and, therefore, those of smallerproportions, which were quite as suitable for the sport, wereselected. The average height of the dogs was about 16 inches, andthe weight was generally about 45 lbs. , whilst the body was broad, muscular, and compact, as is shown in Scott's well-known engravingof "Crib and Rosa. "

When bull-baiting was prohibited by law the sportsmen of the periodturned their attention to dog-fighting, and for this pastime theBulldogs were specially trained. The chief centres in London wherethese exhibitions took place were the Westminster Pit, the Bear Gardenat Bankside, and the Old Conduit Fields in Bayswater. In order toobtain greater quickness of movement many of the Bulldogs were crossedwith a terrier, although some fanciers relied on the pure breed. Itis recorded that Lord Camelford's Bulldog Belcher fought one hundredand four battles without once suffering defeat. 

The decline of bull-baiting and dog-fighting after the passing ofthe Bill prohibiting these sports was responsible for a lack ofinterest in perpetuating the breed of Bulldogs. Even in 1824 it wassaid to be degenerating, and gentlemen who had previously been thechief breeders gradually deserted the fancy. At one time it was statedthat Wasp, Child, and Billy, who were of the Duke of Hamilton'sstrain, were the only remaining Bulldogs in existence, and that upontheir decease the Bulldog would become extinct--a prophecy which allBulldog lovers happily find incorrect. 

The specimens alive in 1817, as seen in prints of that period, werenot so cloddy as those met with at the present day. Still, the outlineof Rosa in the engraving of Crib and Rosa, is considered to representperfection in the shape, make, and size of the ideal type of Bulldog. The only objections which have been taken are that the bitch isdeficient in wrinkles about the head and neck, and in substance ofbone in the limbs. 

The commencement of the dog-show era in 1859 enabled classes to beprovided for Bulldogs, and a fresh incentive to breed them was offeredto the dog fancier. In certain districts of the country, notably inLondon, Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester, and Dudley, a number offanciers resided, and it is to their efforts that we are indebtedfor the varied specimens of the breed that are to be seen at thepresent time. 

In forming a judgment of a Bulldog the general appearance is of mostimportance, as the various points of the dog should be symmetricaland well balanced, no one point being in excess of the others so asto destroy the impression of determination, strength, and activitywhich is conveyed by the typical specimen. His body should bethickset, rather low in stature, but broad, powerful, and compact. The head should be strikingly massive and large in proportion to thedog's size. It cannot be too large so long as it is square; that is, it must not be wider than it is deep. The larger the head incircumference, caused by the prominent cheeks, the greater thequantity of muscle to hold the jaws together. The head should be ofgreat depth from the occiput to the base of the lower jaw, and shouldnot in any way be wedge-shaped, dome-shaped, or peaked. Incircumference the skull should measure in front of the ears at leastthe height of the dog at the shoulders. The cheeks should be wellrounded, extend sideways beyond the eyes, and be well furnished withmuscle. Length of skull--that is, the distance between the eye andthe ear--is very desirable. The forehead should be flat, and the skinupon it and about the head very loose, hanging in large wrinkles. The temples, or frontal bones, should be very prominent, broad, squareand high, causing a wide and deep groove known as the "stop" betweenthe eyes, and should extend up the middle of the forehead, dividingthe head vertically, being traceable at the top of the skull. Theexpression "well broken up" is used where this stop and furrow arewell marked, and if there is the attendant looseness of skin theanimal's expression is well finished. 

The face, when measured from the front of the cheek-bone to the nose, should be short, and its skin should be deeply and closely wrinkled. Excessive shortness of face is not natural, and can only be obtainedby the sacrifice of the "chop. " Such shortness of face makes the dogappear smaller in head and less formidable than he otherwise wouldbe. Formerly this shortness of face was artificially obtained by theuse of the "jack, " an atrocious form of torture, by which an ironinstrument was used to force back the face by means of thumbscrews. The nose should be rough, large, broad, and black, and this colourshould extend to the lower lip; its top should be deeply set back, almost between the eyes. The distance from the inner corner of theeye to the extreme tip of the nose should not be greater than thelength from the tip of the nose to the edge of the under lip. Thenostrils should be large and wide, with a well-defined straight linevisible between them. The largeness of nostril, which is a verydesirable property, is possessed by few of the recent prize-winners. 

When viewed in profile the tip of the nose should touch an imaginaryline drawn from the extremity of the lower jaw to the top of thecentre of the skull. This angle of the nose and face is known as thelay-back, and can only properly be ascertained by viewing the dogfrom the side. 

The inclination backward of the nose allows a free passage of theair into the nostrils whilst the dog is holding his quarry. It isapparent that if the mouth did not project beyond the nose, thenostrils would be flat against the part to which the dog was fixed, and breathing would then be stopped. 

The upper lip, called the "chop, " or flews, should be thick, broad, pendant and very deep, hanging completely over the lower jaw at thesides, but only just joining the under lip in front, yet coveringthe teeth completely. The amount of "cushion" which a dog may haveis dependent upon the thickness of the flews. The lips should notbe pendulous. 

The upper jaw should be broad, massive, and square, the tusks beingwide apart, whilst the lower jaw, being turned upwards, should projectin front of the upper. The teeth should be large and strong, and thesix small teeth between the tusks should be in an even row. The upperjaw cannot be too broad between the tusks. If the upper and lowerjaws are level, and the muzzle is not turned upwards the dog is saidto be "down-faced, " whilst if the underjaw is not undershot he issaid to be "froggy. " A "wry-faced" dog is one having the lower jawtwisted, and this deformity so detracts from the general appearanceof the dog as seriously to handicap him in the show-ring. 

The underjaw projects beyond the upper in order to allow the dog, when running directly to the front, to grasp the bull, and, whenfixed, to give him a firmer hold. The eyes, seen from the front, should be situated low down in the skull, as far from the ears, thenose, and each other as possible, but quite in front of the forehead, so long as their corners are in a straight line at right angles withthe stop, and in front of the forehead. They should be a little abovethe level of the base of the nasal bone, and should be quite roundin shape, of moderate size, neither sunken nor prominent, and be asblack in colour as possible--almost, if not quite, black, showingno white when looking directly to the front. 

A good deal of a Bulldog's appearance depends on the quality, shape, and carriage of his ears. They should be small and thin, and set highon the head; that is, the front inner edge of each ear should, asviewed from the front, join the outline of the skull at the top cornerof such outline, so as to place them as wide apart, as high, and asfar from the eyes as possible. The shape should be that which is knownas "rose, " in which the ear folds inward at the back, the upper orfront edge curving over outwards and backwards, showing part of theinside of the burr. If the ears are placed low on the skull they givean appleheaded appearance to the dog. If the ear falls in front, hiding the interior, as is the case with a Fox-terrier, it is saidto "button, " and this type is highly objectionable. Unfortunately, within the last few years the "button" and "semi-tulip" ear have beenrather prevalent amongst the specimens on the show bench. 

If the ear is carried erect it is known as a "tulip" ear, and thisform also is objectionable. Nevertheless at the beginning of thenineteenth century two out of every three dogs possessed ears of thisdescription. 

The neck should be moderate in length, very thick, deep, muscular, and short, but of sufficient length to allow it to be well archedat the back, commencing at the junction with the skull. There shouldbe plenty of loose, thick, and wrinkled skin about the throat, forminga dewlap on each side from the lower jaw to the chest. 

The chest should be very wide laterally, round, prominent, and deep, making the dog appear very broad and short-legged in front. Theshoulders should be broad, the blades sloping considerably from thebody; they should be deep, very powerful, and muscular, and shouldbe flat at the top and play loosely from the chest. 

The brisket should be capacious, round, and very deep from theshoulder to the lowest part, where it joins the chest, and be welllet down between the fore-legs. It should be large in diameter, andround behind the fore-legs, neither flat-sided nor sinking, whichit will not do provided that the first and succeeding ribs are wellrounded. The belly should be well tucked up and not pendulous, a smallnarrow waist being greatly admired. The desired object in bodyformation is to obtain great girth at the brisket, and the smallestpossible around the waist, that is, the loins should be arched veryhigh, when the dog is said to have a good "cut-up. "

The back should be short and strong, very broad at the shoulder andcomparatively narrow at the loins. The back should rise behind theshoulders in a graceful curve to the loins, the top of which shouldbe higher than the top of the shoulders, thence curving again moresuddenly to the tail, forming an arch known as the "roach" back, whichis essentially a characteristic of the breed, though, unfortunately, many leading prize-winners of the present day are entirely deficientin this respect. Some dogs dip very considerably some distance behindthe shoulders before the upward curve of the spine begins, and theseare known as "swamp-backed"; others rise in an almost straight lineto the root of the tail, and are known as "stern-high. "

The tail should be set on low, jut out rather straight, then turndownwards, the end pointing horizontally. It should be quite roundin its whole length, smooth and devoid of fringe or coarse hair. Itshould be moderate in length, rather short than long, thick at theroot, and taper quickly to a fine point. It should have a downwardcarriage, and the dog should not be able to raise it above the levelof the backbone. The tail should not curve at the end, otherwise itis known as "ring-tailed. " The ideal length of tail is about sixinches. 

Many fanciers demand a "screw" or "kinked" tail, that is, one havingcongenital dislocations at the joints, but such appendages are notdesirable in the best interests of the breed. 

The fore-legs should be very stout and strong, set wide apart, thick, muscular, and short, with well-developed muscles in the calves, presenting a rather bowed outline, but the bones of the legs mustbe straight, large, and not bandy or curved. They should be rathershort in proportion to the hind-legs, but not so short as to makethe back appear long or detract from the dog's activity and so cripplehim. 

The elbows should be low and stand well away from the ribs, so asto permit the body to swing between them. If this property be absentthe dog is said to be "on the leg. " The ankles or pasterns shouldbe short, straight, and strong. The fore-feet should be straight andturn very slightly outwards; they should be of medium size andmoderately round, not too long or narrow, whilst the toes should bethick, compact, and well split up, making the knuckles prominent andhigh. 

The hind-legs, though of slighter build than the fore-legs, shouldbe strong and muscular. They should be longer, in proportion, thanthe fore-legs in order to elevate the loins. The stifles should beround and turned slightly outwards, away from the body, thus bendingthe hocks inward and the hind-feet outward. The hocks should be welllet down, so that the leg is long and muscular from the loins to thepoint of the hock, which makes the pasterns short, but these shouldnot be so short as those of the fore-legs. The hind-feet, whilst beingsmaller than the forefeet, should be round and compact, with the toeswell split up, and the knuckles prominent. 

The most desirable weight for a Bulldog is about 50 lbs. 

The coat should be fine in texture, short, close, and smooth, silkywhen stroked from the head towards the tail owing to its closeness, but not wiry when stroked in the reverse direction. 

The colour should be whole or smut, the latter being a whole colourwith a black mask or muzzle. It should be brilliant and pure of itssort. The colours in order of merit are, first, whole colours andsmuts, viz. , brindles, reds, white, with their varieties, as wholefawns, fallows, etc. , and, secondly, pied and mixed colours. Opinionsdiffer considerably on the colour question; one judge will set backa fawn and put forward a pied dog, whilst others will do the reverse. Occasionally one comes across specimens having a black-and-tan colour, which, although not mentioned in the recognised standard as beingdebarred, do not as a rule figure in the prize list. Some of the bestspecimens which the writer has seen have been black-and-tans, anda few years ago on the award of a first prize to a bitch of thiscolour, a long but non-conclusive argument was held in the caninepress. Granted that the colour is objectionable, a dog which scoresin all other properties should not be put down for this point alone, seeing that in the dog-fighting days there were many specimens ofthis colour. 

In action the Bulldog should have a peculiarly heavy and constrainedgait, a rolling, or "slouching" movement, appearing to walk withshort, quick steps on the tip of his toes, his hind-feet not beinglifted high but appearing to skim the ground, and running with theright shoulder rather advanced, similar to the manner of a horse whencantering. 

The foregoing minute description of the various show points of aBulldog indicates that he should have the appearance of a thick-setAyrshire or Highland bull. In stature he should be low to the ground, broad and compact, the body being carried between and not on thefore-legs. He should stand over a great deal of ground, and have theappearance of immense power. The height of the fore-leg should notexceed the distance from the elbow to the centre of the back, betweenthe shoulder blades. 

Considerable importance is attached to the freedom and activitydisplayed by the animal in its movements. Deformed joints, orweakness, are very objectionable. The head should be strikinglymassive and carried low, the face short, the muzzle very broad, blunt, and inclined upwards. The body should be short and well-knit, thelimbs, stout and muscular. The hind-quarters should be very high andstrong, but rather lightly made in comparison with the heavily-madefore-parts. 

It must be acknowledged that there are many strains of this breedwhich are constitutionally unsound. For this reason it is importantthat the novice should give very careful consideration to his firstpurchase of a Bulldog. He should ascertain beyond all doubt, not onlythat his proposed purchase is itself sound in wind and limb, but thatits sire and dam are, and have been, in similarly healthy condition. The dog to be chosen should be physically strong and show pronouncedmuscular development. If these requirements are present and the dogis in no sense a contradiction of the good qualities of itsprogenitors, but a justification of its pedigree, care and goodtreatment will do the rest. It is to be remembered, however, thata Bulldog may be improved by judicious exercise. When at exercise, or taking a walk with his owner, the young dog should always be heldby a leash. He will invariably pull vigorously against this restraint, but such action is beneficial, as it tends to develop the musclesof the shoulders and front of the body. 

When taking up the Bulldog fancy, nine out of every ten novices chooseto purchase a male. The contrary course should be adopted. The femaleis an equally good companion in the house or on the road; she is notless affectionate and faithful; and when the inevitable desire toattempt to reproduce the species is reached the beginner has the meansat once available. 

It is always difficult for the uninitiated to select what is likelyto be a good dog from the nest. In choosing a puppy care should betaken to ensure it has plenty of bone in its limbs, and these shouldbe fairly short and wide; the nostrils should be large and the faceas short as possible. The chop should be thick and heavily wrinkledand the mouth square. There should be a distinct indent in the upperjaw, where the bone will eventually curve, whilst the lower jaw shouldshow signs of curvature and protrude slightly in front of the upperjaw. The teeth from canine to canine, including the six front teeth, should be in a straight line. 

See that the ears are very small and thin, and the eyes set wellapart. The puppy having these properties, together with a domed, peaked, or "cocoanut" shaped skull, is the one which, in nine casesout of ten, will eventually make the best headed dog of the litter. 

The breeding of Bulldogs requires unlimited patience, as success isvery difficult to attain. The breeder who can rear five out of everyten puppies born may be considered fortunate. It is frequently foundin what appears to be a healthy lot of puppies that some of them beginto whine and whimper towards the end of the first day, and in suchcases the writer's experience is that there will be a speedy burial. 

It may be that the cause is due to some acidity of the milk, but insuch a case one would expect that similar difficulty would beexperienced with the remainder of the litter, but this is not theusual result. Provided that the puppies can be kept alive until thefourth day, it may be taken that the chances are well in favour ofultimate success. 

[Illustration: MR. AND MRS. ARTHUR MAYOR'S BULLDOG CH. SILENT DUCHESS]

Many breeders object to feeding the mother with meat at this time, but the writer once had two litter sisters who whelped on the sameday, and he decided to try the effect of a meat _versus_ farinaceousdiet upon them. As a result the bitch who was freely fed with rawbeef reared a stronger lot of puppies, showing better developed bone, than did the one who was fed on milk and cereals. 

Similarly, in order that the puppy, after weaning, may develop plentyof bone and muscle, it is advisable to feed once a day upon finelyminced raw meat. There are some successful breeders, indeed, whoinvariably give to each puppy a teaspoonful of cod liver oil in themorning and a similar dose of extract of malt in the evening, withthe result that there are never any rickety or weak dogs in thekennels, whilst the development of the bones in the skull and limbsis most pronounced. 

Owing to their lethargic disposition, young Bulldogs are somewhatliable to indigestion, and during the period of puppyhood it is ofadvantage to give them a tablespoonful of lime water once a day intheir milk food. 

Many novices are in doubt as to the best time to breed from a Bullbitch, seeing that oestrum is present before she is fully developed. It may be taken as practically certain that it is better for her tobe allowed to breed at her first heat. Nature has so arranged mattersthat a Bull bitch is not firmly set in her bones until she reachesan age of from twelve to eighteen months, and therefore she will haveless difficulty in giving birth to her offspring if she be allowedto breed at this time. Great mortality occurs in attempting to breedfrom maiden bitches exceeding three years of age, as the writer knowsto his cost. 

It is desirable, in the case of a young bitch having her first litter, for her master or mistress to be near her at the time, in order torender any necessary assistance; but such attentions should not begiven unless actual necessity arises. 

Some bitches with excessive lay-back and shortness of face have attimes a difficulty in releasing the puppy from the membrane in whichit is born, and in such a case it is necessary for the owner to openthis covering and release the puppy, gently shaking it about in thebox until it coughs and begins to breathe. 

The umbilical cord should be severed from the afterbirth about fourinches from the puppy, and this will dry up and fall away in thecourse of a couple of days. 

In general, it is true economy for the Bulldog breeder to providea foster-mother in readiness for the birth of the expected litter;especially is this so in the case of a first litter, when thequalifications for nursing by the mother are unknown. Where thereare more than five puppies it is also desirable to obtain afoster-mother in order that full nourishment may be given to thelitter by both mothers. 

The best time of the year for puppies to be born is in the spring, when, owing to the approaching warm weather, they can lead an outdoorlife. By the time they are six months old they should have sufficientstamina to enable them to withstand the cold of the succeeding winter. It has been ascertained that Bulldogs which have been reared out ofdoors are the least liable to suffer from indigestion, torpidity ofthe liver, asthma or other chest ailments, whilst they invariablyhave the hardiest constitution. 

Bulldogs generally require liberal feeding, and should have a mealof dry biscuit the first thing in the morning, whilst the eveningmeal should consist of a good stew of butcher's offal poured overbroken biscuit, bread, or other cereal food. In the winter time itis advantageous to soak a tablespoonful of linseed in water overnight, and after the pods have opened to turn the resulting jelly into thestew pot. This ensures a fine glossy coat, and is of value in toningup the intestines. Care must, however, be taken not to follow thispractice to excess in warm weather, as the heating nature of thelinseed will eventually cause skin trouble. 

With these special points attended to, the novice should find nodifficulty in successfully becoming a Bulldog fancier, owner, andbreeder. 

In conclusion, it cannot be too widely known that the Bulldog is oneof the very few breeds which can, with perfect safety, be trustedalone to the mercy of children, who, naturally, in the course of play, try the patience and good temper of the firmest friend of man. 

 THE MINIATURE BULLDOG

Fifty or sixty years ago, Toy--or, rather, as a recent edict of theKennel Club requires them to be dubbed, Miniature--Bulldogs werecommon objects of the canine country-side. In fact, you can hardlyever talk for ten minutes to any Bulldog breeder of old standingwithout his telling you tall stories of the wonderful little Bulldogs, weighing about fifteen or sixteen pounds, he either knew or ownedin those long-past days!

Prominent among those who made a cult of these "bantams" were thelaceworkers of Nottingham, and many prints are extant which bearwitness to the excellent little specimens they bred. But a wave ofunpopularity overwhelmed them, and they faded across the Channel toFrance, where, if, as is asserted, our Gallic neighbours appreciatedthem highly, they cannot be said to have taken much care to preservetheir best points. When, in 1898, a small but devoted band of admirersrevived them in England, they returned _most_ attractive, 'tis true, but hampered by many undesirable features, such as bat ears, froggyfaces, waving tails, and a general lack of Bulldog character. However, the Toy Bulldog Club then started, took the dogs vigorously in hand, and thanks to unceasing efforts, Toy Bulldogs have always since beencatered for at an ever increasing number of shows. Their weight, aftermuch heated discussion and sundry downs and ups, was finally fixedat twenty-two pounds and under. 

The original aim of Miniature Bulldogs--_i. E. _ to look like the largervariety seen through the wrong end of a telescope--if not actuallyachieved, is being rapidly approached, and can no longer be lookedupon as merely the hopeless dream of a few enthusiasts. 

To enumerate in detail the Miniature Bulldog scale of points is quiteunnecessary, as it is simply that of the big ones writ small. In otherwords, "the general appearance of the Miniature Bulldog must as nearlyas possible resemble that of the Big Bulldog"--a terse sentence whichcomprises in itself all that can be said on the subject. 

As companions and friends Miniature Bulldogs are faithful, fond, andeven foolish in their devotion, as all true friends should be. Theyare absolutely and invariably good-tempered, and, as a rule, sufficiently fond of the luxuries of this life--not to say greedy--tobe easily cajoled into obedience. Remarkably intelligent, and caringenough for sport to be sympathetically excited at the sight of arabbit without degenerating into cranks on the subject like terriers. Taking a keen interest in all surrounding people and objects, without, however, giving way to ceaseless barking; enjoying outdoor exercise, without requiring an exhausting amount, they are in every way idealpets, and adapt themselves to town and country alike. 

As puppies they are delicate, and require constant care andsupervision; but that only adds a keener zest to the attractive taskof breeding them, the more so owing to the fact that as mothers theydo not shine, being very difficult to manage, and generallymanifesting a strong dislike to rearing their own offspring. In otherrespects they are quite hardy little dogs, and--one greatadvantage--they seldom have distemper. Cold and damp they particularlydislike, especially when puppies, and the greatest care should betaken to keep them thoroughly dry and warm. When very young indeedthey can stand, and are the better for, an extraordinary amount ofheat. 

 THE FRENCH BULLDOG (BOULEDOGUE FRANCAIS)

There appears to be no doubt that the French Bulldog originated inEngland, and is an offshoot of the English miniature variety Bulldog, not the Bulldog one sees on the bench to-day, but of the tulip-earedand short underjawed specimens which were common in London, Nottingham, Birmingham, and Sheffield in the early 'fifties. Therewas at that time a constant emigration of laceworkers from Nottinghamto the coast towns of Normandy, where lace factories were springinginto existence, and these immigrants frequently took a Bulldog withthem to the land of their adoption. The converse method was alsoadopted. Prior to 1902 French Bulldogs were imported into this countrywith the object of resuscitating the strain of bantam Bulldogs, whichin course of years had been allowed to dwindle in numbers, and werein danger of becoming extinct. 

There are superficial similarities between the English and the Frenchtoy Bulldog, the one distinguishing characteristic being that in theFrench variety the ears are higher on the head and are held erect. Until a few years ago the two were interbred, but disputes as to theiressential differences led the Kennel Club to intervene and the typeshave since been kept rigidly apart, the smart little bat-earedBulldogs of France receiving recognition under the breed name ofBouledogues Francais. 

CHAPTER IV

THE ST. BERNARD

The history of the St. Bernard dog would not be complete withoutreference being made to the noble work that he has done inSwitzerland, his native land: how the Hospice St. Bernard kept aconsiderable number of dogs which were trained to go over themountains with small barrels round their necks, containingrestoratives, in the event of their coming across any poor travellerswho had either lost their way, or had been overcome by the cold. Wehave been told that the intelligent animals saved many lives in thisway, the subjects of their deliverance often being found entirelyburied in the snow. 

Handsome as the St. Bernard is, with his attractive colour andmarkings, he is a cross-bred dog. From the records of old writersit is to be gathered that to refill the kennels at the Hospice whichhad been rendered vacant from the combined catastrophes of distemperand the fall of an avalanche which had swept away nearly all theirhounds, the monks were compelled to have recourse to a cross withthe Newfoundland and the Pyrenean sheepdog, the latter not unlikethe St. Bernard in size and appearance. Then, again, there is no doubtwhatever that at some time the Bloodhound has been introduced, andit is known for a certainty that almost all the most celebrated St. Bernards in England at the present time are closely allied to theMastiff. 

The result of all this intermixture of different breeds has been theproduction of an exceedingly fine race of dogs, which form one ofthe most attractive features at our dog shows, and are individuallyexcellent guards and companions. As a companion, the St. Bernardcannot be surpassed, when a large dog is required for the purpose. Most docile in temperament and disposition, he is admirably suitedas the associate of a lady or a child. 

The St. Bernard is sensitive to a degree, and seldom forgets aninsult, which he resents with dignity. Specimens of the breed haveoccasionally been seen that are savage, but when this is the caseill-treatment of some sort has assuredly been the provoking cause. 

The dogs at the Hospice of St. Bernard are small in comparison withthose that are seen in England belonging to the same race. The HolyFathers were more particular about their markings than great size. The body colour should be brindle or orange tawny, with whitemarkings; the muzzle white, with a line running up between the eyes, and over the skull, joining at the back the white collar thatencircles the neck down to the front of the shoulders. The colourround the eyes and on the ears should be of a darker shade in thered; in the centre of the white line at the occiput there should bea spot of colour. These markings are said to represent the stole, chasuble and scapular which form part of the vestments worn by themonks; but it is seldom that the markings are so clearly defined;they are more often white, with brindle or orange patches on the body, with evenly-marked heads. 

In England St. Bernards are either distinctly rough in coat or smooth, but the generality of the Hospice dogs are broken in coat, havinga texture between the two extremes. The properties, however, of therough and smooth are the same, so that the two varieties are oftenbred together, and, as a rule, both textures of coat will be theresult of the alliance. The late M. Schumacher, a great authorityon the breed in Switzerland, averred that dogs with very rough coatswere found to be of no use for work on the Alps, as their thickcovering became so loaded with snow and their feet so clogged thatthey succumbed under the weight and perished. On that account theywere discarded by the monks. 

In connection with the origin of the St. Bernard, M. Schumacher wrotein a letter to Mr. J. C. Macdona, who was the first to introduce thebreed into Great Britain in any numbers: "According to the traditionof the Holy Fathers of the Great Saint Bernard, their race descendsfrom the crossing of a bitch (a Bulldog species) of Denmark and aMastiff (Shepherd's Dog) of the Pyrenees. The descendants of thecrossing, who have inherited from the Danish dog its extraordinarysize and bodily strength, and from the Pyrenean Mastiff theintelligence, the exquisite sense of smell, and, at the same time, the faithfulness and sagacity which characterise them, have acquiredin the space of five centuries so glorious a notoriety throughoutEurope that they well merit the name of a distinct race forthemselves. "

From the same authority we learn that it is something like six hundredyears since the St. Bernard came into existence. It was not, however, till competitive exhibitions for dogs had been for some yearsestablished that the St. Bernard gained a footing in Great Britain. A few specimens had been imported from the Hospice before Mr. CummingMacdona (then the Rev. Cumming Macdona) introduced us to thecelebrated Tell, who, with others of the breed brought fromSwitzerland, formed the foundation of his magnificent kennel at WestKirby, in Cheshire. Albert Smith, whom some few that are now alivewill remember as an amusing lecturer, brought a pair from the Hospicewhen returning from a visit to the Continent and made them take apart in his attractive entertainment; but the associations of theSt. Bernard with the noble deeds recorded in history were not thenso widely known, and these two dogs passed away without having createdany particular enthusiasm. 

Later on, at a dog show at Cremorne held in 1863, two St. Bernardswere exhibited, each of whom rejoiced in the name of Monk, and were, respectively, the property of the Rev. A. N. Bate and Mr. W. H. Stone. These dogs were exhibited without pedigrees, but were said to havebeen bred at the Hospice of St. Bernard. Three years later, at theNational Show at Birmingham, a separate class was provided for thesaintly breed, and Mr. Cumming Macdona was first and second with Telland Bernard. This led to an immediate popularity of the St. Bernard. But Tell was the hero of the shows at which he appeared, and his ownerwas recognised as being the introducer into this country of themagnificent variety of the canine race that now holds such a prominentposition as a show dog. 

The names of Tell and Bernard have been handed down to fame, theformer as the progenitor of a long line of rough-coated offspring;the latter as one of the founders of the famous Shefford Kennel, keptby Mr. Fred Gresham, who probably contributed more to the perfectingof the St. Bernard than any other breeder. His Birnie, Monk, Abbess, Grosvenor Hector, and Shah are names which appear in the pedigreesof most of the best dogs of more recent times. When Mr. Gresham drewhis long record of success to a close there came a lull in thepopularity of the breed until Dr. Inman, in partnership with Mr. B. Walmsley, established a kennel first at Barford, near Bath, and thenat The Priory, at Bowden, in Cheshire, where they succeeded inbreeding the finest kennel of St. Bernards that has ever been seenin the world. Dr. Inman had for several years owned good dogs, andset about the work on scientific principles. He, in conjunction withMr. Walmsley, purchased the smooth-coated Kenilworth from Mr. Loft, bred that dog's produce with a brindle Mastiff of high repute, andthen crossed back to his St. Bernards with the most successfulresults. Dr. Inman was instrumental in forming the National St. Bernard Club, which was soon well supported with members, and nowhas at its disposal a good collection of valuable challenge cups. The dogs bred at Bowden carried all before them in the show ring, and were continually in request for stud purposes, improving the breedto a remarkable extent. 

At the disposal of Messrs. Inman and Walmsley's kennel, there weresuch admirable dogs as the rough-coated Wolfram--from whom were bredTannhauser, Narcissus, Leontes and Klingsor--the smooth-coated dogs, the King's Son and The Viking; the rough-coated bitch, Judith Inman, and the smooth Viola, the last-named the finest specimen of her sexthat has probably ever been seen. These dogs and bitches, with severalothers, were dispersed all over England, with the exception ofKlingsor, who went to South Africa. 

Almost all the best St. Bernards in Great Britain at the present timehave been bred or are descended from the Bowden dogs. 

[Illustration: MR. GEORGE SINCLAIR'S ST. BERNARD CH. LORD MONTGOMERYPhotograph by C. Reid, Wishaw]

The following is the description of the St. Bernard as drawn up bythe members of the St. Bernard Club:

 * * * * *

HEAD--The head should be large and massive, the circumference of theskull being more than double the length of the head from nose toocciput. From stop to tip of nose should be moderately short; fullbelow the eye and square at the muzzle; there should be great depthfrom the eye to the lower jaw, and the lips should be deep throughout, but not too pendulous. From the nose to the stop should be straight, and the stop abrupt and well defined. The skull should be broad androunded at the top, but not domed, with somewhat prominent brow. EARS--The ears should be of medium size, lying close to the cheek, but strong at the base and not heavily feathered. EYES--The eyesshould be rather small and deep set, dark in colour and not too closetogether; the lower eyelid should droop, so as to show a fair amountof haw. NOSE--The nose should be large and black, with well developednostrils. The teeth should be level. EXPRESSION--The expression shouldbetoken benevolence, dignity, and intelligence. NECK--The neck shouldbe lengthy, muscular, and slightly arched, with dewlap developed, and the shoulders broad and sloping, well up at the withers. GENERALDESCRIPTION OF BODY--The chest should be wide and deep, and the backlevel as far as the haunches, slightly arched over the loins; theribs should be well rounded and carried well back; the loin wide andvery muscular. TAIL--The tail should be set on rather high, long, and in the long-coated variety bushy; carried low when in repose, and when excited or in motion slightly above the line of the back. LEGS--The fore-legs should be perfectly straight, strong in bone, and of good length; and the hind-legs very muscular. The feet large, compact, with well-arched toes. SIZE--A dog should be at least 30inches in height at the shoulder, and a bitch 27 inches (the tallerthe better, provided the symmetry is maintained); thoroughly wellproportioned, and of great substance. The general outline shouldsuggest great power and capability of endurance. COAT--In thelong-coated variety the coat should be dense and flat; rather fullerround the neck; the thighs feathered but not too heavily. In theshort-coated variety, the coat should be dense, hard, flat, and short, slightly feathered on thighs and tail. COLOUR AND MARKINGS--The colourshould be red, orange, various shades of brindle (the richer colourthe better), or white with patches on body of one of the above namedcolours. The markings should be as follows; white muzzle, white blazeup face, white collar round neck; white chest, forelegs, feet, andend of tail; black shadings on face and ears. If the blaze be wideand runs through to the collar, a spot of the body colour on the topof the head is desirable. 

The weight of a dog should be from 170 lbs. To 210 lbs. ; of a bitch160 lbs. To 190 lbs. 

 * * * * *

During the past twenty-five years St. Bernards have been bred in thiscountry very much taller and heavier than they were in the days ofTell, Hope, Moltke, Monk, Hector, and Othman. Not one of thesemeasured over 32 inches in height, or scaled over 180 lbs. , but theincreased height and greater weight of the more modern productionhave been obtained by forcing them as puppies and by fattening themto such an extent that they have been injured in constitution, andin many cases converted into cripples behind. The prizewinningrough-coated St. Bernard, as he is seen to-day is a purelymanufactured animal, handsome in appearance certainly, but socumbersome that he is scarcely able to raise a trot, let alone doany tracking in the snow. Usefulness, however, is not a considerationwith breeders, who have reared the dog to meet the exigencies of theshow ring. There is still much left to be desired, and there is roomfor considerable improvement, as only a few of the more modern dogsof the breed approach the standard drawn up by the Clubs that areinterested in their welfare. 

CHAPTER V

THE NEWFOUNDLAND

The dogs which take their name from the island of Newfoundland appealto all lovers of animals, romance, and beauty. A Newfoundland formedthe subject of perhaps the most popular picture painted by Sir EdwinLandseer; a monument was erected by Byron over the grave of hisNewfoundland in proximity to the place where the poet himself hopedto be buried, at Newstead Abbey, and the inscription on his monumentcontains the lines so frequently quoted:

 "But the poor dog in life the firmest friend, The first to welcome, foremost to defend, Whose honest heart is still his master's own, Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone. 

 To mark a friend's remains these stones arise: I never knew but one, and here he lies. "

Robert Burns, also, in his poem, "The Twa Dogs, " written in 1786, refers to a Newfoundland as being an aristocrat among dogs. Doubtless, other breeds of dogs have been the subjects of popular pictures andhave had their praises sung by poets, but the Newfoundlands have yeta further honour, unique amongst dogs, in being the subject for apostage stamp of their native land. All these distinctions and honourshave not been conferred without reason for no breed of dogs hasgreater claim to the title of friend of man, and it has become famousfor its known readiness and ability to save persons in danger, especially from drowning. It is strong and courageous in the water, and on land a properly trained Newfoundland is an ideal companionand guard. Innumerable are the accounts of Newfoundlands having provedtheir devotion to their owners, and of the many lives saved by themin river and sea; and when Sir Edwin Landseer selected one of thebreed as the subject of his picture entitled, "A Distinguished Memberof the Humane Society, " he was justified not only by the sentimentattaching to this remarkable race of dogs, but also by the deeds bywhich Newfoundlands have made good their claim to such greatdistinction, and the popular recognition of this, no doubt, in somedegree added to the great esteem in which this painting has alwaysbeen held. 

The picture was painted in 1838, and, as almost everyone knows, represents a white and black Newfoundland. The dog portrayed wastypical of the breed, and after a lapse of over seventy years, thepainting has now the added value of enabling us to make a comparisonwith specimens of the breed as it exists to-day. Such a comparisonwill show that among the best dogs now living are some which mighthave been the model for this picture. It is true that in the intervalthe white and black Newfoundlands have been coarser, heavier, higheron the legs, with an expression denoting excitability quite foreignto the true breed, but these departures from Newfoundland characterare passing away--it is to be hoped for good. The breed is rapidlyreturning to the type which Landseer's picture represents--a dog ofgreat beauty, dignity, and benevolence of character, showing in itseyes an almost human pathos. 

Some twenty-five to thirty years ago there was considerable discussionamong owners of Newfoundlands in this country as to the proper colourof the true breed, and there were many persons who claimed, as somestill claim, that the black variety is the only true variety, andthat the white and black colouring indicates a cross-breed. AgainLandseer's picture is of value, because, in the first place, we maybe almost certain that he would have selected for such a picture atypical dog of the breed, and, secondly, because the picture shows, nearly half a century prior to the discussion, a white and black dog, typical in nearly every respect, except colour, of the blackNewfoundland. There is no appearance of cross-breeding in Landseer'sdog; on the contrary, he reveals all the characteristics of athoroughbred. Seventy years ago, therefore, the white and blackvariety may be fairly considered to have been established, and itis worthy of mention here that "Idstone" quoted an article writtenin 1819 stating that back in the eighteenth century Newfoundlandswere large, rough-coated, liver and white dogs. It is clear, also, that in 1832 Newfoundlands in British North America were of variouscolours. Additional evidence, too, is provided, in the fact that whenselecting the type of head for their postage stamp the Governmentof Newfoundland chose the Landseer dog. Therefore, there are verystrong arguments against the claim that the true variety isessentially black. 

However that may be, there are now two established varieties, theblack and the white and black. There are also bronze-coloured dogs, but they are rare and are not favoured. It is stated, however, thatpuppies of that colour are generally the most promising in all otherrespects. 

The black variety of the Newfoundland is essentially black in colour;but this does not mean that there may be no other colour, for mostblack Newfoundlands have some white marks, and these are notconsidered objectionable, so long as they are limited to white hairson the chest, toes, or the tip of the tail. In fact, a white markingon the chest is said to be typical of the true breed. Any white onthe head or body would place the dog in the other than black variety. The black colour should preferably be of a dull jet appearance whichapproximates to brown. In the other than black class, there may beblack and tan, bronze, and white and black. The latter predominates, and in this colour, beauty of marking is very important. The headshould be black with a white muzzle and blaze, and the body and legsshould be white with large patches of black on the saddle andquarters, with possibly other small black spots on the body and legs. 

Apart from colour, the varieties should conform to the same standard. The head should be broad and massive, but in no sense heavy inappearance. The muzzle should be short, square, and clean cut, eyesrather wide apart, deep set, dark and small, not showing any haw;ears small, with close side carriage, covered with fine short hair(there should be no fringe to the ears), expression full ofintelligence, dignity, and kindness. 

The body should be long, square, and massive, loins strong and wellfilled; chest deep and broad; legs quite straight, somewhat shortin proportion to the length of the body, and powerful, with roundbone well covered with muscle; feet large, round, and close. The tailshould be only long enough to reach just below the hocks, free fromkink, and never curled over the back. The quality of the coat is veryimportant; the coat should be very dense, with plenty of undercoat;the outer coat somewhat harsh and quite straight. A curly coat isvery objectionable. A dog with a good coat may be in the water fora considerable time without getting wet on the skin. 

The appearance generally should indicate a dog of great strength, and very active for his build and size, moving freely with the bodyswung loosely between the legs, which gives a slight roll in gait. This has been compared to a sailor's roll, and is typical of thebreed. 

As regards size, the Newfoundland Club standard gives 140 lbs. To120 lbs. Weight for a dog, and 110 lbs. To 120 lbs. For a bitch, withan average height at the shoulder of 27 inches and 25 inchesrespectively; but it is doubtful whether dogs in proper conditiondo conform to both requirements. At any rate, the writer is unableto trace any prominent Newfoundlands which do, and it would be safeto assume that for dogs of the weights specified, the height shouldbe quite 29 inches for dogs, and 27 inches for bitches. A dog weighing150 lbs. And measuring 29 inches in height at the shoulder wouldnecessarily be long in body to be in proportion, and would probablymuch nearer approach the ideal form of a Newfoundland than a tallerdog. 

In that respect Newfoundlands have very much improved during the pastquarter of a century. Twenty-five years ago, the most noted dogs werestated as a rule to be well over 30 inches in height, but their weightfor height would indicate legginess, which is an abomination in aNewfoundland. A 29-inch Newfoundland is quite tall enough, and eventhat height should not be gained at the expense of type and symmetry. 

The white and black variety are, as a rule, slightly taller, smallerin loin and longer in head, but these differences in the two varietiesare being rapidly removed, and at no distant date the white and blackvariety will probably be as correct in type and symmetry as the blackvariety now is. 

For very many years the black variety has been the better in type;and in breeding, if blacks are desired, it will be safer as a generalrule to insist upon the absence of white and black blood in any ofthe immediate ancestors of the sire and dam. But if, on the contrary, white and black dogs are required, the proper course is to makejudicious crosses between the black and white, and black varieties, and destroy any black puppies, unless they are required for furthercrosses with white and black blood. In any case the first cross islikely to produce both black and mis-marked white and black puppies;but the latter, if bred back to the white and black blood, wouldgenerally produce well-marked white and black Newfoundlands. 

In mating, never be guided solely by the good points of the dog andbitch. It is very desirable that they should both have good points, the more good ones the better, but it is more important to ensurethat they are dissimilar in their defects, and, if possible, thatin neither case is there a very objectionable defect, especially ifsuch defect was also apparent in the animal's sire or dam. 

[Illustration: MRS. VALE NICOLAS'S NEWFOUNDLAND CH. SHELTON VIKINGPhotograph by T. Fall]

It is, therefore, important to study what were the good, and stillmore so the bad, points in the parents and grandparents. If you donot know these, other Newfoundland breeders will willingly giveinformation, and any trouble involved in tracing the knowledgerequired will be amply repaid in the results, and probably save greatdisappointment. 

When rearing puppies give them soft food, such as well-boiled riceand milk, as soon as they will lap, and, shortly afterwards, scrapedlean meat. Newfoundland puppies require plenty of meat to induceproper growth. The puppies should increase in weight at the rate of3 lbs. A week, and this necessitates plenty of flesh, bone andmuscle-forming food, plenty of meat, both raw and cooked. Milk isalso good, but it requires to be strengthened with Plasmon, or casein. The secret of growing full-sized dogs with plenty of bone andsubstance is to get a good start from birth, good feeding, warm, dryquarters, and freedom for the puppies to move about and exercisethemselves as they wish. Forced exercise may make them go wrong ontheir legs. Medicine should not be required except for worms, andthe puppies should be physicked for these soon after they are weaned, and again when three or four months old, or before that if they arenot thriving. If free from worms, Newfoundland puppies will be foundquite hardy, and, under proper conditions of food and quarters, theyare easy to rear. 

CHAPTER VI

THE GREAT DANE

The origin of the Great Dane, like that of many other varietiesof dogs, is so obscure that all researches have only resulted inspeculative theories, but the undoubted antiquity of this dog isproved by the fact that representatives of a breed sufficientlysimilar to be considered his ancestors are found on some of theoldest Egyptian monuments. 

A few years ago a controversy arose on the breed's proper designation, when the Germans claimed for it the title "Deutsche Dogge. " Germanyhad several varieties of big dogs, such as the Hatzrude, Saufanger, Ulmer Dogge, and Rottweiler Metzgerhund; but contemporaneously withthese there existed, as in other countries in Europe, another verybig breed, but much nobler and more thoroughbred, known as the GreatDane. When after the war of 1870 national feeling was pulsating verystrongly in the veins of reunited Germany, the German cynologistswere on the lookout for a national dog, and for that purpose the GreatDane was re-christened "Deutsche Dogge, " and elected as the championof German Dogdom. For a long time all these breeds had, no doubt, been indiscriminately crossed. 

The Great Dane was introduced into this country spasmodically somethirty-five years ago, when he was commonly referred to as theBoarhound, or the German Mastiff, and for a time the breed had toundergo a probationary period in the "Foreign Class" at dog shows, but it soon gained in public favour, and in the early 'eighties aGreat Dane Club was formed, and the breed has since become one ofthe most popular of the larger dogs. 

The Kennel Club has classed the Great Dane amongst the Non-Sportingdogs, probably because with us he cannot find a quarry worthy of hismettle; but, for all that, he has the instincts and qualificationsof a sporting dog, and he has proved himself particularly valuablefor hunting big game in hot climates, which he stands very well. 

Respecting the temperament of the Great Dane and his suitability asa companion writers have gone to extremes in praise and condemnation. In his favour it must be said that in natural intelligence he issurpassed by very few other dogs. He has a most imposing figure, anddoes not, like some other big breeds, slobber from his mouth, whichis a particularly unpleasant peculiarity when a dog is kept in thehouse. On the other hand, it must be admitted that with almost thestrength of a tiger he combines the excitability of a terrier, andno doubt a badly trained Great Dane is a very dangerous animal. Itis not sufficient to teach him in the haphazard way which might besuccessful in getting a small dog under control, but even as acompanion he ought to be trained systematically, and, consideringhis marked intelligence, this is not difficult of accomplishment. 

The Great Dane attains his full development in about a year and ahalf to two years, and, considering that puppies have to build upin that time a very big skeleton and straight limbs, special attentionmust be given to the rearing of them. The dam whelps frequently eightpuppies, and sometimes even a few more. Mr. Larke's Princess Thorhad a litter of seventeen, but even eight is too great a number fora bitch to suckle in a breed where great size is a desideratum. Notmore than four, or at the outside five, should be left with the bitch;the others should be put to a foster mother, or if they are weaklingsor foul-marked, it is best to destroy them. After the puppies areweaned, their food should be of bone-making quality, and they requireample space for exercise and play. Nothing is worse than to take theyoungsters for forced marches before their bones have become firm. 

Before giving the description and standard which have been adoptedby the Great Dane Clubs, a few remarks on some of the leading pointswill be useful. The general characteristic of the Great Dane is acombination of grace and power, and therefore the lightness of theGreyhound, as well as the heaviness of the Mastiff, must be avoided. 

The head should be powerful, but at the same time show quality byits nice modelling. 

The eyes should be intelligent and vivacious, but not have the hardexpression of the terrier. The distance between the eyes is of greatimportance; if too wide apart they give the dog a stupid appearance, and if too close he has a treacherous look. 

Another very important point is the graceful carriage of the tail. When it is curled over the back it makes an otherwise handsome doglook mean, and a tail that curls at the end like a corkscrew is alsovery ugly. In former times "faking" was not infrequently resortedto to correct a faulty tail carriage, but it is easily detected. GreatDanes sometimes injure the end of the tail by hitting it against ahard substance, and those with a good carriage of tail are most liableto this because in excitement they slash it about, whereas the faultyposition of the tail, curled over the back, insures immunity fromharm. 

Until recently British Great Dane breeders and exhibitors have paidvery little attention to colour, on the principle that, like a goodhorse, a good Great Dane cannot be a bad colour. The English clubs, however, have now in this particular also adopted the German standard. The orthodox colours are brindle, fawn, blue, black, and harlequin. In the brindle dogs the ground colour should be any shade from lightyellow to dark red-yellow on which the brindle appears in darkerstripes. The harlequins have on a pure white ground fairly large blackpatches, which must be of irregular shape, broken up as if they hadbeen torn, and not have rounded outlines. When brindle Great Danesare continuously bred together, it has been found that they getdarker, and that the peculiar "striping" disappears, and in that casethe introduction of a good fawn into the strain is advisable. Theconstant mating of harlequins has the tendency to make the blackpatches disappear, and the union with a good black Great Dane willprevent the loss of colour. 

The following is the official description issued by the Great DaneClub:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE--The Great Dane is not so heavy or massive as theMastiff, nor should he too nearly approach the Greyhound type. Remarkable in size and very muscular, strongly though elegantly built;the head and neck should be carried high, and the tail in line withthe back, or slightly upwards, but not curled over the hind-quarters. Elegance of outline and grace of form are most essential to a Dane;size is absolutely necessary; but there must be that alertness ofexpression and briskness of movement without which the Dane characteris lost. He should have a look of dash and daring, of being ready togo anywhere and do anything. TEMPERAMENT--The Great Dane isgood-tempered, affectionate, and faithful to his master, notdemonstrative with strangers; intelligent, courageous, and alwaysalert. His value as a guard is unrivalled. He is easily controlledwhen well trained, but he may grow savage if confined too much, kepton chain, or ill treated. HEIGHT--The minimum height of an adult dogshould be 30 ins. ; that of a bitch, 28 ins. WEIGHT--The minimum weightof an adult dog should be 120 lbs. ; that of a bitch, 100 lbs. Thegreater height and weight to be preferred, provided that quality andproportion are also combined. HEAD--Taken altogether, the head shouldgive the idea of great length and strength of jaw. The muzzle, orforeface, is broad, and the skull proportionately narrow, so thatthe whole head, when viewed from above and in front, has theappearance of equal breadth throughout. LENGTH OF HEAD--The entirelength of head varies with the height of the dog, 13 ins. From thetip of the nose to the back of the occiput is a good measurement fora dog of 32 ins. At the shoulder. The length from the end of the noseto the point between the eyes should be about equal, or preferablyof greater length than from this point to the back of the occiput. SKULL--The skull should be flat rather than domed, and have a slightindentation running up the centre, the occipital peak not prominent. There should be a decided rise or brow over the eyes, but no abruptstop between them. FACE--The face should be chiselled well andforeface long, of equal depth throughout, and well filled in belowthe eyes with no appearance of being pinched. MUSCLES OF THECHEEK--The muscles of the cheeks should be quite flat, with nolumpiness or cheek bumps, the angle of the jaw-bone well defined. LIPS--The lips should hang quite square in front, forming a rightangle with the upper line of foreface. UNDERLINE--The underline ofthe head, viewed in profile, runs almost in a straight line from thecorner of the lip to the corner of the jawbone, allowing for the foldof the lip, but with no loose skin to hang down. JAW--The lower jawshould be about level, or at any rate not project more than thesixteenth of an inch. NOSE AND NOSTRILS--The bridge of the nose shouldbe very wide, with a slight ridge where the cartilage joins the bone. (This is quite a characteristic of the breed. ) The nostrils shouldbe large, wide, and open, giving a blunt look to the nose. A butterflyor flesh-coloured nose is not objected to in harlequins. EARS--Theears should be small, set high on the skull, and carried slightlyerect, with the tips falling forward. NECK--Next to the head, theneck is one of the chief characteristics. It should be long, wellarched, and quite clean and free from loose skin, held well up, snakelike in carriage, well set in the shoulders, and the junctionof head and neck well defined. SHOULDERS--The shoulders should bemuscular but not loaded, and well sloped back, with the elbows wellunder the body, so that, when viewed in front, the dog does not standtoo wide. FORE-LEGS AND FEET--The fore-legs should be perfectlystraight, with big flat bone. The feet large and round, the toes wellarched and close, the nails strong and curved. BODY--The body is verydeep, with ribs well sprung and belly well drawn up. BACK ANDLOINS--The back and loins are strong, the latter slightly arched, as in the Greyhound. HIND-QUARTERS--The hind-quarters and thighs areextremely muscular, giving the idea of great strength and gallopingpower. The second thigh is long and well developed as in a Greyhound, and the hocks set low, turning neither out nor in. TAIL--The tailis strong at the root and ends in a fine point, reaching to or justbelow the hocks. It should be carried, when the dog is in action, in a straight line level with the back, slightly curved towards theend, but should not curl over the back. COAT--The hair is short anddense, and sleek-looking, and in no case should it incline tocoarseness. GAIT OR ACTION--The gait should be lithe, springy, andfree, the action high. The hocks should move very freely, and thehead should be held well up. COLOUR--The colours are brindle, fawn, blue, black, and harlequin. The harlequin should have jet blackpatches and spots on a pure white ground; grey patches are admissiblebut not desired; but fawn or brindle shades are objectionable. 

 * * * * *

[Illustration: MRS. H. HORSFALL'S GREAT DANE CH. VIOLA OF REDGRAVEPhotograph by Coe, Norwich]

CHAPTER VII

THE DALMATIAN

Before the Kennel Club found it necessary to insist upon a precisedefinition of each breed, the Dalmatian was known as the Coach Dog, a name appropriately derived from his fondness for following acarriage, for living in and about the stable, and for accompanyinghis master's horses at exercise. As an adjunct to the carriage heis peculiarly suitable, for in fine weather he will follow betweenthe wheels for long distances without showing fatigue, keeping easypace with the best horses. He appears almost to prefer equine tohuman companionship, and he is as fond of being among horses as theCollie is of being in the midst of sheep. Yet he is of friendlydisposition, and it must be insisted that he is by no means sodestitute of intelligence as he is often represented to be. On thecontrary, he is capable of being trained into remarkable cleverness, as circus proprietors have discovered. 

The earliest authorities agree that this breed was first introducedfrom Dalmatia, and that he was brought into this country purely onaccount of his sporting proclivities. Of late years, however, thesedogs have so far degenerated as to be looked upon simply ascompanions, or as exhibition dogs, for only very occasionally can itbe found that any pains have been taken to train them systematicallyfor gun-work. 

The first of the variety which appeared in the show ring was Mr. JamesFawdry's Captain, in 1873. At that period they were looked upon asa novelty, and, though the generosity and influence of a few admirersensured separate classes being provided for the breed at the leadingshows, it did not necessitate the production of such perfect specimensas those which a few years afterwards won prizes. At the first theywere more popular in the North of England than in any other part ofGreat Britain. It was at Kirkby Lonsdale that Dr. James's SpottedDick was bred, and an early exploiter of the breed who made his dogsfamous was Mr. Newby Wilson, of Lakeside, Windermere. He was indebtedto Mr. Hugo Droesse, of London, for the foundation of his stud, inasmuch as it was from Mr. Droesse that he purchased Ch. Acrobatand Ch. Berolina. At a later date the famed Coming Still and PrinceIV. Were secured from the same kennel, the latter dog being theprogenitor of most of the best liver-spotted specimens that haveattained notoriety as prize-winners down to the present day. 

In appearance the Dalmatian should be very similar to a Pointer exceptin head and marking. Still, though not so long in muzzle nor sopendulous in lip as a Pointer, there should be no coarseness or commonlook about the skull, a fault which is much too prevalent. Then, again, some judges do not attach sufficient importance to the eyelids, or rather sears, which should invariably be edged round with blackor brown. Those which are flesh-coloured in this particular shouldbe discarded, however good they may be in other respects. The densityand pureness of colour, in both blacks and browns, is of greatimportance, but should not be permitted to outweigh the evenness ofthe distribution of spots on the body; no black patches, or evenmingling of the spots, should meet with favour, any more than aring-tail or a clumsy-looking, heavy-shouldered dog should commandattention. 

The darker-spotted variety usually prevails in a cross between thetwo colours, the offspring very seldom having the liver-colouredmarkings. The uninitiated may be informed that Dalmatian puppies arealways born pure white. The clearer and whiter they are the betterthey are likely to be. There should not be the shadow of a mark orspot on them. When about a fortnight old, however, they generallydevelop a dark ridge on the belly, and the spots will then begin toshow themselves; first about the neck and ears, and afterwards alongthe back, until at about the sixteenth day the markings are distinctover the body, excepting only the tail, which frequently remains whitefor a few weeks longer. 

The standard of points as laid down by the leading club issufficiently explicit to be easily understood, and is as follows:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE--The Dalmatian should represent a strong, muscular, and active dog, symmetrical in outline, and free from coarseness andlumber, capable of great endurance combined with a fair amount ofspeed. HEAD--The head should be of a fair length; the skull flat, rather broad between the ears, and moderately well defined at thetemples--_i. E. _ exhibiting a moderate amount of stop and not in onestraight line from the nose to the occiput bone as required in aBull-terrier. It should be entirely free from wrinkle. MUZZLE--Themuzzle should be long and powerful; the lips clean, fitting the jawsmoderately close. EYES--The eyes should be set moderately well apart, and of medium size, round, bright, and sparkling, with an intelligentexpression, their colour greatly depending on the markings of thedog. In the black spotted variety the eyes should be dark (black ordark brown), in the liver-spotted variety they should be light (yellowor light brown). THE RIM ROUND THE EYES in the black-spotted varietyshould be black, in the liver-spotted variety brown--never flesh-colourin either. EARS--The ears should be set on rather high, of moderatesize, rather wide at the base, and gradually tapering to a roundpoint. They should be carried close to the head, be thin and finein texture, and always spotted--the more profusely the better. NOSE--The nose in the black-spotted variety should always be black, in the liver-spotted variety always brown. NECK AND SHOULDERS--Theneck should be fairly long, nicely arched, light and tapering, andentirely free from throatiness. The shoulders should be moderatelyoblique, clean, and muscular, denoting speed. BODY, BACK, CHEST, ANDLOINS--The chest should not be too wide, but very deep and capacious, ribs moderately well sprung, never rounded like barrel hoops (whichwould indicate want of speed), the back powerful, loin strong, muscular, and slightly arched. LEGS AND FEET--The legs and feet areof great importance. The fore-legs should be perfectly straight, strong, and heavy in bone; elbows close to the body; fore-feet round, compact with well-arched toes (cat-footed), and round, tough, elasticpads. In the hind-legs the muscles should be clean, thoughwell-defined; the hocks well let down. NAILS--The nails in theblack-spotted variety should be black and white in the liver-spottedvariety brown and white. TAIL--The tail should not be too long, strongat the insertion, and gradually tapering towards the end, free fromcoarseness. It should not be inserted too low down, but carried witha slight curve upwards, and never curled. It should be spotted, themore profusely the better. COAT--The coat should be short, hard, denseand fine, sleek and glossy in appearance, but neither woolly norsilky. COLOUR AND MARKINGS--These are most important points. Theground colour in both varieties should be pure white, very decided, and not intermixed. The colour of the spots of the black-spottedvariety should be black, the deeper and richer the black the better;in the liver-spotted variety they should be brown. The spots shouldnot intermingle, but be as round and well-defined as possible, themore distinct the better; in size they should be from that of asixpence to a florin. The spots on head, face, ears, legs, tail, andextremities to be smaller than those on the body. WEIGHT--Dogs, 55 lbs. ; bitches, 50 lbs. 

CHAPTER VIII

THE COLLIE

The townsman who knows the shepherd's dog only as he is to be seen, out of his true element, threading his confined way through crowdedstreets where sheep are not, can have small appreciation of his wisdomand his sterling worth. To know him properly, one needs to see himat work in a country where sheep abound, to watch him adroitlyrounding up his scattered charges on a wide-stretching moorland, gathering the wandering wethers into close order and driving thembefore him in unbroken company to the fold; handling the stubbornpack in a narrow lane, or holding them in a corner of a field, immobile under the spell of his vigilant eye. He is at his best asa worker, conscious of the responsibility reposed in him; a marvelof generalship, gentle, judicious, slow to anger, quick to action;the priceless helpmeet of his master--the most useful member of allthe tribe of dogs. 

Few dogs possess the fertile, resourceful brain of the Collie. Hecan be trained to perform the duties of other breeds. He makes anexcellent sporting dog, and can be taught to do the work of thePointer and the Setter, as well as that of the Water Spaniel and theRetriever. He is clever at hunting, having an excellent nose, is agood vermin-killer, and a most faithful watch, guard, and companion. Major Richardson, who for some years has been successful in trainingdogs to ambulance work on the field of battle, has carefully testedthe abilities of various breeds in discovering wounded soldiers, andhe gives to the Collie the decided preference. 

It is, however, as an assistant to the flock-master the farmer, thebutcher, and the drover that the Collie takes his most appropriateplace in every-day life. The shepherd on his daily rounds, travellingover miles of moorland, could not well accomplish his task withouthis Collie's skilful aid. One such dog, knowing what is expected ofhim, can do work which would otherwise require the combined effortsof a score of men. 

Little is known with certainty of the origin of the Collie, but hiscunning and his outward appearance would seem to indicate arelationship with the wild dog. Buffon was of opinion that he wasthe true dog of nature, the stock and model of the whole caninespecies. He considered the Sheepdog superior in instinct andintelligence to all other breeds, and that, with a character in whicheducation has comparatively little share, he is the only animal bornperfectly trained for the service of man. 

One of the most perfect working Collies in Scotland to-day is theold-fashioned black and white type, which is the most popular amongthe shepherds of Scotland. At the shows this type of dog is invariablyat the top of the class. He is considered the most tractable, and iscertainly the most agile. Second to this type in favour is thesmooth-coated variety, a very hard, useful dog, well adapted for hillwork and usually very fleet of foot. He is not so sweet in temperas the black and white, and is slow to make friends. In the Ettrickand Yarrow district the smooth is a popular sheepdog. The shepherdsmaintain that he climbs the hills more swiftly than the rough, andin the heavy snowstorms his clean, unfeathered legs do not collectand carry the snow. He has a fuller coat than the show specimensusually carry, but he has the same type of head, eye, and ears, onlynot so well developed. 

Then there is the Scottish bearded, or Highland Collie, less popularstill with the flock-master, a hardy-looking dog in outward style, but soft in temperament, and many of them make better cattle thansheep dogs. This dog and the Old English Sheepdog are much alike inappearance, but that the bearded is a more racy animal, with a headresembling that of the Dandie Dinmont rather than the square headof the Bobtail. The strong-limbed bearded Collie is capable of gettingthrough a good day's work, but is not so steady nor so wise as theold-fashioned black and white, or even the smooth coated variety. He is a favourite with the butcher and drover who have sometimes aherd of troublesome cattle to handle, and he is well suited to roughand rocky ground, active in movement, and as sure-footed as the wildgoat. He can endure cold and wet without discomfort, and can live onthe Highland hills when others less sturdy would succumb. In thestandard adopted for judging the breed, many points are given forgood legs and feet, bone, body, and coat, while head and ears arenot of great importance. Movement, size, and general appearance havemuch weight. The colour is varied in this breed. Cream-colouredspecimens are not uncommon, and snow white with orange or blackmarkings may often be seen, but the popular colour is grizzly grey. Unfortunately the coats of many are far too soft and the undercoatis frequently absent. 

Working trials to test the skill of the sheepdog have become frequentfixtures among shepherds and farmers within recent years, and thesecompetitions have done much towards the improvement of the workingqualities of the Collie. In general the excelling competitors atworking trials are the rough-coated black and white Collies. Thesmooth-coated variety and the Beardie are less frequent winners. Thehandsome and distinguished gentlemen of the Ch. Wishaw Leader typeare seldom seen on the trial field, although formerly such a dog asCh. Ormskirk Charlie might be successfully entered with others equallywell bred from the kennels of that good trainer and fancier, Mr. Piggin, of Long Eaton. A good working Collie, however, is not alwaysrobed in elegance. What is desirable is that the shepherd and farmershould fix a standard of points, and breed as near as possible tothat standard, as the keepers of the show Collie breed to anacknowledged type of perfection. Nevertheless, from a bad worker ofgood descent many an efficient worker might be produced by propermating, and those of us skilled in the breeding of Collies know theimportance of a well-considered process of selection from unsulliedstrains. 

It is a pity that the hard-working dog of the shepherd does notreceive the attention in the way of feeding and grooming that isbestowed on the ornamental show dog. He is too often neglected inthese particulars. Notwithstanding this neglect, however, the averagelife of the working dog is longer by a year or two than that of hismore beautiful cousin. Pampering and artificial living are not tobe encouraged; but, on the other hand, neglect has the same effectof shortening the span of life, and bad feeding and inattention tocleanliness provoke the skin diseases which are far too prevalent. 

There is not a more graceful and physically beautiful dog to be seenthan the show Collie of the present period. Produced from the oldworking type, he is now practically a distinct breed. His qualitiesin the field are not often tested, but he is a much more handsomeand attractive animal, and his comeliness will always win for himmany admiring friends. The improvements in his style and appearancehave been alleged to be due to an admixture with Gordon Setter blood. In the early years of exhibitions he showed the shorter head, heavyears, and much of the black and tan colouring which might seem tojustify such a supposition; but there is no evidence that the crosswas ever purposely sought. Gradually the colour was lightened to sableand a mingling of black, white, and tan came into favour. The shapeof the head was also improved. These improvements in beauty of formand colour have been largely induced by the many Collie clubs nowin existence not only in the United Kingdom and America, but alsoin South Africa and Germany, by whom the standards of points havebeen perfected. Type has been enhanced, the head with the smallornamental ears that now prevail is more classical; and scientificcultivation and careful selection of typical breeding stock haveachieved what may be considered the superlative degree of quality, without appreciable loss of stamina, size, or substance. 

Twenty years or so ago, when Collies were becoming fashionable, therich sable coat with long white mane was in highest request. In 1888Ch. Metchley Wonder captivated his admirers by these rich qualities. He was the first Collie for which a very high purchase price was paid, Mr. Sam Boddington having sold him to Mr. A. H. Megson, of Manchester, for P530. High prices then became frequent. Mr. Megson paid as muchas P1, 600 to Mr. Tom Stretch for Ormskirk Emerald. No Collie has hada longer or more brilliant career than Emerald, and although he wasnot esteemed as a successful sire, yet he was certainly the greatestfavourite among our show dogs of recent years. 

Mr. Megson has owned many other good specimens of the breed, bothrough and smooth. In the same year that he bought Metchley Wonder, he gave P350 for a ten-months' puppy, Caractacus. Sable and whiteis his favourite combination of colour, a fancy which was shared someyears ago by the American buyers, who would have nothing else. Black, tan, and white became more popular in England, and while there isnow a good market for these in the United States the sable and whiteremains the favourite of the American buyers and breeders. 

The best Collie of modern times was undoubtedly Ch. Squire of Tytton, which went to America for P1, 250. A golden sable with quality, nicesize, and profuse coat, he had an unbeaten record in this country. Another of our best and most typical rough Collies was Ch. WishawLeader. This beautiful dog, who had a most distinguished show career, was a well-made black, tan, and white, with an enormous coat andbeautiful flowing white mane; one of the most active movers, displaying quality all through, and yet having plenty of substance. He had that desirable distinction of type which is so often lackingin our long-headed Collies. Ormskirk Emerald's head was of good lengthand well balanced, the skull sufficiently flat; his eye wasalmond-shaped and dark-brown in colour, his expression keen and wise, entirely free from the soft look which we see on many of the facesto-day. Historical examples of the show Collie have also been seenin Champions Christopher, Anfield Model, Sappho of Tytton, ParboldPiccolo, and Woodmanstern Tartan. 

In recent years the smooth Collie has gained in popularity quite ascertainly as his more amply attired relative. Originally he was adog produced by mating the old-fashioned black and white with theGreyhound. But the Greyhound type, which was formerly very marked, can scarcely be discerned to-day. Still, it is not infrequent thata throw-back is discovered in a litter producing perhaps aslate-coloured, a pure, white, or a jet black individual, or thatan otherwise perfect smooth Collie should betray the heavy ears orthe eye of a Greyhound. At one time this breed of dog was muchcultivated in Scotland, but nowadays the breeding of smooths isalmost wholly confined to the English side of the Border. 

[Illustration: MR. R. A. TAIT'S COLLIE CH. WISHAW LEADER Photographby C. Reid, Wishaw]

The following is the accepted description of the Perfect Collie:--

 * * * * *

THE SKULL should be flat, moderately wide between the ears, andgradually tapering towards the eyes. There should only be a slightdepression at stop. The width of skull necessarily depends uponcombined length of skull and muzzle; and the whole must be consideredin connection with the size of the dog. The cheek should not be fullor prominent. THE MUZZLE should be of fair length, tapering to thenose, and must not show weakness or be snipy or lippy. Whatever thecolour of the dog may be, the nose must be black. THE TEETH shouldbe of good size, sound and level; very slight unevenness ispermissible. THE JAWS--Clean cut and powerful. THE EYES are a veryimportant feature, and give expression to the dog; they should beof medium size, set somewhat obliquely, of almond shape, and of abrown colour except in the case of merles, when the eyes arefrequently (one or both) blue and white or china; expression fullof intelligence, with a quick alert look when listening. THE EARSshould be small and moderately wide at the base, and placed not tooclose together but on the top of the skull and not on the side ofthe head. When in repose they should be usually carried thrown back, but when on the alert brought forward and carried semi-erect, withtips slightly drooping in attitude of listening. THE NECK should bemuscular, powerful and of fair length, and somewhat arched. THE BODYshould be strong, with well sprung ribs, chest deep, fairly broadbehind the shoulders, which should be sloped, loins very powerful. The dog should be straight in front. THE FORE-LEGS should be straightand muscular, neither in nor out at elbows, with a fair amount ofbone; the forearm somewhat fleshy, the pasterns showing flexibilitywithout weakness. THE HIND-LEGS should be muscular at the thighs, clean and sinewy below the hocks, with well bent stifles. THE FEETshould be oval in shape, soles well padded, and the toes arched andclose together. The hind feet less arched, the hocks well let downand powerful. THE BRUSH should be moderately long carried low whenthe dog is quiet, with a slight upward "swirl" at the end, and maybe gaily carried when the dog is excited, but not over the back. THECOAT should be very dense, the outer coat harsh to the touch, theinner or under coat soft, furry, and very close, so close as almostto hide the skin. The mane and frill should be very abundant, themask or face smooth, as also the ears at the tips, but they shouldcarry more hair towards the base; the fore-legs well feathered, thehind-legs above the hocks profusely so; but below the hocks fairlysmooth, although all heavily coated Collies are liable to grow aslight feathering. Hair on the brush very profuse. COLOUR in theCollie is immaterial. IN GENERAL CHARACTER he is a lithe active dog, his deep chest showing lung power, his neck strength, his slopingshoulders and well bent hocks indicating speed, and his expressionhigh intelligence. He should be a fair length on the leg, giving himmore of a racy than a cloddy appearance. In a few words, a Collieshould show endurance, activity, and intelligence, with free and trueaction. In height dogs should be 22 ins. To 24 ins. At the shoulders, bitches 20 ins. To 22 ins. The weight for dogs is 45 to 65 lbs. , bitches 40 to 55 lbs. THE SMOOTH COLLIE only differs from the roughin its coat, which should be hard, dense and quite smooth. THE MAINFAULTS to be avoided are a domed skull, high peaked occipital bone, heavy, pendulous or pricked ears, weak jaws, snipy muzzle, fullstaring or light eyes, crooked legs, large, flat or hare feet, curlyor soft coat, cow hocks, and brush twisted or carried right over theback, under or overshot mouth. 

CHAPTER IX

THE OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG

Intelligent and picturesque, workmanlike and affectionate, the OldEnglish Sheepdog combines, in his shaggy person, the attributes atonce of a drover's drudge and of an ideal companion. Although themodern dog is seen less often than of old performing his legitimateduties as a shepherd dog, there is no ground whatever for supposingthat he is a whit less sagacious than the mongrels which have largelysupplanted him. The instincts of the race remain unchanged; but themongrel certainly comes cheaper. 

Carefully handled in his youth, the bob-tail is unequalled as a stockdog, and he is equally at home and efficient in charge of sheep, ofcattle, and of New Forest ponies. So deep-rooted is the naturalherding instinct of the breed that it is a thousand pities that themodern shepherd so frequently puts up with an inferior animal in placeof the genuine article. 

Nor is it as a shepherd dog alone that the bob-tail shines in thefield. His qualifications as a sporting dog are excellent, and hemakes a capital retriever, being usually under excellent control, generally light-mouthed, and taking very readily to water. Hisnatural inclination to remain at his master's heel and his exceptionalsagacity and quickness of perception will speedily develop him, ina sportsman's hands, into a first-rate dog to shoot over. 

These points in his favour should never be lost sight of, becausehis increasing popularity on the show bench is apt to mislead manyof his admirers into the belief that he is an ornamental rather thana utility dog. Nothing could be further from the fact. Nevertheless, he has few equals as a house dog, being naturally cleanly in hishabits, affectionate in his disposition, an admirable watch, and anextraordinarily adaptable companion. 

As to his origin, there is considerable conflict of opinion, owingto the natural difficulty of tracing him back to that period whenthe dog-fancier, as he flourishes to-day, was all unknown, and thevoluminous records of a watchful Kennel Club were still undreamedof. From time immemorial a sheepdog, of one kind or another, haspresided over the welfare of flocks and herds in every land. Probably, in an age less peaceable than ours, this canine guardian was calledupon, in addition to his other duties, to protect his charges fromwolves and bears and other marauders. In that case it is very possiblethat the early progenitors of the breed were built upon a larger andmore massive scale than is the sheepdog of to-day. 

The herd dogs of foreign countries, such as the Calabrian of thePyrenees, the Himalayan drover's dog, and the Russian Owtchah, areall of them massive and powerful animals, far larger and fiercer thanour own, though each of them, and notably the Owtchah, has many pointsin common with the English bob-tail. It is quite possible that allof them may trace their origin, at some remote period, to the sameancestral strain. Indeed, it is quite open to argument that thefounders of our breed, as it exists to-day, were imported into Englandat some far-off date when the duties of a sheepdog demanded of himfighting qualities no longer necessary. 

Throughout the nineteenth century, one finds conclusive evidence thatthe breed was very fairly represented in many parts of England, notably in Suffolk, Hampshire, and Dorsetshire, and also in Wales. Youatt writes of it in 1845, Richardson in 1847, and "Stonehenge"in 1859. Their descriptions vary a little, though the leadingcharacteristics are much the same, but each writer specially notesthe exceptional sagacity of the breed. 

The dog was well known in Scotland, too, under the title of theBearded Collie, for there is little doubt that this last is merelya variant of the breed. He differs, in point of fact, chiefly byreason of possessing a tail, the amputation of which is a recognisedcustom in England. 

With regard to this custom, it is said that the drovers originatedit. Their dogs, kept for working purposes, were immune from taxation, and they adopted this method of distinguishing the animals thusexempted. It has been argued, by disciples of the Darwinian theoryof inherited effects from continued mutilations, that a long processof breeding from tailless animals has resulted in producing puppiesnaturally bob-tailed, and it is difficult, on any other hypothesis, to account for the fact that many puppies are so born. It is certainlya fact that one or two natural bob-tails are frequently found in alitter of which the remainder are duly furnished with well-developedtails. 

From careful consideration of the weight of evidence, it seemsunlikely that the breed was originally a tailless one, but the moderncustom undoubtedly accentuates its picturesqueness by bringing intospecial prominence the rounded shaggy quarters and the characteristicbear-like gait which distinguish the Old English Sheepdog. 

Somewhere about the 'sixties there would appear to have been a revivalof interest in the bob-tail's welfare, and attempts were made to bringhim into prominence. In 1873 his admirers succeeded in obtaining forhim a separate classification at a recognised show, and at the CurzonHall, at Birmingham, in that year three temerarious competitorsappeared to undergo the ordeal of expert judgment. It was anunpromising beginning, for Mr. M. B. Wynn, who officiated found theirquality so inferior that he contented himself with awarding a secondprize. 

But from this small beginning important results were to spring, andthe Old English Sheepdog has made great strides in popularity sincethen. At Clerkenwell, in 1905, the entries in his classes reacheda total of over one hundred, and there was no gainsaying the quality. 

This satisfactory result is due in no small measure to the initiativeof the Old English Sheepdog Club, a society founded in 1888, withthe avowed intention of promoting the breeding of the old-fashionedEnglish Sheepdog, and of giving prizes at various shows held underKennel Club Rules. 

The pioneers of this movement, so far as history records their names, were Dr. Edwardes-Ker, an enthusiast both in theory and in practice, from whose caustic pen dissentients were wont to suffer periodicalcastigation; Mr. W. G. Weager, who has held office in the club forsome twenty years; Mrs. Mayhew, who capably held her own amongst herfellow-members of the sterner sex; Mr. Freeman Lloyd, who wrote aninteresting pamphlet on the breed in 1889; and Messrs. J. Thomas andParry Thomas. 

Theirs can have been no easy task at the outset, for it devolved uponthem to lay down, in a succinct and practical form, leading principlesfor the guidance of future enthusiasts. It runs thus:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE--A strong, compact-looking dog of great symmetry, absolutely free from legginess, profusely coated all over, veryelastic in its gallop, but in walking or trotting he has acharacteristic ambling or pacing movement, and his bark should beloud, with a peculiar _pot casse_ ring in it. Taking him all round, he is a thick-set, muscular, able-bodied dog, with a most intelligentexpression, free from all _Poodle_ or _Deerhound_ character. SKULL--Capacious, and rather squarely formed, giving plenty of roomfor brain power. The parts over the eyes should be well arched andthe whole well covered with hair. JAW--Fairly long, strong, squareand truncated; the stop should be defined to avoid a Deerhound face. _The attention of judges is particularly called to the aboveproperties, as a long, narrow head is a deformity_. EYES--Varyaccording to the colour of the dog, but dark or wall eyes are to bepreferred. NOSE--Always black, large, and capacious. TEETH--Strongand large, evenly placed, and level in opposition. EARS--Small, andcarried flat to side of head, coated moderately. LEGS--The fore-legsshould be dead straight, with plenty of bone, removing the body toa medium height from the ground, without approaching legginess; wellcoated all round. FEET--Small, round; toes well arched and pads thickand hard. TAIL--Puppies requiring docking must have an appendage leftof one and a half to two inches and the operation performed when notolder than four days. NECK AND SHOULDERS--The neck should be fairlylong, arched gracefully, and well coated with hair; the shoulderssloping and narrow at the points, the dog standing lower at theshoulder than at the loin. BODY--Rather short and very compact, ribswell sprung, and brisket deep and capacious. The loin should be verystout and gently arched, while the hind-quarters should be round andmuscular, and with well let down hocks, and the hams densely coatedwith a thick long jacket in excess of any other part. COAT--Profuse, and of good hard texture, not straight but shaggy and free from curl. The undercoat should be a waterproof pile, when not removed bygrooming or season. COLOUR--Any shade of grey, grizzle, blue orblue-merled, with or without white markings, or in reverse; any shadeof brown or sable to be considered distinctly objectionable and notto be encouraged. HEIGHT--Twenty-two inches and upwards for dogs, slightly less for bitches. Type, character, and symmetry are of thegreatest importance, and on no account to be sacrificed to size alone. 

 * * * * *

Turning to the questions of care and kennel management, we may startwith the puppy. It is obvious that where bone and substance arematters of special desirability, it is essential to build up in theinfant what is to be expected of the adult. For this reason it isa great mistake to allow the dam to bring up too many by herself. To about six or seven she can do justice, but a healthy bitch notinfrequently gives birth to a dozen or more. Under such circumstancesthe services of a foster-mother are a cheap investment. By dividingthe litter the weaklings may be given a fair chance in the strugglefor existence, otherwise they receive scant consideration from theirstronger brethren. 

At three or four days old the tails should be removed, as near therump as possible. The operation is easy to perform, and if done witha sharp, clean instrument there is no danger of after ill effects. 

If the mother be kept on a very liberal diet, it will usually be foundthat she will do all that is necessary for her family's welfare forthe first three weeks, by which time the pups have increasedprodigiously in size. They are then old enough to learn to lap forthemselves, an accomplishment which they very speedily acquire. Beginning with fresh cow's milk for a week, their diet may begradually increased to Mellin's or Benger's food, and later to grueland Quaker Oats, their steadily increasing appetites being cateredfor by the simple exercise of commonsense. Feed them little and often, about five times a day, and encourage them to move about as much aspossible; and see that they never go hungry, without allowing themto gorge. Let them play until they tire, and sleep until they hungeragain, and they will be found to thrive and grow with surprisingrapidity. At six weeks old they can fend for themselves, and shortlyafterwards additions may be made to their diet in the shape ofpaunches, carefully cleaned and cooked, and Spratt's Puppy Rodnim. A plentiful supply of fresh milk is still essential. Gradually thenumber of their meals may be decreased, first to four a day, and lateron to three, until at six months old they verge on adolescence; andmay be placed upon the rations of the adult dog, two meals a day. 

Meanwhile, the more fresh air and sunshine, exercise, and freedomthey receive, the better will they prosper, but care must be takenthat they are never allowed to get wet. Their sleeping-placeespecially must be thoroughly dry, well ventilated, and scrupulouslyclean. 

As to the adult dog, his needs are three: he must be well fed, wellhoused, and well exercised. Two meals a day suffice him, but he likesvariety, and the more his fare can be diversified the better willhe do justice to it. Biscuits, Rodnim, Flako, meat, vegetables, paunches, and sheep's heads, with an occasional big bone to gnaw, provide unlimited change, and the particular tastes of individualsshould be learned and catered for. 

As to the bob-tail's kennel, there is no need whatever for ahigh-priced fancy structure. Any weatherproof building will do, provided it be well ventilated and free from draughts. In very coldweather a bed of clean wheat straw is desirable, in summer the bareboards are best. In all weathers cleanliness is an absolute essential, and a liberal supply of fresh water should be always available. 

Grooming is an important detail in a breed whose picturesquenessdepends so largely on the profuseness of their shaggy coats, but thereis a general tendency to overdo it. A good stiff pair of dandy brushesgive the best results, but the coats must not be allowed to mat ortangle, which they have a tendency to do if not properly attendedto. Mats and tangles, if taken in time, can generally be teased outwith the fingers, and it is the greatest mistake to try and drag themout with combs. These last should be used as little as possible, andonly with the greatest care when necessary at all. An over-groomedbob-tail loses half his natural charm. Far preferable is a muddy, matted, rough-and-tumble-looking customer, with his coat as Natureleft it. 

CHAPTER X

THE CHOW CHOW

The Chow Chow is a dog of great versatility. He is a born sportsmanand loves an open-air life--a warrior, always ready to accept battle, but seldom provoking it. He has a way of his own with tramps, andseldom fails to induce them to continue their travels. Yet withalhe is tender-hearted, a friend of children, an ideal companion, andoften has a clever gift for parlour tricks. In China, his fatherland, he is esteemed for another quality--his excellence as a substitutefor roast mutton. 

Though in his own country he is regarded as plebeian, just a commoncur, he is by no means a mongrel. That he is of ancient lineage isproved by the fact that he always breeds true to type. He yields tothe Pekinese Spaniel the claim to be the Royal dog of China, yet hisblood must be of the bluest. If you doubt it, look at his tongue. 

Outwardly, the Chow worthily embodies the kind, faithful heart andthe brave spirit within. His compact body (weighing 40 lbs. Or more), with the beautiful fur coat and ruff, the plume tail turned over onhis back and almost meeting his neck-ruff, the strong, straight legsand neat, catlike feet, gives an impression of symmetry, power, andalertness. His handsome face wears a "scowl. " This is the technicalterm for the "no nonsense" look which deters strangers from unduefamiliarity, though to friends his expression is kindness itself. 

Though the Chow has many perfections, the perfect Chow has not yetarrived. He nearly came with Ch. Chow VIII. --long since dead, alas!--and with Ch. Fu Chow, the best Chow now living, his lightcoloured eyes being his only defect. With many judges, however, thisdog's black coat handicaps him sadly in competition with his redbrethren. Chow VIII. Is considered the best and most typical dog everbenched, notwithstanding his somewhat round eyes. Almond eyes areof course correct in Chinamen. Ch. Red Craze owns the head which isperfect with the correct ear-carriage and broad muzzle, and the scowland characteristic expression of a good Chow. 

Dark red is the accepted colour of the Chow. Modern judges will notlook twice at a light or parti-coloured dog, and it is to be fearedthat if even Ch. Chow VIII. Could revisit the scenes of his bygonetriumphs, his beautiful light markings would prove a fatal bar tohis success. The judges would be quite wrong, but if you want a dogfor show you must be sure to get a good whole-coloured dark red. If, on the other hand, you have a Chow as a companion and friend, do notbe at all troubled if his ruff, yoke, culottes and tail are whiteor cream-coloured. These are natural, correct and typical marks, though present-day fanciers are trying to "improve" them away. 

A list of points as drawn up by the Chow Chow Club some years agois added. The points are fairly right, but the tongue of a live Chowis never black. It should be blue, such a colour as might result froma diet of bilberries. 

 * * * * *

POINTS OF THE CHOW CHOW: HEAD--Skull flat and broad, with little stop, well filled out under the eyes. MUZZLE--Moderate in length, and broadfrom the eyes to the point (not pointed at the end like a fox). NOSE--Black, large and wide. (In cream or light-coloured specimens, a pink nose is allowable. ) TONGUE--Black. EYES--Dark and small. (Ina blue dog light colour is permissible. ) EARS--Small, pointed, andcarried stiffly erect. They should be placed well forward over theeyes, which gives the dog the peculiar characteristic expression ofthe breed--viz. , a sort of scowl. TEETH--Strong and level. NECK--Strong, full, set well on the shoulders, and slightly arched. SHOULDERS--Muscular and sloping. CHEST--Broad and deep. BACK--Short, straight, and strong. LOINS--Powerful. TAIL--Curled tightly over theback. FORE-LEGS--Perfectly straight, of moderate length, and withgreat bone. HIND-LEGS--Same as fore-legs, muscular and with hockswell let down. FEET--Small, round and catlike, standing well on thetoes. COAT--Abundant, dense, straight, and rather coarse in texture, with a soft woolly undercoat. COLOUR--Whole-coloured black, red, yellow, blue, white, etc. , not in patches (the under part of tailand back of thighs frequently of a lighter colour). GENERALAPPEARANCE--A lively, compact, short coupled dog, well-knit in frame, with tail curled well over the back. DISQUALIFYING POINTS--Drop ears, red tongue, tail not curled over back, white spots on coat, and rednose, except in yellow or white specimens. 

N. B. --Smooth Chows are governed by the same scale of points, exceptthat the coat is smooth. 

 * * * * *

As to the weight, bitches scale about 30 lbs. , but dogs are heavier. Ch. Shylock weighed 47-3/4 lbs. , and Red Craze 38 lbs. 

CHAPTER XI

THE POODLE

The Poodle is commonly acknowledged to be the most wisely intelligentof all members of the canine race. He is a scholar and a gentleman;but, in spite of his claims of long descent and his extraordinarynatural cleverness, he has never been widely popular in this countryas the Collie and the Fox-Terrier are popular. There is a generalbelief that he is a fop, whose time is largely occupied in personalembellishment, and that he requires a great deal of individualattention in the matter of his toilet. It may be true that to keephim in exhibition order and perfect cleanliness his owner has needto devote more consideration to him than is necessary in the caseof many breeds; but in other respects he gives very little trouble, and all who are attached to him are consistent in their opinion thatthere is no dog so intensely interesting and responsive as acompanion. His qualities of mind and his acute powers of reasoningare indeed so great that there is something almost human in hisattractiveness and his devotion. His aptitude in learning is neverdenied, and many are the stories told of his marvellous talent andversatility. 

Not merely as a showman's dog has he distinguished himself. He issomething more than a mountebank of the booths, trained to walk thetight rope and stand on his head. He is an adept at performing tricks, but it is his alertness of brain that places him apart from otheranimals. There is the example of the famous Munito, who in 1818perplexed the Parisians by his cleverness with playing cards and hisintricate arithmetical calculations. Paris was formerly the home ofmost of the learned Poodles, and one remembers the instance of thePoodle of the Pont Neuf, who had the habit of dirtying the boots ofthe passers-by in order that his master--a shoe-black stationedhalf-way across the bridge--might enjoy the profit of cleaning them. In Belgium Poodles were systematically trained to smuggle valuablelace, which was wound round their shaven bodies and covered with afalse skin. These dogs were schooled to a dislike of all men inuniform, and consequently on their journey between Mechlin and thecoast they always gave a wide berth to the Customs officers. On theContinent Poodles of the larger kind are often used for draught work. 

There can be little doubt that the breed originated in Germany, whereit is known as the _Pudel_, and classed as the _Canis familiarisAquaticus_. In form and coat he would seem to be closely related tothe old Water-dog, and the resemblance between a brown Poodle andan Irish Water Spaniel is remarkable. The Poodle is no longer regardedas a sporting dog, but at one period he was trained to retrievewaterfowl, and he still on occasion displays an eager fondness forthe water. 

Throughout Europe and in the United States--wherever these dogs arekept--it is usual to clip the coat on the face, the legs, and thehinder part of the body, leaving tufts of hair on the thighs and aring of hair on the pasterns. The origin and purpose of the customare not apparent, but now that Poodles are almost always kept as housedogs, this mode of ornamentation at least commends itself by reducingthe labour of daily grooming if the coat is to be maintained in goodcondition and the dog to be a pleasant associate. 

The profuse and long coat of this dog has the peculiarity that ifnot kept constantly brushed out it twists up into little cords whichincrease in length as the new hair grows and clings about it. Theunshed old hair and the new growth entwined together thus becomedistinct rope-like cords. Eventually, if these cords are not cutshort, or accidentally torn off, they drag along the ground, and soprevent the poor animal from moving with any degree of comfort orfreedom. Some few owners, who admire and cultivate these long cords, keep them tied up in bundles on the dog's back, but so unnatural andunsightly a method of burdening the animal is not to be commended. 

Corded Poodles are very showy, and from the remarkable appearanceof the coat, attract a great deal of public attention when exhibitedat shows; but they have lost popularity among most fanciers, and havebecome few in number owing to the obvious fact that it is impossibleto make pets of them or keep them in the house. The reason of thisis that the coat must, from time to time, be oiled in order to keepthe cords supple and prevent them from snapping, and, of course, astheir coats cannot be brushed, the only way of keeping the dog cleanis to wash him, which with a corded Poodle is a lengthy and laboriousprocess. Further, the coat takes hours to dry, and unless the newlywashed dog be kept in a warm room he is very liable to catch cold. The result is, that the coats of corded Poodles are almost invariablydirty, and somewhat smelly. 

At one time it was suggested that cordeds and non-cordeds were twodistinct breeds, but it is now generally accepted that the coat ofevery well-bred Poodle will, if allowed, develop cords. 

Curly Poodles, on the other hand, have advanced considerably infavour. Their coats should be kept regularly brushed and combed and, if washed occasionally, they will always be smart and clean, andpleasant companions in the house. 

The four colours usually considered correct are black, white, brown, and blue. White Poodles are considered the most intelligent, and itis certain that professional trainers of performing dogs prefer thewhite variety. The black come next in the order of intelligence, andeasily surpass the brown and blue, which are somewhat lacking in truePoodle character. 

No strict lines are drawn as regards brown, and all shades rangingfrom cream to dark brown are classed as brown. Mrs. Robert Long afew years ago startled her fellow-enthusiasts by exhibiting someparti-coloured specimens; but they were regarded as freaks, and didnot become popular. 

The points to be looked for in choosing a Poodle are, that he shouldbe a lively, active dog, with a long, fine head, a dark oval eye, with a bright alert expression, short in the back, not leggy, butby no means low on the ground, with a good loin, carrying his tailwell up; the coat should be profuse, all one colour, very curly, andrather wiry to the touch. 

If you buy a Poodle puppy you will find it like other intelligentand active youngsters, full of mischief. The great secret intraining him is first to gain his affection. With firmness, kindness, and perseverance, you can then teach him almost anything. The mostlively and excitable dogs are usually the easiest to train. It isadvantageous to teach your dog when you give him his meal of biscuit, letting him have the food piece by piece as a reward when each trickis duly performed. Never attempt to teach him two new tricks at atime, and when instructing him in a new trick let him always gothrough his old ones first. Make it an invariable rule never to bebeaten by him. If--as frequently is the case with your dogs--hedeclines to perform a trick, do not pass it over or allow him tosubstitute another he likes better; but, when you see he obstinatelyrefuses, punish him by putting away the coveted food for an hour ortwo. If he once sees he can tire you out you will have no furtherauthority over him, while if you are firm he will not hold out againstyou long. It is a bad plan to make a dog repeat too frequently a trickwhich he obviously dislikes, and insistence on your part may do greatharm. The Poodle is exceptionally sensitive, and is far moreefficiently taught when treated as a sensible being rather than asa mere quadrupedal automaton. He will learn twice as quickly if hismaster can make him understand the reason for performing a task. Thewhip is of little use when a lesson is to be taught, as the dog willprobably associate his tasks with a thrashing and go through themin that unwilling, cowed, tail-between-legs fashion which too oftenbetrays the unthinking hastiness of the master, and is the chiefreason why the Poodle has sometimes been regarded as a spiritlesscoward. 

The Poodle bitch makes a good mother, rarely giving trouble inwhelping, and the puppies are not difficult to rear. Their chiefdangers are gastritis and congestion of the lungs, which can beavoided with careful treatment. It should be remembered that the densecoat of the Poodle takes a long time to dry after being wetted, andthat if the dog has been out in the rain, and got his coat soaked, or if he has been washed or allowed to jump into a pond, you musttake care not to leave him in a cold place or to lie inactive beforehe is perfectly dry. 

Most Poodles are kept in the house or in enclosed kennels, wellprotected from draught and moisture, and there is no difficulty inso keeping them, as they are naturally obedient and easily taughtto be clean in the house and to be regular in their habits. 

The coat of a curly Poodle should be kept fleecy and free from tangleby being periodically combed and brushed. The grooming keeps the skinclean and healthy, and frequent washing, even for a white dog, isnot necessary. The dog will, of course, require clipping from timeto time. In Paris at present it is the fashion to clip the greaterpart of the body and hind-quarters, but the English Poodle Clubrecommends that the coat be left on as far down the body as the lastrib, and it is also customary with us to leave a good deal of coaton the hind-quarters. 

Probably the best-known Poodle of his day in this country was Ch. The Model, a black corded dog belonging to Mr. H. A. Dagois, whoimported him from the Continent. Model was a medium-sized dog, verywell proportioned, and with a beautifully moulded head and dark, expressive eyes, and I believe was only once beaten in the show ring. He died some few years ago at a ripe old age, but a great many ofthe best-known Poodles of the present day claim relationship to him. One of his most famous descendants was Ch. The Joker, also blackcorded, who was very successful at exhibitions. Another very handsomedog was Ch. Vladimir, again a black corded, belonging to MissHaulgrave. 

Since 1905 the curly Poodles have very much improved, and the bestspecimens of the breed are now to be found in their ranks. Ch. OrchardAdmiral, the property of Mrs. Crouch, a son of Ch. The Joker and LadyGodiva, is probably the best specimen living. White Poodles, of whichMrs. Crouch's Orchard White Boy is a notable specimen, ought to bemore widely kept than they are, but it must be admitted that the taskof keeping a full-sized white Poodle's coat clean in a town is nolight one. 

Toy White Poodles, consequently, are very popular. The toy varietyshould not exceed fifteen inches in height at the shoulder, and inall respects should be a miniature of the full-sized dog, with thesame points. 

 * * * * *

POINTS OF THE PERFECT POODLE: GENERAL APPEARANCE--That of a veryactive, intelligent, and elegant-looking dog, well built, and carryinghimself very proudly. HEAD--Long, straight, and fine, the skull notbroad, with a slight peak at the back. MUZZLE--Long (but not snipy)and strong--not full in cheek; teeth white, strong, and level; gumsblack, lips black and not showing lippiness. EYES--Almond shaped, very dark, full of fire and intelligence. NOSE--Black and sharp. EARS--The leather long and wide, low set on, hanging close to theface. NECK--Well proportioned and strong, to admit of the head beingcarried high and with dignity. SHOULDERS--Strong and muscular, slopingwell to the back. CHEST--Deep and moderately wide. BACK--Short, strong, and slightly hollowed, the loins broad and muscular, the ribswell sprung and braced up. FEET--Rather small, and of good shape, the toes well arched, pads thick and hard. LEGS--Fore-legs setstraight from shoulder, with plenty of bone and muscle. Hind-legsvery muscular and well bent, with the hocks well let down. TAIL--Seton rather high, well carried, never curled or carried over back. COAT--Very profuse, and of good hard texture; if corded, hanging intight, even cords; if non-corded, very thick and strong, of evenlength, the curls close and thick, without knots or cords. COLOURS--All black, all white, all red, all blue. THE WHITE POODLEshould have dark eyes, black or very dark liver nose, lips, andtoe-nails. THE RED POODLE should have dark amber eyes, dark livernose, lips, and toe-nails. THE BLUE POODLE should be of even colour, and have dark eyes, lips, and toe-nails. All the other points ofWhite, Red, and Blue poodles should be the same as the perfect BlackPoodle. 

N. B. --It is strongly recommended that only one-third of the body beclipped or shaved, and that the hair on the forehead be left on. 

CHAPTER XII

THE SCHIPPERKE

The Schipperke may fitly be described as the Paul Pry of caninesociety. His insatiate inquisitiveness induces him to poke his noseinto everything; every strange object excites his curiosity, and hewill, if possible, look behind it; the slightest noise arouses hisattention, and he wants to investigate its cause. There is no endto his liveliness, but he moves about with almost catlike agilitywithout upsetting any objects in a room, and when he hops he has acurious way of catching up his hind legs. The Schipperke's dispositionis most affectionate, tinged with a good deal of jealousy, and evenwhen made one of the household he generally attaches himself moreparticularly to one person, whom he "owns, " and whose protection hedeems his special duty. 

These qualities endear the Schipperke as a canine companion, witha quaint and lovable character; and he is also a capital vermin dog. When properly entered he cannot be surpassed as a "ratter. "

Schipperkes have always been kept as watch-dogs on the Flemish canalbarges, and that, no doubt, is the origin of the name, which is theFlemish for "Little Skipper, " the syllable "ke" forming the diminutiveof "schipper. "

The respectable antiquity of this dog is proved by the result of theresearches Mr. Van der Snickt and Mr. Van Buggenhoudt made in thearchives of Flemish towns, which contain records of the breed goingback in pure type over a hundred years. 

The first Schipperke which appeared at a show in this country wasMr. Berrie's Flo. This was, however, such a mediocre specimen thatit did not appeal to the taste of the English dog-loving public. In1888 Dr. Seelig brought over Skip, Drieske, and Mia. The first-namedwas purchased by Mr. E. B. Joachim, and the two others by Mr. G. R. Krehl. Later on Mr. Joachim became the owner of Mr. Green's Shtoots, and bought Fritz of Spa in Belgium, and these dogs formed the nucleusof the two kennels which laid the foundation of the breed in England. 

It was probably the introduction of the Schipperke to England thatinduced Belgian owners to pay greater attention to careful breeding, and a club was started in 1888 in Brussels, whose members, after "longand earnest consideration, " settled a description and standard ofpoints for the breed. 

Not long afterwards the Schipperke Club (England) was inaugurated, and drew up the following standard of points, which was adopted inDecember, 1890, and differed only very slightly from the oneacknowledged by the Belgian society and later by the St. HubertSchipperke Club. 

 * * * * *

STANDARD OF POINTS OF THE SCHIPPERKE CLUB, ENGLAND: HEAD--Foxy intype; skull should not be round, but broad, and with little stop. The muzzle should be moderate in length, fine but not weak, shouldbe well filled out under the eyes. NOSE--Black and small. EYES--Dark brown, small, more oval than round, and not full; bright, and full of expression. EARS--Shape: Of moderate length, not toobroad at the base, tapering to a point. Carriage: Stiffly erect, and when in that position the inside edge to form as near as possiblea right angle with the skull and strong enough not to be bentotherwise than lengthways. TEETH--Strong and level. NECK--Strong andfull, rather short, set broad on the shoulders and slightly arched. SHOULDERS--Muscular and sloping. CHEST--Broad and deep in brisket. BACK--Short, straight, and strong. LOINS--Powerful, well drawn upfrom the brisket. FORE-LEGS--Perfectly straight, well under the body, with bone in proportion to the body. HIND-LEGS--Strong, muscular, hocks well let down. FEET--Small, catlike, and standing well on thetoes. NAILS--Black. HIND-QUARTERS--Fine compared to the fore-parts, muscular and well-developed thighs, tailless, rump well rounded. COAT--Black, abundant, dense, and harsh, smooth on the head, earsand legs, lying close on the back and sides, but erect and thick roundthe neck, forming a mane and frill, and well feathered on back ofthighs. WEIGHT--About twelve pounds. GENERAL APPEARANCE--A small cobbyanimal with sharp expression, intensely lively, presenting theappearance of being always on the alert. DISQUALIFYING POINTS--Drop, or semi-erect ears. FAULTS--White hairs are objected to, but are notdisqualifying. 

 * * * * *

The back of the Schipperke is described as straight, but itshould round off at the rump, which should be rotund and full, guinea-pig-like. The continued straight line of a terrier's backis not desirable, but it will frequently be found in specimens thathave been docked. The Belgian standard requires the legs to be "fine, "and not have much bone. The bone of a terrier is only met with incoarse Schipperkes. As to size, it need only be noted that the maximumof the small size, viz. , 12 lbs. , is that generally preferred inEngland, as well as in Belgium. Further, it is only necessary toremark that the Schipperke is a dog of quality, of distinctcharacteristics, cobby in appearance, not long in the back, nor highon the leg; the muzzle must not be weak and thin, nor short and blunt;and, finally, he is not a prick-eared, black wire-haired terrier. 

The Schipperke's tail, or rather its absence, has been the cause ofmuch discussion, and at one time gave rise to considerable acrimoniousfeeling amongst fanciers. On the introduction of this dog into GreatBritain it arrived from abroad with the reputation of being a taillessbreed, but whether Belgian owners accidentally conveyed thatimpression or did it purposely to give the breed an additionaldistinction is difficult to say. Anyhow the Schipperke is no more"tailless" than the old English Sheepdog. That is to say a largernumber of individuals are born without any caudal appendage or onlya stump of a tail than in any other variety of dogs. It is said thata docked dog can be told from one that has been born tailless in thisway; when the docked animal is pleased, a slight movement at the endof the spine where the tail was cut off is discernible, but thenaturally tailless dog sways the whole of its hind-quarters. 

CHAPTER XIII

THE BLOODHOUND

The Bloodhound was much used in olden times in hunting and in thepursuit of fugitives; two services for which his remarkable acutenessof smell, his ability to keep to the particular scent on which heis first laid, and the intelligence and pertinacity with which hefollows up the trail, admirably fit him. The use and employment ofthese dogs date back into remote antiquity. We have it on theauthority of Strabo that they were used against the Gauls, and wehave certain knowledge that they were employed not only in thefrequent feuds of the Scottish clans, and in the continuous borderforays of those days, but also during the ever-recurring hostilitiesbetween England and Scotland. 

Indeed, the very name of the dog calls up visions of feudal castles, with their trains of knights and warriors and all the stirringpanorama of these brave days of old, when the only tenure of life, property, or goods was by the strong hand. 

This feudal dog is frequently pictured by the poet in his balladsand romances, and in "The Lady of the Lake" we find the breed againmentioned as

 "--dogs of black St. Hubert's breed, Unmatched for courage, breath, and speed. "

These famous black Bloodhounds, called St. Huberts, are supposed tohave been brought by pilgrims from the Holy Land. Another largerbreed, also known by the same name, were pure white, and another kindwere greyish-red. The dogs of the present day are probably a blendof all these varieties. 

[Illustration: BLOODHOUND CH. CHATLEY BEAUFORT. BY CH. CHATLEYBLAZER--CHATLEY FRIVOL. BRED AND OWNED BY MRS. G. A. OLIPHANT, SHREWTON, WILTS]

The Bloodhound, from the nobler pursuit of heroes and knights, camein later years to perform the work of the more modern detective; butin this also his services were in time superseded by the justice'swarrant and the police officer. We find it recorded about 1805, however, that "the Thrapston Association for the Prevention of Felonsin Northamptonshire have provided and trained a Bloodhound for thedetection of sheep-stealers. "

The reputation it obtained for sagacity and fierceness in the captureof runaway slaves, and the cruelties attributed to it in connectionwith the suppression of the various negro risings, especially thatof the Maroons, have given the animal an evil repute, which moreprobably should attach to those who made the animal's courage andsagacity a means for the gratification of their own revolting crueltyof disposition. It has been justly remarked that if entire credencebe given to the description that was transmitted through the countryof this extraordinary animal, it might be supposed that the Spaniardshad obtained the ancient and genuine breed of Cerberus himself. 

Coming again to this country, we find the Bloodhound used from timeto time in pursuit of poachers and criminals, and in many instancesthe game recovered and the man arrested. 

There is no doubt that the police in country districts, and at ourconvict prisons, could use Bloodhounds to advantage; but publicsentiment is decidedly against the idea, and although one of HisMajesty's prisons has been offered a working hound for nothing, theauthorities have refused to consider the question or give the hounda trial. 

Half a century ago the Bloodhound was so little esteemed in thiscountry that the breed was confined to the kennels of a very fewowners; but the institution of dog shows induced these owners to bringtheir hounds into public exhibition, when it was seen that, like theMastiff, the Bloodhound claimed the advantage of having many venerableancestral trees to branch from. At the first Birmingham show, in 1860, Lord Bagot brought out a team from a strain which had been in hislordship's family for two centuries, and at the same exhibition therewas entered probably one of the best Bloodhounds ever seen, in Mr. T. A. Jenning's Druid. Known now as "Old" Druid, this dog was gotby Lord Faversham's Raglan out of Baron Rothschild's historic bitchFury, and his blood goes down in collateral veins through Mr. L. G. Morrel's Margrave, Prince Albert Solm's Druid, and Mr. Edwin Brough'sNapier into the pedigrees of many of the celebrated hounds of thepresent day. 

Another famous Druid--grandsire of Colonel Cowen's hound of thename--was owned by the Hon. Grantley Berkeley. This typical dog wasunsurpassed in his time, and his talent in following a line of scentwas astonishing. His only blemish was one of character; for, althoughusually as good-tempered as most of the breed are, he was easilyaroused to uncontrollable fits of savage anger. 

Queen Victoria at various times was the possessor of one or more finespecimens of the Bloodhound, procured for her by Sir Edwin Landseer, and a capital hound from the Home Park Kennels at Windsor wasexhibited at the London Show in 1869, the judge on the occasion beingthe Rev. Thomas Pearce, afterwards known as "Idstone. " Landseer wasespecially fond of painting the majestic Bloodhound, and he usuallyselected good models for his studies. The model for the hound in hiswell-known picture, "Dignity and Impudence, " was Grafton, who wasa collateral relative of Captain J. W. Clayton's celebrated Luath XI. 

Four superlative Bloodhounds of the past stand out in unmistakableeminence as the founders of recognised strains. They are Mr. Jenning'sOld Druid, Colonel Cowen's Druid, Mr. Reynold Ray's Roswell, andCaptain Clayton's Luath XI. ; and the owner of a Bloodhound which canbe traced back in direct line of descent to any one of these fourpatriarchs may pride himself upon possessing a dog of unimpeachablepedigree. 

Among breeders within recent years Mr. Edwin Brough, of Scarborough, is to be regarded as the most experienced and successful. No recordof the breed would be complete without some acknowledgment of thegreat services he has rendered to it. Bloodhounds of the correct typewould to-day have been very few and far between if it had not beenfor his enthusiasm and patient breeding. Mr. Brough bred and producedmany hounds, which all bore the stamp of his ideal, and there is nodoubt that for all-round quality his kennel stands first in thehistory of the Bloodhound. His most successful cross was, perhaps, Beckford and Bianca, and one has only to mention such hounds asBurgundy, Babbo, Benedicta, and Bardolph to recall the finest teamof Bloodhounds that has ever been benched. 

Mrs. G. A. Oliphant, of Shrewton, Wilts, whose kennels include ChatleyBlazer and Chatley Beaufort, has of late years been a keen supporterof the breed. Mrs. Oliphant, who is the president of the ladies'branch of the Kennel Club, is a great believer in hounds being workersfirst and show hounds second, and her large kennels have producedmany hounds of a robust type and of good size and quality. There isno doubt that as far as hunting is concerned at the present momentthis kennel stands easily first. But admirable Bloodhounds have alsogiven distinction to the kennels of Mr. S. H. Mangin, Dr. SidneyTurner, Mr. Mark Beaufoy, Mr. F. W. Cousens, Mr. A. O. Mudie, LordDecies, Mr. Hood Wright, Mr. A. Croxton Smith, Dr. C. C. Garfit, Dr. Semmence, and Mrs. C. Ashton Cross, to mention only a few owners andbreeders who have given attention to this noble race of dog. 

The description of a perfect type of dog, as defined by theAssociation of Bloodhound breeders, is as follows:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL CHARACTER--The Bloodhound possesses, in a most marked degree, every point and characteristic of those dogs which hunt together byscent (_Sagaces_). He is very powerful and stands over more groundthan is usual with hounds of other breeds. The skin is thin to thetouch and extremely loose, this being more especially noticeable aboutthe head and neck, where it hangs in deep folds. HEIGHT--The meanaverage height of adult dogs is 26 inches and of adult bitches 24inches. Dogs usually vary from 25 inches to 27 inches and bitchesfrom 23 inches to 25 inches; but in either case the greater heightis to be preferred, provided that character and quality are alsocombined. WEIGHT--The mean average weight of adult dogs in faircondition is 90 pounds and of adult bitches 80 pounds. Dogs attainthe weight of 110 pounds, bitches 100 pounds. The greater weightsare to be preferred, provided (as in the case of height) that qualityand proportion are also combined. EXPRESSION--The expression is nobleand dignified and characterised by solemnity, wisdom and power. TEMPERAMENT--In temperament he is extremely affectionate, quarrelsomeneither with companions nor with other dogs. His nature is somewhatshy, and equally sensitive to kindness or correction by his master. HEAD--The head is narrow in proportion to its length and long inproportion to the body, tapering but slightly from the temples tothe end of the muzzle thus (when viewed from above and in front)having the appearance of being flattened at the sides and of beingnearly equal in width throughout its entire length. In profile theupper outline of the skull is nearly in the same plane as that ofthe foreface. The length from end of nose to stop (midway betweenthe eyes) should be not less than that from stop to back of occipitalprotuberance (peak). The entire length of head from the posteriorpart of the occipital protuberance to the end of the muzzle shouldbe 12 inches, or more, in dogs, and 11 inches, or more, in bitches. SKULL--The skull is long and narrow, with the occipital peak verypronounced. The brows are not prominent, although, owing to thedeep-set eyes, they may have that appearance. FOREFACE--The forefaceis long, deep, and of even width throughout, with square outline whenseen in profile. EYES--The eyes are deeply sunk in the orbits, thelids assuming a lozenge or diamond shape, in consequence of the lowerlids being dragged down and everted by the heavy flews. The eyescorrespond with the general tone of colour of the animal, varyingfrom deep hazel to yellow. The hazel colour is, however, to bepreferred, although very seldom seen in red-and-tan hounds. EARS--Theears are thin and soft to the touch, extremely long, set very low, and fall in graceful folds, the lower parts curling inwards andbackwards. WRINKLE--The head is furnished with an amount of looseskin which in nearly every position appears super-abundant, but moreparticularly so when the head is carried low; the skin then fallsinto loose, pendulous ridges and folds, especially over the foreheadand sides of the face. NOSTRILS--The nostrils are large and open. LIPS, FLEWS, AND DEWLAP--In front the lips fall squarely, making aright-angle with the upper line of the foreface, whilst behind theyform deep, hanging flews, and, being continued into the pendent foldsof loose skin about the neck, constitute the dewlap, which is verypronounced. These characters are found, though in a less degree, inthe bitch. NECK, SHOULDERS, AND CHEST--The neck is long, the shouldersmuscular and well sloped backwards; the ribs are well sprung, andthe chest well let down between the forelegs, forming a deep keel. LEGS AND FEET--The fore-legs are straight and large in bone, withelbows squarely set; the feet strong and well knuckled up; the thighsand second thighs (gaskins) are very muscular; the hocks well bentand let down and squarely set. BACK AND LOINS--The back and loinsare strong, the latter deep and slightly arched. STERN--The sternis long and tapering and set on rather high, with a moderate amountof hair underneath. GAIT--The gait is elastic, swinging, and free--thestern being carried high, but not too much curled over the back. COLOUR--The colours are black-and-tan, red-and-tan, and tawny--thedarker colours being sometimes interspersed with lighter orbadger-coloured hair and sometimes flecked with white. A small amountof white is permissible on chest, feet, and tip of stern. 

CHAPTER XIV

THE OTTERHOUND

The Otterhound is a descendant of the old Southern Hound, and thereis reason to believe that all hounds hunting their quarry by nosehad a similar source. Why the breed was first called the SouthernHound, or when his use became practical in Great Britain, must besubjects of conjecture; but that there was a hound good enough tohold a line for many hours is accredited in history that goes veryfar back into past centuries. The hound required three centuries agoeven was all the better esteemed for being slow and unswerving ona line of scent, and in many parts of the Kingdom, up to within halfthat period, the so-called Southern Hound had been especiallyemployed. In Devonshire and Wales the last sign of him in his puritywas perhaps when Captain Hopwood hunted a small pack of hounds verysimilar in character on the fitch or pole-cat; the _modus operandi_being to find the foraging grounds of the animal, and then on a linethat might be two days old hunt him to his lair, often enough tenor twelve miles off. 

When this sort of hunting disappeared, and improved ideas offox-hunting came into vogue, there was nothing left for the SouthernHound to do but to hunt the otter. He may have done this before atvarious periods, but history rather tends to show that otter-huntingwas originally associated with a mixed pack, and some of Sir WalterScott's pages seem to indicate that the Dandie Dinmont and kindredScottish terriers had a good deal to do with the sport. It is morethan probable that the rough-coated terrier is identical with thenow recognised Otterhound as an offshoot of the Southern Hound; butbe that as it may, there has been a special breed of Otterhound forthe last eighty years, very carefully bred and gradually much improvedin point of appearance. They are beautiful hounds to-day, with headsas typical as those of Bloodhounds, legs and feet that would do forFoxhounds, a unique coat of their own, and they are exactly suitablefor hunting the otter, as everyone knows who has had the enjoymentof a day's sport on river or brook. 

The greatest otter hunter of the last century may have been the Hon. Geoffrey Hill, a younger brother of the late Lord Hill. A powerfulathlete of over six feet, Major Hill was an ideal sportsman inappearance, and he was noted for the long distances he would travelon foot with his hounds. They were mostly of the pure rough sort, not very big; the dogs he reckoned at about 23-1/2 inches, bitches22: beautiful Bloodhound type of heads, coats of thick, hard hair, big in ribs and bones, and good legs and feet. 

Major Hill seldom exhibited his hounds. They were seen now and thenat Birmingham; but, hunting as hard as they did through Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, and into Wales, where they got their bestwater, there was not much time for showing. Their famous Master hasbeen dead now many years, but his pack is still going, and shows greatsport as the Hawkstone under the Mastership of Mr. H. P. Wardell, the kennels being at Ludlow race-course, Bromfield. 

The leading pack in the Kingdom for the last sixty years, at any rate, has been the Carlisle when in the hands of Mr. J. C. Carrick, whowas famous both for the sport he showed and for his breed ofOtterhound, so well represented at all the important shows. Suchhounds as Lottery and Lucifer were very typical specimens; but oflate years the entries of Otterhounds have not been very numerousat the great exhibitions, and this can well be explained by the factthat they are wanted in greater numbers for active service, therebeing many more packs than formerly--in all, twenty-one for theUnited Kingdom. 

The sport of otter-hunting is decidedly increasing, as there havebeen several hunts started within the last six years. There can wellbe many more, as, according to the opinion of that excellentauthority, the late Rev. "Otter" Davies, as he was always called, there are otters on every river; but, owing to the nocturnal andmysterious habits of the animals, their whereabouts or existence isseldom known, or even suspected. Hunting them is a very beautifulsport, and the question arises as to whether the pure Otterhoundsshould not be more generally used than they are at present. It isoften asserted that their continued exposure to water has caused agood deal of rheumatism in the breed, that they show age sooner thanothers, and that the puppies are difficult to rear. There are, however, many advantages in having a pure breed, and there is muchto say for the perfect work of the Otterhound. The scent of the otteris possibly the sweetest of all trails left by animals. One cannotunderstand how it is that an animal swimming two or three feet fromthe bottom of a river-bed and the same from the surface should leavea clean line of burning scent that may remain for twelve or eighteenhours. The supposition must be that the scent from the animal at firstdescends and is then always rising. At any rate, the oldest Foxhoundor Harrier that has never touched otter is at once in ravishingexcitement on it, and all dogs will hunt it. The terrier is neverkeener than when he hits on such a line. 

The Foxhound, so wonderful in his forward dash, may have too muchof it for otter hunting. The otter is so wary. His holt can very wellbe passed, his delicious scent may be overrun; but the pure-bredOtterhound is equal to all occasions. He is terribly certain on thetrail when he finds it. Nothing can throw him off it, and when hisdeep note swells into a sort of savage howl, as he lifts his headtowards the roots of some old pollard, there is a meaning in it--nomistake has been made. In every part of a run it is the same; theotter dodges up stream and down, lands for a moment, returns to hisholt; but his adversaries are always with him, and as one sees theirsteady work the impression becomes stronger and stronger that forthe real sport of otter-hunting there is nothing as good as thepure-bred Otterhound. There is something so dignified and noble aboutthe hound of unsullied strain that if you once see a good one youwill not soon forget him. He is a large hound, as he well needs tobe, for the "varmint" who is his customary quarry is the wildest, most vicious, and, for its size, the most powerful of all Britishwild animals, the inveterate poacher of our salmon streams, andconsequently to be mercilessly slaughtered, although always insporting fashion. To be equal to such prey, the hound must have aBulldog's courage, a Newfoundland's strength in water, a Pointer'snose, a Retriever's sagacity, the stamina of the Foxhound, thepatience of a Beagle, the intelligence of a Collie. 

 * * * * *

THE PERFECT OTTERHOUND: HEAD--The head, which has been described assomething between that of a Bloodhound and that of a Foxhound, ismore hard and rugged than either. With a narrow forehead, ascendingto a moderate peak. EARS--The ears are long and sweeping, but notfeathered down to the tips, set low and lying flat to the cheeks. EYES--The eyes are large, dark and deeply set, having a peculiarlythoughtful expression. They show a considerable amount of the haw. NOSE--The nose is large and well developed, the nostrils expanding. MUZZLE--The muzzle well protected from wiry hair. The jaw verypowerful with deep flews. NECK--The neck is strong and muscular, butrather long. The dewlap is loose and folded. CHEST--The chest, deepand capacious, but not too wide. BACK--The back is strong, wide andarched. SHOULDERS--The shoulders ought to be sloping, the arms andthighs substantial and muscular. FEET--The feet, fairly large andspreading, with firm pads and strong nails to resist sharp rocks. STERN--The stern when the hound is at work is carried gaily, likethat of a rough Welsh Harrier. It is thick and well covered, to serveas a rudder. COAT--The coat is wiry, hard, long and close at theroots, impervious to water. COLOUR--Grey, or buff, or yellowish, orblack, or rufus red, mixed with black or grey. HEIGHT--22 to 24inches. 

CHAPTER XV

THE IRISH WOLFHOUND

It is now some thirty years since an important controversy was carriedon in the columns of _The Live Stock Journal_ on the nature andhistory of the great Irish Wolfhound. The chief disputants in thediscussion were Captain G. A. Graham, of Dursley, Mr. G. W. Hickman, Mr. F. Adcock, and the Rev. M. B. Wynn, and the main point as issuewas whether the dog then imperfectly known as the Irish Wolfdog wasa true descendant of the ancient _Canis graius Hibernicus_, or whetherit was a mere manufactured mongrel, owing its origin to an admixtureof the Great Dane and the dog of the Pyrenees, modified and broughtto type by a cross with the Highland Deerhound. It was notdoubted--indeed, history and tradition clearly attested--that therehad existed in early times in Ireland a very large and rugged houndof Greyhound form, whose vocation it was to hunt the wolf, the reddeer, and the fox. It was assuredly known to the Romans, and therecan be little doubt that the huge dog Samr, which Jarl Gunnar gotfrom the Irish king Myrkiarton in the tenth century and took backwith him to Norway, was one of this breed. But it was supposed bymany to have become extinct soon after the disappearance of the lastwolf in Ireland, and it was the endeavour of Captain Graham todemonstrate that specimens, although admittedly degenerate, werestill to be found, and that they were capable of being restored toa semblance of the original type. 

At the time when he entered into the controversy, Captain Graham hadbeen actively interesting himself for something like a score of yearsin the resuscitation of the breed, and his patience had been wellrewarded. By the year 1881 the Irish Wolfhound had been practicallyrestored, although it has taken close upon a quarter of a centuryto produce the magnificent champions Cotswold and Cotswold Patricia, those brilliant examples of the modern breed--a brace of Wolfhoundswho bear testimony to the vast amount of energy and perseverance whichCaptain Graham and his enthusiastic colleague Major Garnier displayedin evolving from rough material the majestic breed that holds soprominent a position to-day. 

There is little to be gathered from ancient writings concerning thesize and appearance of the Irish Wolfhounds in early times. Exaggerated figures are given as to height and weight; but allauthorities agree that they were impressively large and imposing dogs, and that they were regarded as the giants of the canine race. 

It seems extraordinary that so little should have been accuratelyknown and recorded of a dog which at one time must have been afamiliar figure in the halls of the Irish kings. It was no meremythical animal like the heraldic griffin, but an actual sportingdog which was accepted as a national emblem of the Emerald Isle, associated with the harp and the shamrock. 

As regards the origin of the Irish Wolfhound, more than one theoryis advanced. By some authorities it is suggested that it was the dogwhich we now know as the Great Dane. Others hold that as there wererough-coated Greyhounds in Ireland, it is this dog, under anothername, which is now accepted. But probably the late Captain Grahamwas nearer the truth when he gave the opinion that the Irish houndthat was kept to hunt wolves has never become extinct at all, butis now represented in the Scottish Deerhound, only altered a littlein size and strength to suit the easier work required of it--thatof hunting the deer. This is the more probable, as the fact remainsthat the chief factor in the resuscitation of the Irish Wolfhoundhas been the Scottish Deerhound. 

The result of Captain Graham's investigations when seeking for animalsbearing some relationship to the original Irish "Wolfe Dogge" wasthat three strains were to be found in Ireland, but none of therepresentatives at that time was anything like so large as thosementioned in early writings, and they all appeared to havedeteriorated in bone and substance. Sir J. Power, of Kilfane, wasresponsible for one line, Mr. Baker, of Ballytobin, for another, andMr. Mahoney, of Dromore, for the remaining strain. From bitchesobtained from two of these kennels, Captain Graham, by crossing themwith the Great Dane and Scottish Deerhound, achieved the first steptowards producing the animal that he desired. Later on the RussianWolfhound, better known as the Borzoi, an exceedingly large hound, was introduced, as also were one or two other large breeds of dogs. 

The intermixture of these canine giants, however, was not at firstvery satisfactory, as although plenty of bone was obtained, many weremost ungainly in appearance and ill-shaped animals that had verylittle about them to attract attention. Captain Graham, however, stuckto his work, and very soon the specimens that he brought forward beganto show a fixity of type both in head and in general outline. Brianwas one of his best dogs, but he was not very large, as he only stoodjust over thirty inches at the shoulder. Banshee and Fintragh wereothers, but probably the best of Captain Graham's kennel was the bitchSheelah. It was not, however, until towards the end of the lastcentury that the most perfect dogs were bred. These included O'Leary, the property of Mr. Crisp, of Playford Hall. O'Leary is responsiblefor many of the best dogs of the present day, and was the sire of Mrs. Percy Shewell's Ch. Cotswold, who is undoubtedly the grandest IrishWolfhound ever bred. In height Cotswold stands 34-1/2 inches and istherefore perhaps the largest dog of any breed now alive. 

In 1900 Mr. Crisp bred Kilcullen from O'Leary, this dog winning thechampionship at the Kennel Club Show at the Crystal Palace in 1902under Captain Graham. This was the year the Irish Wolfhound Clubpresented the hound Rajah of Kidnal as a regimental pet to the newlyformed Irish Guards. 

Rajah of Kidnal, who was bred and exhibited by Mrs. A. Gerard, ofMalpas, was the selection of Captain Graham and two other judges. This dog, which has been renamed Brian Boru, is still hearty and well, and was at his post on St. Patrick's Day, 1909, when the shamrockthat had been sent by Her Majesty Queen Alexandra was handed to themen. 

Mrs. Gerard owned one of the largest kennels of Irish Wolfhounds inEngland, and amongst her many good dogs and bitches was Cheevra, whowas a wonderful brood bitch, and included amongst her stock wereseveral that worked their way up to championship honours; she wasthe dam of Rajah of Kidnal. 

Besides Ballyhooley, Mr. W. Williams owned a good dog in Finn by BrianII. Finn produced Miss Packe's Wickham Lavengro, a black and tan dogthat has won several prizes. Some judges are opposed to giving prizesto Irish Wolfhounds of this colour, but Captain Graham did not objectto it. Finn was a very heavy dog, and weighed 148 lbs. 

A hound that has been of great benefit to the breed in Ireland isCh. Marquis of Donegal, the property of Mr. Martin. 

Amongst the bitches that have been instrumental in building up thebreed to its present high state of excellence is Princess Patriciaof Connaught who is by Dermot Astore out of Cheevra, and is the damof Ch. Cotswold Patricia. She is one of the tallest of her race, herheight being 33 inches; another bitch that measures the same numberof inches at the shoulder being Dr. Pitts-Tucker's Juno of the Fen, a daughter of Ch. Wargrave. 

Mr. Everett, of Felixstowe, is now one of the most successfulbreeders. He exhibited at the 1908 Kennel Club show a most promisingyoung dog in Felixstowe Kilronan, with which he was second to Mrs. Shewell's Ch. Cotswold, of whom he is now kennel companion. At thesame show Miss Clifford, of Ryde, exhibited a good hound in Wildcroft, another of Dermot Astore's sons, and other supporters of the breedare Lady Kathleen Pilkington, Mr. T. Hamilton Adams, Mr. G. H. Thurston, Mr. Bailey, Mrs. F. Marshall, Mr. J. L. T. Dobbin, and MissEthel McCheane. 

The following is the description of the variety as drawn up by theClub:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE--The Irish Wolfhound should not be quite so heavyor massive as the Great Dane, but more so than the Deerhound, whichin general type he should otherwise resemble. Of great size andcommanding appearance, very muscular, strongly though gracefullybuilt; movements easy and active; head and neck carried high; thetail carried with an upward sweep, with a slight curve towards theextremity. The minimum height and weight of dogs should be 31 inchesand 120 pounds, of bitches 28 inches and 90 pounds. Anything belowthis should be debarred from competition. Great size, including heightat shoulder and proportionate length of body, is the desideratum tobe aimed at, and it is desired firmly to establish a race that shallaverage from 32 inches to 34 inches in dogs, showing the requisitepower, activity, courage, and symmetry. HEAD--Long, the frontal bonesof the forehead very slightly raised and very little indentationbetween the eyes. Skull not too broad; muzzle long and moderatelypointed; ears small and Greyhound-like in carriage. NECK--Rather long, very strong and muscular, well arched, without dewlap and loose skinabout the throat. CHEST--Very deep, breast wide. BACK--Rather longthan short. Loins arched. TAIL--Long and slightly curved, of moderatethickness, and well covered with hair. BELLY--Well drawn up. FORE-QUARTERS--Shoulders muscular, giving breadth of chest, setsloping, elbows well under, neither turned inwards nor outwards. Leg--Forearm muscular and the whole leg strong and quite straight. HIND-QUARTERS--Muscular thighs, and second thigh long and strong asin the Greyhound, and hocks well let down and turning neither in norout. FEET--Moderately large and round, neither turned inwards noroutwards; toes well arched and closed, nails very strong and curved. HAIR--Rough and hard on body, legs, and head; especially wiry andlong over eyes and under jaw. COLOUR AND MARKINGS--The recognisedcolours are grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, fawn, or any colourthat appears in the Deerhound. FAULTS--Too light or heavy in head, too highly arched frontal bone, large ears and hanging flat to theface; short neck; full dewlap; too narrow or too broad a chest; sunkenand hollow or quite level back; bent fore-legs; over-bent fetlocks;twisted feet; spreading toes; too curly a tail; weak hind-quarters, cow hocks, and a general want of muscle; too short in body. 

CHAPTER XVI

THE DEERHOUND

The Deerhound is one of the most decorative of dogs, impressivelystately and picturesque wherever he is seen, whether it be amid thesurroundings of the baronial hall, reclining at luxurious lengthbefore the open hearth in the fitful light of the log fire thatflickers on polished armour and tarnished tapestry; out in the open, straining at the leash as he scents the dewy air, or gracefullybounding over the purple of his native hills. Grace and majesty arein his every movement and attitude, and even to the most prosaic mindthere is about him the inseparable glamour of feudal romance andpoetry. He is at his best alert in the excitement of the chase; butall too rare now is the inspiring sight that once was common amongthe mountains of Morven and the glens of Argyll of the deep-voicedhound speeding in pursuit of his antlered prey, racing him at fullstretch along the mountain's ridge, or baying him at last in thefastness of darksome corrie or deep ravine. Gone are the good romanticdays of stalking beloved by Scrope. The Highlands have lost theirloneliness, and the inventions of the modern gunsmith have robbedone of the grandest of hunting dogs of his glory, relegating him tothe life of a pedestrian pet, whose highest dignity is the winningof a pecuniary prize under Kennel Club rules. 

Historians of the Deerhound associate him with the original IrishWolfdog, of whom he is obviously a close relative, and it is surethat when the wolf still lingered in the land it was the frequentquarry of the Highland as of the Hibernian hound. Legend has it thatPrince Ossian, son of Fingal, King of Morven, hunted the wolf withthe grey, long-bounding dogs. "Swift-footed Luath" and "White-breastedBran" are among the names of Ossian's hounds. I am disposed to affirmthat the old Irish Wolfhound and the Highland Deerhound are not onlyintimately allied in form and nature, but that they are two strainsof an identical breed, altered only in size by circumstance andenvironment. 

Whatever the source of the Highland Deerhound, and at whatever periodit became distinct from its now larger Irish relative, it wasrecognised as a native dog in Scotland in very early times, and itwas distinguished as being superior in strength and beauty to thehounds of the Picts. 

From remote days the Scottish nobles cherished their strains ofDeerhound, seeking glorious sport in the Highland forests. The reddeer belonged by inexorable law to the kings of Scotland, and greatdrives, which often lasted for several days, were made to round upthe herds into given neighbourhoods for the pleasure of the court, as in the reign of Queen Mary. But the organised coursing of deerby courtiers ceased during the Stuart troubles, and was left in thehands of retainers, who thus replenished their chief's larder. 

The revival of deerstalking dates back hardly further than a hundredyears. It reached its greatest popularity in the Highlands at thetime when the late Queen and Prince Albert were in residence atBalmoral. Solomon, Hector, and Bran were among the Balmoral hounds. Bran was an especially fine animal--one of the best of his time, standing over thirty inches in height. 

Two historic feats of strength and endurance illustrate the tenacityof the Deerhound at work. A brace of half-bred dogs, named Percy andDouglas, the property of Mr. Scrope, kept a stag at bay from Saturdaynight to Monday morning; and the pure bred Bran by himself pulleddown two unwounded stags, one carrying ten and the other eleven tines. These, of course, are record performances, but they demonstrate thepossibilities of the Deerhound when trained to his natural sport. 

[Illustration: MRS. ARMSTRONG'S DEERHOUND CH. TALISMAN]

Driving was commonly resorted to in the extensive forests, butnowadays when forests are sub-divided into limited shootings the deerare seldom moved from their home preserves, whilst with the use ofimproved telescopes and the small-bore rifle, stalking has gone outof fashion. With guns having a muzzle velocity of 2, 500 feet persecond, it is no longer necessary for sportsmen stealthily to stalktheir game to come within easy range, and as for hounds, they havebecome a doubtful appendage to the chase. 

Primarily and essentially the Deerhound belongs to the order_Agaseus_, hunting by sight and not by scent, and although he mayindeed occasionally put his nose to the ground, yet his powers ofscent are not remarkable. His vocation, therefore, has undergone achange, and it was recently ascertained that of sixty deer foreststhere were only six upon which Deerhounds were kept for sportingpurposes. 

Happily the Deerhound has suffered no decline in the favour bestowedupon him for his own sake. The contrary is rather the case, and heis still an aristocrat among dogs, valued for his good looks, thesymmetry of his form, his grace and elegance, and even more so forhis faithful and affectionate nature. Sir Walter Scott declared thathe was "a most perfect creature of heaven, " and when one sees himrepresented in so beautiful a specimen of his noble race as St. Ronan's Rhyme, for example, or Talisman, or Ayrshire, one is temptedto echo this high praise. 

Seven-and-twenty years ago Captain Graham drew up a list of the mostnotable dogs of the last century. Among these were Sir St. GeorgeGore's Gruim (1843-44), Black Bran (1850-51); the Marquis ofBreadalbane's King of the Forest, said to stand 33 inches high; Mr. Beaseley's Alder (1863-67), bred by Sir John McNeill of Colonsay;Mr. Donald Cameron's Torrum (1869), and his two sons Monzie and YoungTorrum; and Mr. Dadley's Hector, who was probably the best-bred dogliving in the early eighties. Torrum, however, appears to have beenthe most successful of these dogs at stud. He was an exceedingly grandspecimen of his race, strong framed, with plenty of hair of a bluebrindle colour. Captain Graham's own dog Keildar, who had been trainedfor deerstalking in Windsor Park, was perhaps one of the most elegantand aristocratic-looking Deerhounds ever seen. His full height was30 inches, girth 33-1/2 inches, and weight, 95 lbs. , his colour bluishfawn, slightly brindled, the muzzle and ears being blue. His nearestcompetitor for perfection was, after Hector, probably Mr. HoodWright's Bevis, a darkish red brown brindle of about 29 inches. Mr. Wright was the breeder of Champion Selwood Morven, who was thecelebrity of his race about 1897, and who became the property of Mr. Harry Rawson. This stately dog was a dark heather brindle, standing32-3/8 inches at the shoulder, with a chest girth of 34-1/2 inches. 

A few years ago breeders were inclined to mar the beauty of theDeerhound by a too anxious endeavour to obtain great size rather thanto preserve the genuine type; but this error has been sufficientlycorrected, with the result that symmetry and elegance conjoined withthe desired attributes of speed are not sacrificed. The qualitiesaimed at now are a height of something less than 30 inches, and aweight not greater than 105 lbs. , with straight fore-legs and short, cat-like feet, a deep chest, with broad, powerful loins, slightlyarched, and strength of hind-quarters, with well-bent stifles, andthe hocks well let down. Straight stifles are objectionable, givinga stilty appearance. Thick shoulders are equally a blemish to beavoided, as also a too great heaviness of bone. The following is theaccepted standard of merit. 

 * * * * *

HEAD--The head should be broadest at the ears, tapering slightly tothe eyes, with the muzzle tapering more decidedly to the nose. Themuzzle should be pointed, but the teeth and lips level. The headshould be long, the skull flat rather than round, with a very slightrise over the eyes, but with nothing approaching a stop. The skullshould be coated with moderately long hair which is softer than therest of the coat. The nose should be black (though in some blue-fawnsthe colour is blue) and slightly aquiline. In the lighter-coloureddogs a black muzzle is preferred. There should be a good moustacheof rather silky hair, and a fair beard. EARS--The ears should be seton high, and, in repose, folded back like the Greyhound's, thoughraised above the head in excitement without losing the fold, and even, in some cases, semi-erect. A prick ear is bad. A big, thick ear, hanging flat to the head, or heavily coated with long hair, is theworst of faults. The ear should be soft, glossy, and like a mouse'scoat to the touch, and the smaller it is the better. It should haveno long coat or long fringe, but there is often a silky, silvery coaton the body of the ear and the tip. Whatever the general colour, theears should be black or dark-coloured. NECK AND SHOULDERS--The neckshould be long--that is, of the length that befits the Greyhoundcharacter of the dog. An over-long neck is not necessary, nordesirable, for the dog is not required to stoop in his work like aGreyhound, and it must be remembered that the mane, which every goodspecimen should have, detracts from the apparent length of neck. Moreover, a Deerhound requires a very strong neck to hold a stag. The nape of the neck should be very prominent where the head is seton, and the throat should be clean-cut at the angle and prominent. The shoulders should be well sloped, the blades well back, with nottoo much width between them. Loaded and straight shoulders are verybad faults. STERN--Stern should be tolerably long, tapering, andreaching to within 1-1/2 inches of the ground, and about 1-1/2 inchesbelow the hocks. When the dog is still, dropped perfectly straightdown, or curved. When in motion it should be curved when excited, in no case to be lifted out of the line of the back. It should bewell covered with hair, on the inside thick and wiry, undersidelonger, and towards the end a slight fringe is not objectionable. A curl or ring tail is very undesirable. EYES--The eyes should bedark: generally they are dark brown or hazel. A very light eye isnot liked. The eye is moderately full with a soft look in repose, but a keen, far-away gaze when the dog is roused. The rims of theeyelids should be black. BODY--The body and general formation is thatof a Greyhound of larger size and bone. Chest deep rather than broad, but not too narrow and flat-sided. The loin well arched and droopingto the tail. A straight back is not desirable, this formation beingunsuitable for going uphill, and very unsightly. LEGS AND FEET--Thelegs should be broad and flat, a good broad forearm and elbow beingdesirable. Fore-legs, of course, as straight as possible. Feet closeand compact, with well-arched toes. The hind-quarters drooping, andas broad and powerful as possible, the hips being set wide apart. The hind-legs should be well bent at the stifle, with great lengthfrom the hip to the hock, which should be broad and flat. Cow hocks, weak pasterns, straight stifles, and splay feet are very bad faults. COAT--The hair on the body, neck, and quarters should be harsh andwiry, and about 3 inches or 4 inches long; that on the head, breast, and belly is much softer. There should be a slight hairy fringe onthe inside of the fore and hind-legs, but nothing approaching to thefeathering of a Collie. The Deerhound should be a shaggy dog, butnot over coated. A woolly coat is bad. Some good strains have a slightmixture of silky coat with the hard, which is preferable to a woollycoat, but the proper covering is a thick, close-lying, ragged coat, harsh or crisp to the touch. COLOUR--Colour is much a matter of fancy. But there is no manner of doubt that the dark blue-grey is the mostpreferred. Next come the darker and lighter greys or brindles, thedarkest being generally preferred. Yellow and sandy-red or red-fawn, especially with black points--_i. E. _, ears and muzzle--are also inequal estimation, this being the colour of the oldest known strains, the McNeil and the Chesthill Menzies. White is condemned by all theold authorities, but a white chest and white toes, occurring as theydo in a great many of the darkest-coloured dogs, are not so greatlyobjected to, but the less the better, as the Deerhound is aself-coloured dog. A white blaze on the head or a white collar shouldentirely disqualify. In other cases, though passable, an attemptshould be made to get rid of white markings. The less white thebetter, but a slight white tip to the stern occurs in the beststrains. HEIGHT OF DOGS--From 28 inches to 30 inches, or even moreif there be symmetry without coarseness, which, however, is rare. HEIGHT OF BITCHES--From 26 inches upwards. There can be no objectionto a bitch being large, unless she is too coarse, as even at hergreatest height she does not approach that of the dog, and, therefore, could not well be too big for work, as over-big dogs are. Besides, a big bitch is good for breeding and keeping up the size. WEIGHT--From85 pounds to 105 pounds in dogs; from 65 pounds to 80 pounds inbitches. 

 * * * * *

Among the more prominent owners of Deerhounds at the present timeare Mrs. H. Armstrong, Mrs. W. C. Grew, Mrs. Janvrin Dickson, MissA. Doxford, Mr. Harry Rawson, and Mr. H. McLauchin. Mrs. Armstrongis the breeder of two beautiful dog hounds in Talisman and Laird ofAbbotsford, and of two typically good bitches in Fair Maid of Perthand Bride of Lammermoor. Mrs. Grew owns many admirable specimens, among them being Blair Athol, Ayrshire, Kenilworth, and Ferraline. Her Ayrshire is considered by some judges to be the most perfectDeerhound exhibited for some time past. He is somewhat large, perhaps, but he is throughout a hound of excellent quality and character, having a most typical head, with lovely eyes and expression, perfectfront, feet and hind-quarters. Other judges would give the palm toMr. Harry Rawson's St. Ronan's Ranger, who is certainly difficultto excel in all the characteristics most desirable in the breed. 

CHAPTER XVII

THE BORZOI OR RUSSIAN WOLFHOUND

Of the many foreign varieties of the dog that have been introducedinto this country within recent years, there is not one among thelarger breeds that has made greater headway in the public favour thanthe Borzoi, or Russian Wolfhound. Nor is this to be wondered at. Themost graceful and elegant of all breeds, combining symmetry withstrength, the wearer of a lovely silky coat that a toy dog might envy, the length of head, possessed by no other breed--all go to make theBorzoi the favourite he has become. 

He is essentially what our American cousins would call a "spectacular"dog. Given, for example, the best team of terriers and a fifth-rateteam of Borzois, which attracts the more attention and admirationfrom the man in the street? Which does he turn again to look at? Notthe terriers! Add to this that the Borzoi makes a capital house dog, is, as a rule, affectionate and a good companion, it is not to bewondered at that he has attained the dignified position in the canineworld which he now holds. 

In his native country the Borzoi is employed, as his English nameimplies, in hunting the wolf and also smaller game, including foxesand hares. 

Several methods of hunting the larger game are adopted, one form beingas follows. Wolves being reported to be present in the neighbourhood, the hunters set out on horseback, each holding in his left hand aleash of three Borzois, as nearly matched as possible in size, speed, and colour. Arrived at the scene of action, the chief huntsmanstations the hunters at separate points every hundred yards or soround the wood. A pack of hounds is sent in to draw the quarry, andon the wolves breaking cover the nearest hunter slips his dogs. Theseendeavour to seize their prey by the neck, where they hold him untilthe hunter arrives, throws himself from his horse, and with his knifeputs an end to the fray. 

Another method is to advance across the open country at intervalsof about two hundred yards, slipping the dogs at any game they mayput up. 

Trials are also held in Russia. These take place in a large railedenclosure, the wolves being brought in carts similar to our deercarts. In this case a brace of dogs is loosed on the wolf. The wholemerit of the course is when the hounds can overtake the wolf and pinhim to the ground, so that the keepers can secure him alive. Itfollows, therefore, that in this case also the hounds must be of equalspeed, so that they reach the wolf simultaneously; one dog would, ofcourse, be unable to hold him. 

Naturally, the dogs have to be trained to the work, for which purposethe best wolves are taken alive and sent to the kennels, where theyoung dogs are taught to pin him in such a manner that he cannot turnand use his teeth. There seems to be no reason why the Borzoi shouldnot be used for coursing in this country. 

One of the first examples of the breed exhibited in England was ownedby Messrs. Hill and Ashton, of Sheffield, about 1880, at which timegood specimens were imported by the Rev. J. C. Macdona and Lady EmilyPeel, whose Sandringham and Czar excited general admiration. It wasthen known as the Siberian Wolfhound. Some years later the Duchessof Newcastle obtained several fine dogs, and from this stock Her Gracefounded the kennel which has since become so famous. Later still, Queen Alexandra received from the Czar a gift of a leash of thesestately hounds, one of them being Alex, who quickly achieved honoursas a champion. 

The breed has become as fashionable in the United States as in GreatBritain, and some excellent specimens are to be seen at the annualshows at Madison Square Gardens. 

To take the points of the breed in detail, the description of theperfect Borzoi is as follows:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--This should be long, lean, and well balanced, and the length, from the tip of the nose to the eyes, must be the same as from theeyes to the occiput. A dog may have a long head, but the length maybe all in front of the eyes. The heads of this breed have greatlyimproved the last few years; fewer "apple-headed" specimens, and moreof the desired triangular heads being seen. The skull should be flatand narrow, the stop not perceptible, the muzzle long and tapering. Too much stress cannot be laid on the importance of the head beingwell filled up before the eyes. The head, from forehead to nose, should be so fine that the direction of the bones and principal veinscan be seen clearly, and in profile should appear rather Roman nosed. Bitches should be even narrower in head than dogs. THE EYES shouldbe dark, expressive, almond shaped, and not too far apart. THE EARSlike those of a Greyhound, small, thin, and placed well back on thehead, with the tips, when thrown back, almost touching behind theocciput. It is not a fault if the dog can raise his ears erect whenexcited or looking after game, although some English judges dislikethis frequent characteristic. The head should be carried somewhatlow, with the neck continuing the line of the back. SHOULDERS--Cleanand sloping well back, _i. E. _, the shoulder blades should almost touchone another. CHEST--Deep and somewhat narrow. It must be capacious, but the capacity must be got from depth, and not from "barrel" ribs--abad fault in a running hound. BACK--Rather bony, and free from anycavity in the spinal column, the arch in the back being more markedin the dog than in the bitch. LOINS--Broad and very powerful, showingplenty of muscular development. THIGHS--Long and well developed, withgood second thigh. The muscle in the Borzoi is longer than in theGreyhound. RIBS--Slightly sprung, very deep, reaching to the elbow. FORE-LEGS--Lean and straight. Seen from the front they should benarrow and from the side broad at the shoulder and narrowing graduallydown to the foot, the bone appearing flat and not round as in theFoxhound. HIND-LEGS--The least thing under the body when standingstill, not straight, and the stifle slightly bent. They should, ofcourse, be straight as regards each other, and not "cow-hocked, " butstraight hind-legs imply a want of speed. FEET--Like those of theDeerhound, rather long. The toes close together and well arched. COAT--Long, silky, not woolly; either flat, wavy, or curly. On thehead, ears and front-legs it should be short and smooth; on the neckthe frill should be profuse and rather curly; on the chest and therest of the body, the tail and hind-quarters, it should be long; thefore-legs being well feathered. TAIL--Long, well feathered, and notgaily carried. It should be carried well down, almost touching theground. HEIGHT--Dogs from 29 inches upwards at shoulder, bitches from27 inches upwards. (Originally 27 inches and 26 inches. Altered ata general meeting of the Borzoi Club, held February, 1906. )FAULTS--Head short and thick; too much stop; parti-coloured nose;eyes too wide apart; heavy ears; heavy shoulders; wide chest; "barrel"ribbed; dew-claws; elbows turned out; wide behind. Also light eyesand over or undershot jaws. COLOUR--The Club standard makes no mentionof colour. White, of course, should predominate; fawn, lemon, orange, brindle, blue, slate and black markings are met with. Too much ofthe latter, or black and tan markings, are disliked. Whole coloureddogs are also seen. 

 * * * * *

The foregoing description embodies the standard of points as laiddown and adopted by the Borzoi Club, interpolated with some remarksfor the further guidance of the novice. 

The Borzoi Club was founded in 1892, and now consists of about fiftymembers, with the Duke and Duchess of Newcastle as joint-presidents. It does much good work for the breed, guaranteeing classes at shows, where otherwise few or none would be given, encouraging the breedingof high-class Borzois by offering its valuable challenge cups andother special prizes, and generally looking after the interests ofthe breed. 

Although the Club standard of height has been raised from 27 and 26inches to 29 and 27 inches for dogs and bitches respectively, it mustbe borne in mind that the best dogs of to-day far exceed thesemeasurements, and, unless _exceptionally_ good in other points, adog of 29 inches at shoulder would stand little or no chance in theshowing under the majority of English judges; indeed, bitches of 29to 30 inches are by no means uncommon. 

Not many of us can afford to start at the top of the tree, and, exceptfor the favoured few to whom money is no object, and who can buyready-made champions, there is no better way of starting a kennelthan to purchase a really good bitch, one, say, capable of winningat all but the more important shows. She must be of good pedigree, strong, and healthy; such an one ought to be obtained for P15 upwards. Mate her to the best dog whose blood "nicks" suitably with hers, butdo not waste time and money breeding from fourth-rate stud dogs, forif you do it is certain you will only meet with disappointment. Onthe other hand, if you have had little or no experience of dogs, youmay possibly prefer to start with a puppy. If so, place yourself inthe hands of a breeder with a reputation at stake (unless you havea friend who understands the breed). It is a fact that even a "castoff" from a good strain that has been bred for certain points foryears is more likely to turn out a better dog than a pup whose damhas been mated "haphazard" to some dog who may or may not have beena good one. Big kennels also generally possess the best bitches andbreed from them, and the bitch is quite as important a factor as thesire. If, however, you prefer to rely on your own judgment, and wishto choose a puppy yourself from a litter, select the one with thelongest head, biggest bone, smallest ears, and longest tail, or asmany of these qualities as you can find combined in one individual. Coat is a secondary matter in quite a young pup; here one should beguided by the coat of the sire and dam. Still, choose a pup with aheavy coat, if possible, although when this puppy coat is cast, thedog may not grow so good as one as some of the litter who in earlylife were smoother. 

As regards size, a Borzoi pup of three months should measure about19 inches at the shoulder, at six months about 25 inches, and at ninemonths from 27 to 29 inches. After ten or twelve months, growth isvery slow, although some continue adding to their height until theyare a year and a half old. They will, of course, increase in girthof chest and develop muscle until two years old; a Borzoi may beconsidered in its prime at from three to four years of age. As regardsprice, from P5 to P10 is not too much to pay for a really good pupof about eight to ten weeks old; if you pay less you will probablyget only a second-rate one. Having purchased your puppy, there arethree principal items to be considered if you intend to rear him well;firstly, his diet must be varied; secondly, the pup must haveunlimited exercise, and never be kept on the chain; thirdly, internalparasites must be kept in check. For young puppies "Ruby" Worm Cureis most efficacious, and does not distress the patient. 

Food should be given at regular intervals--not less frequently thanfive times a day to newly weaned puppies--and may consist of porridge, bread and milk, raw meat minced fine, and any table scraps, withplenty of new milk. Well-boiled paunch is also greatly appreciated, and, being easily digested, may be given freely. 

One important part of the puppy's education that must by no meansbe neglected is to accustom him to go on the collar and lead. Borzoipups are, as a rule extremely nervous, and it requires great patiencein some cases to train them to the lead. Short lessons should be givenwhen about four months old. If you can induce the puppy to think itis a new game, well and good--he will take to it naturally; but oncehe looks upon it as something to be dreaded, it means hours of patientwork to break him in. 

If you decide on commencing with a brood bitch, see that she is dosedfor worms before visiting the dog; that she is in good hardcondition--not fat, however; and, if possible, accompany her yourselfand see her mated. For the first week rather less than her usualquantity of food should be given; afterwards feed as her appetitedictates, but do not let her get too fat, or she may have a bad timewhen whelping. For two days before the puppies are due give sloppybut nourishing diet, and this should be continued, given slightlywarm, for four or five days after the pups are born. Borzois as arule make excellent mothers, but to rear them well they should notbe allowed to suckle more than five--or, if a strong, big bitch, six--pups. If the litter is larger, it is better to destroy theremainder, or use a foster mother. 

[Illustration: MRS. AITCHESON'S BORZOI CH. STRAWBERRY KING]

Whatever they may be in their native land--and the first importedspecimens were perhaps rather uncertain in temper--the Borzoi, aswe know him in this country, is affectionate, devoted to his owner, friendly with his kennel companions and makes a capital house dog. As a lady's companion he is hard to beat; indeed, a glance at anyshow catalogue will prove that the majority of Borzois are owned bythe gentle sex. No one need be deterred from keeping a Borzoi by aremark the writer has heard hundreds of times at shows: "Those dogsare _so_ delicate. " This is not the case. Once over distempertroubles--and the breed certainly does suffer badly if it contractsthe disease--the Borzoi is as hardy as most breeds, if not hardier. Given a good dry kennel and plenty of straw, no weather is too coldfor them. Damp, of course, must be avoided, but this applies equallyto other breeds. 

The adult hound, like the puppy, should never be kept on chain; akennel with a railed-in run should be provided, or a loose box makesa capital place for those kept out of doors, otherwise no differenttreatment is required from that of other large breeds. 

CHAPTER XVIII

THE GREYHOUND

The Greyhound is the oldest and most conservative of all dogs, andhis type has altered singularly little during the seven thousand yearsin which he is known to have been cherished for his speed, and keptby men for running down the gazelle or coursing the hare. The earliestreferences to him are far back in the primitive ages, long beforehe was beautifully depicted by Assyrian artists, straining at theleash or racing after his prey across the desert sands. The Egyptiansloved him and appreciated him centuries before the pyramids werebuilt. In those days he wore a feathered tail, and his ears were heavywith a silken fringe of hair. His type was that of the modern ArabianSlughi, who is the direct and unaltered descendant of the ancienthound. The glorious King Solomon referred to him (Proverbs xxx. 31)as being one of the four things which "go well and are comely ingoing--a lion, which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not awayfrom any; a Greyhound; an he goat also; and a king against whom thereis no rising up. "

That the Greyhound is "comely in going, " as well as in repose, wasrecognised very early by the Greeks, whose artists were fond ofintroducing this graceful animal as an ornament in their decorativeworkmanship. In their metal work, their carvings in ivory and stone, and more particularly as parts in the designs on their terra-cottaoil bottles, wine coolers, and other vases, the Greyhound isfrequently to be seen, sometimes following the hare, and always inremarkably characteristic attitudes. Usually these Greek Greyhoundsare represented with prick ears, but occasionally the true rose earis shown. 

All writings in connection with Greyhounds point to the highestimation in which the dog has always been held. Dr. Caius, whenreferring to the name, says "The Greyhound hath his name of this wordgre; which word soundeth gradus in Latin, in Englishe degree, becauseamong all dogges these are the most principall, occupying the chiefestplace, and being simply and absolutely the best of the gentle kindeof Houndes. "

It was not until the reign of Queen Elizabeth that coursing in Englandwas conducted under established rules. These were drawn up by the thenDuke of Norfolk. The sport quickly grew in favour, and continued toincrease in popularity until the first coursing club was establishedat Swaffham in 1776. Then in 1780 the Ashdown Park Meeting came intoexistence. The Newmarket Meeting in 1805 was the next fixture thatwas inaugurated, and this now remains with the champion stakes asits most important event. Afterwards came the Amesbury Meeting in1822, but Amesbury, like Ashdown, although for many years one of themost celebrated institutions of the description, has fallen from itshigh estate. Three years later came the Altcar Club. But it was notuntil eleven years after this period that the Waterloo Cup wasinstituted (in 1836), to win which is the highest ambition offollowers of the leash. 

At the present time the run for the Waterloo Cup, which at thecommencement was an eight dog stake, is composed of sixty-fournominations, the entry fee for which is P25. The winner takes P500, and the cup, value P100, presented by the Earl of Sefton, the runnerup P200, the third and fourth P50 each, four dogs P36 each, eightdogs P20 each, and sixteen dogs P10 each. The thirty-two dogs beatenin the first round of the Cup compete for the Waterloo Purse, valueP215, and the sixteen dogs run out in the second round for theWaterloo Plate, value P145. The winner in each case taking P75, andthe runner up P30, the remainder being divided amongst the mostforward runners in the respective stakes. The Waterloo Cup holds thesame position in coursing circles as the Derby does in horse racing. 

The National Coursing Club was established in 1858, when a stud bookwas commenced, and a code of laws drawn up for the regulation ofcoursing meetings. This is recognised in Australia and other partsof the world where coursing meetings are held. The Stud Book, of whichMr. W. F. Lamonby is the keeper, contains particulars of all thebest-known Greyhounds in the United Kingdom, and a dog is not allowedto compete at any of the large meetings held under Coursing Club rulesunless it has been duly entered with its pedigree complete. In fact, the National Coursing Club is more particular in connection with thepedigrees of Greyhounds being correctly given, than the Kennel Clubis about dogs that are exhibited; and that is saying a great deal. It holds the same position in coursing matters as the Jockey Clubdoes in racing. It is in fact, the supreme authority on all mattersconnected with coursing. 

Various opinions have been advanced as to the best size and weightfor a Greyhound. Like horses, Greyhounds run in all forms, and thereis no doubt that a really good big one will always have an advantageover the little ones; but it is so difficult to find the former, andmost of the chief winners of the Waterloo Cup have been comparativelysmall. Coomassie was the smallest Greyhound that ever won the blueribbon of the leash; she drew the scale at 42 lbs. , and was creditedwith the win of the Cup on two occasions. Bab at the Bowster, whois considered by many good judges to have been the best bitch thatever ran, was 2 lbs. More; she won the Cup once, and many otherstakes, as she was run all over the country and was not kept for thebig event. Master McGrath was a small dog, and only weighed 53 lbs. , but he won the Waterloo Cup three times. Fullerton, who was a muchbigger dog, and was four times declared the winner of the Cup, was56 lbs. In weight. 

There are very few Greyhounds that have won the Waterloo Cup morethan once, but Cerito was credited with it three times, namely, in1850, 1852, and 1853, when it was a thirty-two dog stake. Canaradzo, Bit of Fashion, Miss Glendine, Herschel, Thoughtless Beauty, andFabulous Fortune, are probably some of the best Greyhounds that everran besides those already alluded to. Bit of Fashion was the dam ofFullerton, who shares with Master McGrath the reputation of beingthe two best Greyhounds that ever ran. But Master McGrath came first. During his remarkable career in public he won thirty-six courses outof thirty-seven, the only time that he was defeated being the 1870at his third attempt to win the Waterloo Cup, and the flag went upin favour of Mr. Trevor's Lady Lyons. He, however, retrieved his goodfortune the following year, when he again ran through the stake. 

Fullerton, who, when he won all his honours, was the property ofColonel North, was bred by Mr. James Dent in Northumberland. ColonelNorth gave 850 guineas for him, which was then stated to be thehighest price ever paid for a Greyhound. He ran five times altogetherfor the Waterloo Cup, and was declared the winner on four occasions. The first time was in 1889, when he divided with his kennel companionTroughend. Then he won the Cup outright the three following years. In 1893, however, after having been put to the stud, at which heproved a failure, he was again trained for the Cup, but age had begunto tell its tale, and after winning one course he was beaten by Mr. Keating's Full Captain, in the second. This was one of the twooccasions upon which out of thirty-three courses he failed to raisethe flag. On the other he was beaten by Mr. Gladstone's Greengage, when running the deciding course at Haydock Park. 

It appears like descending from the sublime to the ridiculous tomention the Greyhound as a show dog, after the many brilliantperformances that have been recorded of him in the leash, but thereare many dogs elegant in outline with fine muscular development thatare to be seen in the judging ring. Mr. George Raper's Roasting Hotis one of the most prominent winners of the day; he is a fawn andwhite, as handsome as a peacock and, moreover, is a good dog in thefield. On one occasion after competing successfully at the KennelClub Show at the Crystal Palace, he was taken to a coursing meetingwhere he won the stake in which he was entered. A brace of verybeautiful bitches are Mr. F. Eyer's Dorset Girl and Miss W. Easton'sOkeford Queen. 

Although, as a rule, the most consistent winners in the leash havenot been noted for their good looks, there have been exceptions inwhich the opposite has been the case. Fullerton was a good-lookingdog, if not quite up to the form required in the show ring. Mr. Harding Cox has had several specimens that could run well and winprizes as show dogs, and the same may be said of Miss Maud May's finekennel of Greyhounds in the North of England. In the South of EnglandMrs. A. Dewe keeps a number of longtails that when not winning prizesat the Crystal Palace and elsewhere are running at Plumpton and othermeetings in Sussex. 

The following is the standard by which Greyhounds should be judged. 

 * * * * *

HEAD--Long and narrow, slightly wider in skull, allowing forplenty of brain room; lips tight, without any flew, and eyesbright and intelligent and dark in colour. EARS--Small and finein texture, and semi-pricked. TEETH--Very strong and level, and notdecayed or cankered. NECK--Lengthy, without any throatiness, butmuscular. SHOULDERS--Placed well back in the body, and fairlymuscular, without being loaded. FORE-LEGS--Perfectly straight, setwell into the shoulders, with strong pasterns and toes set well upand close together. BODY--Chest very deep, with fairly well-sprungribs; muscular back and loins, and well cut up in the flanks. HIND-QUARTERS--Wide and well let down, with hocks well bent and closeto the ground, with very muscular haunches, showing great propellingpower, and tail long and fine and tapering with a slight upward curve. COAT--Fairly fine in texture. WEIGHT--The ideal weight of a dog isfrom 60 pounds to 65 pounds, of a bitch from 55 pounds to 60 pounds. 

CHAPTER XIX

THE WHIPPET

For elegance of style, cleanliness of habit, and graceful movement, few dogs can equal the Whippet, for which reason his popularity asa companion has increased very greatly within the past decade. Nomore affectionate creature is to be found, yet he possessesconsiderable determination and pluck, and on occasion will defendhimself in his own way. 

Too fragile in his anatomy for fighting, in the ordinary sense ofthe word, when molested, he will "snap" at his opponent with suchcelerity as to take even the most watchful by surprise; while hisstrength of jaw, combined with its comparatively great length, enableshim to inflict severe punishment at the first grab. It was probablyowing to this habit, which is common to all Whippets, that they wereoriginally known as Snap-Dogs. 

The Whippet existed as a separate breed long before dog shows werethought of, and at a time when records of pedigrees were notofficially preserved; but it is very certain that the Greyhound hada share in his genealogical history, for not only should hisappearance be precisely that of a Greyhound in miniature, but thepurpose for which he was bred is very similar to that for which hislarger prototype is still used, the only difference being that rabbitswere coursed by Whippets, and hares by Greyhounds. 

This sport has been mainly confined to the working classes, thecolliers of Lancashire, Yorkshire, Durham, and Northumberland beingparticularly devoted to it. As a rule the contests are handicaps, the starting point of each competitor being regulated by its weight;but the winners of previous important events are penalised inaddition, according to their presumed merit, by having a certainnumber of yards deducted from the start to which weight alone wouldotherwise have entitled them. Each dog is taken to its stipulatedmark according to the handicap, and there laid hold of by the napeof the neck and hind-quarters; the real starter stands behind thelot, and after warning all to be ready, discharges a pistol, uponwhich each attendant swings his dog as far forward as he can possiblythrow him, but always making sure that he alights on his feet. Thedistance covered in the race is generally 200 yards, minus the startsallotted, and some idea of the speed at which these very active littleanimals can travel may be gleaned from the fact that the full distancehas been covered in rather under 12 seconds. 

In order to induce each dog to do its best, the owner, or moreprobably the trainer stands beyond the winning post, and franticallywaves a towel or very stout rag. Accompanied by a babel of noise, the race is started, and in less time than it takes to write it thecompetitors reach the goal, one and all as they finish taking a flyingleap at their trainer's towel, to which they hold on with suchtenacity that they are swung round in the air. The speed at whichthey are travelling makes this movement necessary in many cases toenable the dog to avoid accident, particularly where the space beyondthe winning mark is limited. For racing purposes there is a widemargin of size allowed to the dogs, anything from 8 lbs. To 23 lbs. , or even more, being eligible; but in view of the handicap terms thosedogs which possess speed, and scale 9 to 12 lbs. Amongst thelight-weights, and over 17 lbs. In the heavy ones, are consideredto have the best chance. 

Probably there is no locality where the pastime has maintained sucha firm hold as in and around Oldham, one of the most famous tracksin the world being at Higginshaw, where not infrequently three hundreddogs are entered in one handicap. The Borough grounds at Oldham andthe Wellington grounds at Bury are also noted centres for races. Itis a remarkable but well recognised fact that bitches are faster thandogs, and in consequence the terms upon which they are handicappedare varied. The general custom is to allow a dog 2-1/2 to 3 yardsadvantage for every pound difference in weight between it and thegentle sex. 

One of the fastest dogs that ever ran was Collier Lad, but he wasalmost a Greyhound as regards size. Whitefoot, whose owner challengedthe world, and was considered to be quite unbeatable, was a Whippetin every sense of the word, and was a nice medium weight, thoughprobably Capplebank's time of 11-1/2 seconds stands alone. The bestof the present-day racing dogs are Polly fro' Astley (15 lbs. ) andDinah (11-1/2 lbs. ), and of those which promise well for the future, Eva, whose weight is only 9-3/4 lbs. , is most prominent. 

The training of Whippets is by no means easy work, and is moreexpensive than most people imagine. The very choicest food is deemedabsolutely necessary, in fact a Whippet undergoing preparation foran important race is provided with the most wholesome fare. Choicemutton-chops, beef-steaks and similar dainties comprise their dailyportion. Of course exercise is a necessity, but it is not consideredgood policy to allow a dog in training to gambol about either on theroads or in the fields. Indeed, all dogs which are undergoingpreparation for a race are practically deprived of their freedom, in lieu of which they are walked along hard roads secured by a lead;and for fear of their picking up the least bit of refuse each issecurely muzzled by a box-like leather arrangement which completelyenvelops the jaws, but which is freely perforated to permit properbreathing. Any distance between six and a dozen miles a day, accordingto the stamina and condition of the dog, is supposed to be the properamount of exercise, and scales are brought into use every few daysto gauge the effect which is being produced. In addition to thisprivate trials are necessary in the presence of someone who isaccustomed to timing races by the aid of a stop-watch--a by no meanseasy task, considering that a slight particle of a second means somany yards, and the average speed working out at about 16 yards persecond--nearly twice as fast as the fastest pedestrian sprinter, andaltogether beyond the power of the fleetest race-horse. 

Colour in the Whippet is absolutely of no importance to a good judge, though possibly what is known as the peach fawn is the favourite amongamateur fanciers. Red fawns, blue or slate coloured, black, brindledof various shades, and these colours intermingled with white, aremost to be met with, however. In some quarters the idea is prevalentthat Whippets are delicate in their constitution, but this is apopular error. Probably their disinclination to go out of doors ontheir own initiative when the weather is cold and wet may accountfor the opinion, but given the opportunity to roam about a house theWhippet will find a comfortable place, and will rarely ail anything. In scores of houses Whippets go to bed with the children, and areso clean that even scrupulous housewives take no objection to theirfinding their way under the clothes to the foot of the bed, therebysecuring their own protection and serving as an excellent footwarmerin the winter months. 

Probably in no other breed, except the Greyhound, do judges attachso little importance to the shape of the head; so long as the jawsare fairly long and the colour of the eyes somewhat in keeping withthat of the body, very little else is looked for in front of the ears. As in the case of racing competitors, really good dogs for showpurposes are much more difficult to find than bitches. The best ofthe males are not so classical in outline as the females, though someof them are as good in legs and feet--points which are of the greatestimportance. Though it is not quite in accordance with the standardlaid down by the club, it will be found that most judges favour dogswhich are about 17 lbs. Weight, and bitches which are between 15 lbs. And 16 lbs. , the 20 lbs. Mentioned in the standard of points, withoutvariation for sex being considered altogether too heavy. Appearancesare sometimes deceptive, but these dogs are rarely weighed forexhibition purposes, the trained eye of the judge being sufficientguide to the size of the competitors according to his partiality formiddle-size, big, or little animals. 

The South Durham and Yorkshire Show at Darlington has the credit forfirst introducing classes for Whippets into the prize ring. Previousto this it had not long been generally recognised as a distinct breed, and it is within the last twenty years that the Kennel Club has placedthe breed on its recognised list. 

The following is the standard of points adopted by the Whippet Club:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Long and lean, rather wide between the eyes and flat onthe top; the jaw powerful yet cleanly cut; the teeth level andwhite. EYES--Bright and fiery. EARS--Small, fine in texture androse shape. NECK--Long and muscular, elegantly arched and free fromthroatiness. SHOULDERS--Oblique and muscular. CHEST--Deep andcapacious. BACK--Broad and square, rather long and slightly archedover the loin, which should be strong and powerful. FORE-LEGS--Ratherlong, well set under the dog, possessing a fair amount of bone. HIND-QUARTERS--Strong and broad across stifles, well bent thighs, broad and muscular; hocks well let down. FEET--Round, well split up, with strong soles. COAT--Fine and close. COLOUR--Black, red, white, brindle, fawn, blue, and the various mixtures of each. WEIGHT--Twentypounds. 

CHAPTER XX

THE FOXHOUND

There is plenty of proof that Foxhounds were the very first of thecanine races in Great Britain to come under the domination ofscientific breeding. There had been hounds of more ancient origin, such as the Southern Hound and the Bloodhound; but something differentwas wanted towards the end of the seventeenth century to hunt thewild deer that had become somewhat scattered after Cromwell's civilwar. The demand was consequently for a quicker hound than thosehitherto known, and people devoted to the chase began to breed it. Whether there were crosses at first remains in dispute, but thereis more probability that the policy adopted was one of selection;those exceptionally fast were bred with the same, until the slow, steady line hunter was improved out of his very character and shape. At any rate, there are proofs that in 1710 hounds were to be foundin packs, carefully bred, and that at that time some of the huntsin question devoted attention to the fox. 

The first known kennel of all was at Wardour Castle, and was saidto have been established in 1696; but more reliable is the date ofthe Brocklesby, commenced in 1713. The first record of a pack ofhounds being sold was in 1730, when a Mr. Fownes sold his pack toa Mr. Bowles. The latter gentleman showed great sport with them inYorkshire. At that time Lord Hertford began to hunt the Cotswoldcountry, in Gloucestershire, and was the first to draw coverts forfox in the modern style. Very soon after this it became the fashionof the day to breed hounds. Many of the nobility and large landownersdevoted much of their time and money to it, and would take longjourneys to get fresh blood. It was the rule to breed hounds on themost scientific principles, and by 1750 there were fifty suchbreeders, including the fifth Duke of Beaufort, Lord Lincoln, LordStamford, Lord Percival, Lord Granby, Lord Ludlow, Lord Vernon, LordCarlisle, Lord Mexbro, Sir Walter Vavasour, Sir Roland Winns, Mr. Noel, Mr. Stanhope, Mr. Meynell, Mr. Barry, and Mr. Charles Pelham. The last-named gentleman, afterward the first Lord Yarborough, wasperhaps the most indefatigable of all, as he was the first to startthe system of walking puppies amongst his tenantry, on the Brocklesbyestates, and of keeping lists of hound pedigrees and ages. By 1760all the above-named noblemen and gentlemen had been breeding fromeach other's kennels. The hounds were registered, as can be seen nowin Lord Middleton's private kennel stud book, through which hislordship can trace the pedigrees of his present pack for a hundredand sixty years to hounds that were entered in 1760, got by Raytor, son of Merryman and grandson of Lord Granby's Ranter. Another pedigreewas that of Ruby, who is credited with a numerous progeny, as shewas by Raytor out of Mr. Stapleton's Cruel by Sailor, a son of LordGranby's Sailor by Mr. Noel's Victor. This shows well how seriouslyFoxhound breeding was gone into before the middle of the eighteenthcentury. Portraits prove also that a hound approaching very closelyto those of modern times had been produced at this early period. Bysuch evidence the Foxhound had outstripped the Harrier in size bynearly five inches, as the latter does not appear to have been morethan eighteen inches, and the early Foxhound would have beentwenty-three inches. Then the heavy shoulder, the dewlap, and jowlof the Southern Hound had been got rid of, and the coat had beensomewhat altered. The old school of breeders had evidently determinedupon great speed and the ability to stay, through the medium of deepribs, heart room, wide loins, length of quarter, quality of bone, straightness of fore-leg, and round strong feet; the slack loined, loosely built, and splayfooted hound of former generations had beenleft behind. To such perfection, indeed, had the Foxhound attained, that long before the close of the eighteenth century sportsmen wereclamouring as to what a Foxhound could do. 

With so much prominence given to the Foxhound in the comparativelyshort period of forty or fifty years, it is no wonder that individualhounds became very celebrated in almost every part of the country. Mr. Pelham's Rockwood Tickler and Bumper were names well known inYorkshire, and Lord Ludlow's Powerful and Growler were talked of bothin Lincolnshire and Warwickshire. From the first, indeed, it appearedthat certain hounds were very much better than others, and oldhuntsmen have generally declared for one which was in the whole lengthof their careers (sometimes extending to fifty years) immeasurablysuperior to all others they had hunted. Harry Ayris, who was for justhalf a century with Lord FitzHardinge, declared to the day of hisdeath that nothing had equalled Cromwell; Osbaldeston said the sameof Furrier, and Frank Gillard never falters from the opinion thatWeathergage was quite by himself as the best hound he ever hunted. The Foxhound Kennel Stud Book abounds in the strongest proofs thathereditary merit in their work has been transmitted from thesewonderful hounds, and they really make the history of the Foxhound. 

There have been many great hounds; but there must be the greatestof the great, and the following twelve hounds are probably the bestEngland has ever seen:--Mr. Corbet's Trojan (1780), Lord Middleton'sVanguard (1815), Mr. Osbaldeston's Furrier (1820), Lord HenryBentinck's Contest (1848), Lord FitzHardinge's Cromwell (1855), Mr. Drake's Duster (1844), Sir Richard Sutton's Dryden (1849), the Dukeof Rutland's Senator (1862), Duke of Rutland's Weathergage (1874), the Earl of Coventry's Rambler (1874), Mr. E. P. Rawnsley's Freeman(1884), and the Grafton Woodman (1892). 

Breeding Foxhounds is one of the most fascinating of all the pleasuresof animal culture, as the above list, so full of extreme merit, canbe traced for nearly a hundred and thirty years. 

It cannot be said that the prices paid for Foxhounds in very recenttimes have greatly exceeded those of the past. In 1790 ColonelThornton sold Merkin for four hogsheads of claret, and the sellerto have two couples of the whelps. Then in 1808 Mr. John Warde solda pack of hounds to Lord Althorpe for 1, 000 guineas, and the samegentleman sold another pack for the same sum a few years later. In1838 Lord Suffield offered 3, 000 guineas for Mr. Lambton's pack, andafterwards sold it to Sir Matthew White Ridley for 2, 500. In 1834Osbaldeston sold ten couples of bitches, all descendants of Furrier, for 2, 000 sovereigns, or P100 a hound--a record that was almosteclipsed at the sale of Lord Politmore's hounds in 1870, whentwenty-two couples of dog-hounds sold for 3, 365 guineas. 

Of late years there has been the sale of the Quorn for, it was said, P3, 000, and the late Lord Willoughby de Broke valued the NorthWarwickshire for the county to purchase at P2, 500. In 1903 theAtherstone was valued by Mr. Rawlence, the well-known representativeof Tattersall's, at P3, 500, or something like P50 a hound, and thathas been considered very cheap. If, therefore, modern prices havenot greatly exceeded those of the far past, there has not been anyparticular diminution, and there is no doubt about it that if certainpacks could be purchased the prices would far exceed anything everreached before. 

Foxhounds have very much improved in looks during the pastfive-and-twenty years, and unquestionably they are quite as goodin the field or better. Whenever hounds have good foxes in front ofthem, and good huntsmen to assist or watch over them, they are asable as ever, notwithstanding that the drawbacks to good sport aremore numerous now than they used to be. The noble hound will alwaysbe good enough, and ever and anon this is shown by a run of the GreatWood order, to hunt over five-and-twenty to thirty miles at a paceto settle all the horses, and yet every hound will be up. There hasbeen a slight tendency to increase size of late years. The Belvoirdog-hound is within very little of 24 inches instead of 23-1/2, thestandard of twenty years ago, and this increase has become verygeneral. In elegance of form nothing has been lost, and there canbe no other to possess beauty combined with power and the essentialpoints for pace and endurance in the same degree as a Foxhound. 

A detailed description of the Foxhound is here given:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Somewhat broad, not peaked like the Bloodhound, but long fromthe apex to the frontal bones, eyebrows very prominent, cheeks cutclean from the eye to the nostril, ears set low and in their naturalcondition thin and shapely, but not large, nose large, jaw strongand level, and small dewlaps, expression fierce, and with the bestoften repellent. EYES--Very bright and deeply set, full ofdetermination, and with a very steady expression. The look of theFoxhound is very remarkable. NECK--Should be perfectly clean, no skinruffle whatever, or neck cloth, as huntsmen call it. The length ofneck is of importance, both for stooping and giving an air of majesty. SHOULDERS--The blades should be well into the back, and should slant, otherwise be wide and strong, to meet the arms, that should be longand powerful. LEGS AND FEET--The bone should be perfectly straightfrom the arm downward, and descend in the same degree of size to theankles, or, as the saying is, "down to his toes. " The knee shouldbe almost flat and level; there should be no curve until coming tothe toes, which should be very strong, round, cat-shaped, and everytoe clean set as it were. FORE-RIBS AND BRISKET--Deep, fine ribs arevery essential, and the brisket should be well below the elbows. BACKAND LOINS--Back should be straight. A hollow back offends the eyemuch, and a roach back is worse. The loin wide, back ribs deep andlong, a slight prominence over the croup. QUARTERS AND HOCKS--Thequarters cannot be too long, full, showing a second thigh, and meetinga straight hock low down, the shank bone short, and meeting shapelyfeet. COAT--The coat is hard hair, but short and smooth, the textureis as stiff as bristles, but beautifully laid. COLOUR--Belvoir tan, which is brown and black, perfectly intermixed, with white markingsof various shapes and sizes. The white should be very opaque andclear. Black and white, with tan markings on head and stifles. Badgerpied--a kind of grey and white. Lemon pied, light yellow and white. Hare pied, a darker yellow and white. STERN--Long and carried gaily, but not curled; often half white. HEIGHT--Dogs from 23-1/2 to 24inches; bitches from 22 to 22-1/2 inches. 

CHAPTER XXI

THE HARRIER AND THE BEAGLE

The Harrier is a distinct breed of hound used for hunting the hare--orrather it should be said the Association of Masters of Harriers aredoing their utmost to perpetuate this breed; the Harrier Stud Bookbearing witness thereto: and it is to be deplored that so many Mastersof Harriers ignore this fact, and are content to go solely to Foxhoundkennels to start their packs of Harriers, choosing, maybe, 20 inchto 22 inch Foxhounds, and thenceforth calling them Harriers. It is, indeed, a common belief that the modern Harrier is but a smalleredition of the Foxhound, employed for hunting the hare instead ofthe fox, and it is almost useless to reiterate that it is a distinctbreed of hound that can boast of possibly greater antiquity than anyother, or to insist upon the fact that Xenophon himself kept a packof Harriers over two thousands years ago. Nevertheless, in generalappearance the Harrier and the Foxhound are very much alike, the oneobvious distinction being that of size. 

Opinions differ as to what standard of height it is advisable to aimat. If you want to hunt your Harriers on foot, 16 inches is quitebig enough--almost too big to run with; but if you are riding to them, 20 inches is a useful height, or even 19 inches. Either is a goodworkable size, and such hounds should be able to slip along fastenough for most people. Choose your hounds with plenty of bone, butnot too clumsy or heavy; a round, firm neck, not too short, with aswan-like curve; a lean head with a long muzzle and fairly short ears;a broad chest with plenty of lung room, fore-legs like gun barrels, straight and strong; hind-legs with good thighs and well let downhocks; feet, round like cats' feet, and a well-set-on, tapering stern. Such a make and shape should see many seasons through, and allow youto be certain of pace and endurance in your pack. It is useless tolay down any hard and fast rule as to colour. It is so much a matterof individual taste. Some Masters have a great fancy for the darkcolouring of the old Southern Hound, but nothing could look muchsmarter than a good combination of Belvoir tan with black and white. Puppies, as a rule, a week or two after they are whelped, show agreater proportion of dark marking than any other, but this as theygrow older soon alters, and their white marking becomes much moreconspicuous. As in the case of the Foxhound, the Harrier is veryseldom kept as a companion apart from the pack. But puppies areusually sent out to walk, and may easily be procured to be kept andreared until they are old enough to be entered to their work. Doubtless the rearing of a Harrier puppy is a great responsibility, but it is also a delight to many who feel that they are helping inthe advancement of a great national sport. 

 * * * * *

There is nothing to surpass the beauty of the Beagle either to seehim on the flags of his kennel or in unravelling a difficulty on theline of a dodging hare. In neatness he is really the little modelof a Foxhound. He is, of course, finer, but with the length of neckso perfect in the bigger hound, the little shoulders of the samepattern, and the typical quarters and second thighs. Then how quickhe is in his casts! and when he is fairly on a line, of course hesticks to it, as the saying is, "like a beagle. "

Beagles have been carefully preserved for a great many years, andin some cases they have been in families for almost centuries. Inthe hereditary hunting establishments they have been frequently found, as the medium of amusement and instruction in hunting for the juvenilemembers of the house; and there can be nothing more likely to instilthe right principles of venery into the youthful mind than to followall the ways of these little hounds. 

Dorsetshire used to be the great county for Beagles. The downs therewere exactly fitted for them, and years ago, when roe-deer werepreserved on the large estates, Beagles were used to hunt this smallbreed of deer. Mr. Cranes' Beagles were noted at the time, and alsothose of a Colonel Harding. It is on record that King George IV. Hada strong partiality for Beagles, and was wont to see them work onthe downs round about Brighton. The uses of the Beagle in the earlydays of the last century, however, were a good deal diversified. Theywere hunted in big woodlands to drive game to the gun, and perhapsthe ordinary Beagle of from 12 inches to 14 inches was not big enoughfor the requirements of the times. It is quite possible, therefore, that the Beagle was crossed with the Welsh, Southern or Otterhound, to get more size and power, as there certainly was a Welshrough-coated Beagle of good 18 inches, and an almost identicalcontemporary that was called the Essex Beagle. Sixty years ago suchhounds were common enough, but possibly through the adoption of themore prevalent plan of beating coverts, and Spaniels being in moregeneral use, the vocation of the Beagle in this particular directiondied out, and a big rough-coated Beagle is now very rarely seen. 

That a great many of the true order were bred became very manifestas soon as the Harrier and Beagle Association was formed, and moreparticularly when a section of the Peterborough Hound Show wasreserved for them. Then they seemed to spring from every part of thecountry. In 1896 one became well acquainted with many packs that hadapparently held aloof from the dog shows. There was the Cheshire, the Christ Church (Oxford), Mr. T. Johnson's, the Royal Rock, theThorpe Satchville, the Worcestershire, etc. , and of late there havebeen many more that are as well known as packs of Foxhounds. One hearsnow of the Chauston, the Halstead Place--very noted indeed--theHulton, the Leigh Park, the Stoke Place, the Edinburgh, the Surbiton, the Trinity Foot, the Wooddale, Mrs. G. W. Hilliard's, Mrs. Price's, and Mrs. Turner's. 

Beagle owners, like the masters of Foxhound kennels, have never beenvery partial to the ordinary dog shows, and so the development ofthe up-to-date Beagle, as seen at recent shows, is somewhat new. Itis just as it should be, and if more people take up "beagling" itmay not be in the least surprising. They are very beautiful littlehounds, can give a vast amount of amusement, and, for the matter ofthat, healthy exercise. If a stout runner can keep within fairly easydistance of a pack of well-bred Beagles on the line of a lively Jackhare, he is in the sort of condition to be generally envied. 

 * * * * *

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEAGLE: HEAD--Fair length, powerful without beingcoarse; skull domed, moderately wide, with an indication of peak, stopwell defined, muzzle not snipy, and lips well flewed. NOSE--Black, broad, and nostrils well expanded. EYES--Brown, dark hazel or hazel, not deep set nor bulgy, and with a mild expression. EARS--Long, seton low, fine in texture, and hanging in a graceful fold close to thecheek. NECK--Moderately long, slightly arched, the throat showingsome dewlap. SHOULDERS--Clean and slightly sloping. BODY--Shortbetween the couplings, well let down in chest, ribs fairly wellsprung and well ribbed up, with powerful and not tucked-up loins. HIND-QUARTERS--Very muscular about the thighs, stifles and hocks wellbent, and hocks well let down. FORE-LEGS--Quite straight, well underthe dog, of good substance and round in the bone. FEET--Round, wellknuckled up, and strongly padded. STERN--Moderate length, set on high, thick and carried gaily, but not curled over the back. COLOUR--Anyrecognised hound colour. COAT--Smooth variety: Smooth, very denseand not too fine or short. Rough variety: Very dense and wiry. HEIGHT--Not exceeding 16 inches. Pocket Beagles must not exceed 10inches. GENERAL APPEARANCE--A compactly-built hound, withoutcoarseness, conveying the impression of great stamina and vivacity. 

CHAPTER XXII

THE POINTER

It has never been made quite clear in history why the Spaniards hada dog that was very remarkable for pointing all kinds of game. Theyhave always been a pleasure-loving people, certainly, but moreinclined to bull-fighting than field-craft, and yet as early as 1600they must have had a better dog for game-finding than could have beenfound in any other part of the world. Singularly enough, too, themost esteemed breeds in many countries can be traced from the samesource, such as the Russian Pointer, the German Pointer, the Frenchdouble-nosed Griffon, and, far more important still, the EnglishPointer. A view has been taken that the Spanish double-nosed Pointerwas introduced into England about two hundred years ago, whenfire-arms were beginning to be popular for fowling purposes. Settersand Spaniels had been used to find and drive birds into nets, butas the Spanish Pointer became known it was apparently considered thathe alone had the capacity to find game for the gun. This must havebeen towards the end of the seventeenth century, and for the nextfifty years at least something very slow was wanted to meet thenecessities of the old-fashioned flintlock gun, which occupied manyminutes in loading and getting into position. Improvements came bydegrees, until they set in very rapidly, but probably by 1750, whenhunting had progressed a good deal, and pace was increased in allpastimes, the old-fashioned Pointer was voted a nuisance through hisextreme caution and tortoise-like movements. 

There is evidence, through portraits, that Pointers had beenaltogether changed by the year 1800, but it is possible that thebreed then had been continued by selection rather than by crossingfor a couple of decades, as it is quite certain that by 1815 sportsmenwere still dissatisfied with the want of pace in the Pointer, andmany sportsmen are known to have crossed their Pointers with Foxhoundsat about that time. By 1835 the old Spanish Pointer had been leftbehind, and the English dog was a perfect model for pace, stamina, resolution, and nerve. The breed was exactly adapted to therequirements of that day, which was not quite as fast as the present. Men shot with good Joe Mantons, did their own loading, and walkedto their dogs, working them right and left by hand and whistle. Thedogs beat their ground methodically, their heads at the right levelfor body scent, and when they came on game, down they were; the dogthat had got it pointing, and the other barking or awaitingdevelopments. There was nothing more beautiful than the work of awell-bred and well-broken brace of Pointers, or more perfect thanthe way a man got his shots from them. There was nothing slow aboutthem, but on the contrary they went a great pace, seemed to shootinto the very currents of air for scent, and yet there was noimpatience about them such as might have been expected from theFoxhound cross. The truth of it was that the capacity to concentratethe whole attention on the object found was so intense as to havelessened every other propensity. The rush of the Foxhound had beenabsorbed by the additional force of the Pointer character. There hasbeen nothing at all like it in canine culture, and it came out sowonderfully after men had been shooting in the above manner for aboutforty years. 

It was nearing the end of this period that field trials began tooccupy the attention of breeders and sportsmen, and although Settershad been getting into equal repute for the beauty of their work, therewas something more brilliant about the Pointers at first. Brockton'sBounce was a magnificent dog, a winner on the show bench, and of thefirst Field Trial in England. Newton's Ranger was another of the earlyperformers, and he was very staunch and brilliant, but it was in thenext five years that the most extraordinary Pointer merit was seen, as quite incomparable was Sir Richard Garth's Drake, who was justfive generations from the Spanish Pointer. Drake was rather a tall, gaunt dog, but with immense depth of girth, long shoulders, longhaunches, and a benevolent, quiet countenance. There was nothing veryattractive about him when walking about at Stafford prior to histrial, but the moment he was down he seemed to paralyse his opponent, as he went half as fast again. It was calculated that he went fiftymiles an hour, and at this tremendous pace he would stop as ifpetrified, and the momentum would cover him with earth and dust. Hedid not seem capable of making a mistake, and his birds were alwaysat about the same distance from him, to show thereby his extraordinarynose and confidence. Nothing in his day could beat him in a field. He got some good stock, but they were not generally show form, thebitches by him being mostly light and small, and his sons a bit highon the leg. None of them had his pace, but some were capitalperformers, such as Sir Thomas Lennard's Mallard, Mr. GeorgePilkington's Tory, Mr. Lloyd Price's Luck of Edenhall, winner of theField Trial Derby, 1878; Lord Downe's Mars and Bounce, and Mr. BarclayField's Riot. When Sir Richard Garth went to India and sold his kennelof Pointers at Tattersall's, Mr. Lloyd Price gave 150 guineas forDrake. 

The mid-century owners and breeders had probably all the advantagesof what a past generation had done, as there were certainly manywonderful Pointers in the 'fifties, 'sixties, and 'seventies, as oldmen living to-day will freely allow. They were produced veryregularly, too, in a marvellous type of perfection. 

Mr. William Arkwright, of Sutton Scarsdale, Derbyshire, has probablythe best kennel in England at the present time. He discovered andrevived an old breed of the North of England that was black, and bredfor a great many years by Mr. Pape, of Carlisle, and his father beforehim. With these Mr. Arkwright has bred to the best working strains, with the result that he has had many good field trial winners. Fora good many years now Elias Bishop, of Newton Abbot, has kept up theold breeds of Devon Pointers, the Ch. Bangs, the Mikes, and theBrackenburg Romps, and his have been amongst the best at the showsand the field trials during the past few years. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule that many of the modern Pointers do not carryabout them the air of their true business; but it would appear thatfewer people keep them now than was the case a quarter of a centuryago, owing to the advance of quick-shooting, otherwise driving, andthe consequent falling away of the old-fashioned methods, both forthe stubble and the moor. However, there are many still who enjoythe work of dogs, and it would be a sin indeed in the calendar ofBritish sports if the fine old breed of Pointer were allowed evento deteriorate. The apparent danger is that the personal or individualelement is dying out. In the 'seventies the name of Drake, Bang, orGarnet were like household words. People talked of the great Pointers. They were spoken of in club chat or gossip; written about; and theprospects of the moors were much associated with the up-to-datecharacters of the Pointers and Setters. There is very little of thissort of talk now-a-days. Guns are more critically spoken of. Thereis, however, a wide enough world to supply with first-class Pointers. In England's numerous colonies it may be much more fitting to shootover dogs. It has been tried in South Africa with marvellous results. Descendants of Bang have delighted the lone colonist on Cape partridgeand quails, and Pointers suit the climate, whereas Setters do not. The Pointer is a noble breed to take up, as those still in middlelife have seen its extraordinary merit whenever bred in the rightway. As to the essential points of the breed, they may be set downas follows:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Should be wide from ear to ear, long and slanting from the topof the skull to the setting on of the nose; cheek bones prominent;ears set low and thin in texture, soft and velvety; nose broad atthe base; mouth large and jaws level. NECK--The neck should be verystrong, but long and slightly arched, meeting shoulders well knitinto the back, which should be straight and joining a wide loin. Thereshould be great depth of heart room, very deep brisket, narrow chestrather than otherwise, shoulders long and slanting. LEGS ANDFEET--Should be as nearly like the Foxhound's as possible. Thereshould be really no difference, as they must be straight, the kneesbig, and the bone should be of goodly size down to the toes, and thefeet should be very round and cat-shaped. HIND-QUARTERS--A greatfeature in the Pointer is his hind-quarters. He cannot well be toolong in the haunch or strong in the stifle, which should be well bent, and the muscles in the second thigh of a good Pointer are alwaysremarkable. The hocks may be straighter than even in a Foxhound, as, in pulling up sharp on his point, he in a great measure throws hisweight on them; the shank bones below the hock should be short. COLOUR--There have been good ones of all colours. The Derby colourswere always liver and whites for their Pointers and black breastedreds for their game-cocks. The Seftons were liver and whites also, and so were the Edges of Strelly, but mostly heavily ticked. Brockton's Bounce was so, and so were Ch. Bang, Mike, and Young Bang. Drake was more of the Derby colour; dark liver and white. Mr. Whitehouse's were mostly lemon and whites, after Hamlet of thatcolour, and notable ones of the same hue were Squire, Bang Bang, andMr. Whitehouse's Pax and Priam, all winners of field trials. Therehave been several very good black and whites. Mr. Francis's, afterwards Mr. Salter's, Chang was a field trial winner of thiscolour. A still better one was Mr. S. Becket's Rector, a somewhatmean little dog to look at, but quite extraordinary in his work, ashe won the Pointer Puppy Stake at Shrewsbury and the All-Aged Stakethree years in succession. Mr. Salter's Romp family were quiteremarkable in colour--a white ground, heavily shot with black inpatches and in ticks. There have never been any better Pointers thanthese. There have been, and are, good black Pointers also. HEIGHTAND SIZE--A big Pointer dog stands from 24-1/2 inches to 25 inchesat the shoulder. Old Ch. Bang and Young Bang were of the formerheight, and the great bitch, Mr. Lloyd Price's Belle, was 24 inches. For big Pointers 60 pounds is about the weight for dogs and 56 poundsbitches; smaller size, 54 pounds dogs and 48 pounds bitches. Therehave been some very good ones still smaller. 

CHAPTER XXIII

THE SETTERS

I. THE ENGLISH SETTER. --In some form or other Setters are to be foundwherever guns are in frequent use and irrespective of the preciseclass of work they have to perform; but their proper sphere is eitheron the moors, when the red grouse are in quest, or on the stubblesand amongst the root crops, when September comes in, and the partridgeseason commences. 

Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, is supposed to have been the firstperson to train setting dogs in the manner which has been commonlyadopted by his successors. His lordship lived in the middle of thesixteenth century, and was therefore a contemporary of Dr. Caius, who may possibly have been indebted to the Earl for information when, in his work on _English Dogges_, he wrote of the Setter under thename of the Index. 

Though Setters are divided into three distinct varieties, --TheEnglish, the Irish and the Gordon, or Black and Tan--there can beno doubt that all have a common origin, though it is scarcelyprobable, in view of their dissimilarity, that the same individualancestors can be supposed to be their original progenitors. Nearlyall authorities agree that the Spaniel family is accountable on oneside, and this contention is borne out to a considerable extent byold illustrations and paintings of Setters at work, in which theyare invariably depicted as being very much like the old liver andwhite Spaniel, though of different colours. Doubt exists as to theother side of their heredity, but it does not necessarily follow thatall those who first bred them used the same means. Of the theoriesput forward, that which carries the most presumptive evidence mustgo to the credit of the old Spanish Pointer. Where else could theyinherit that wonderful scenting power, that style in which they drawup to their game, their statuesque attitude when on point, and, aboveall, the staunchness and patience by which they hold their gamespellbound until the shooter has time to walk leisurely up, even froma considerable distance?

But, apart from the question of their origin, the different varietieshave many other attributes in common; all perform the same kind ofwork, and in the same manner; consequently the system of breakingor training them varies only according to the temper or ideas of thosewho undertake their schooling. 

Few dogs are more admired than English Setters, and those who arelooked upon as professional exhibitors have not been slow to recognisethe fact that when a really good young dog makes its appearance itis a formidable rival amongst all other breeds when the special prizescome to be allotted. 

Seen either at its legitimate work as a gun dog or as a domesticcompanion, the English Setter is one of the most graceful andbeautiful of the canine race, and its elegant form and feathery coatcommand instant admiration. Twenty years ago it was known by severaldistinct names, among the more important being the Blue Beltons andLaveracks, and this regardless of any consideration as to whetheror not the dogs were in any way connected by relationship to the stockwhich had earned fame for either of these time-honoured names. Itwas the great increase in the number of shows and some confusion onthe part of exhibitors that made it necessary for the Kennel Clubto classify under one heading these and others which had attainedsome amount of notability and the old terms have gradually beendropped. 

Doubtless the English Setter Club has done much since its institutionin 1890 to encourage this breed of dog, and has proved the usefulnessof the club by providing two very valuable trophies, the Exhibitors'Challenge Cup and the Field Trial Challenge Cup, for competitionamongst its members, besides having liberally supported all theleading shows; hence it has rightly come to be regarded as the onlyauthority from which an acceptable and official dictum for theguidance of others can emanate. 

The following is the standard of points issued by the English SetterClub:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--The head should be long and lean, with well-defined stop. Theskull oval from ear to ear, showing plenty of brain room, and witha well-defined occipital protuberance. The muzzle moderately deepand fairly square; from the stop to the point of the nose should belong, the nostrils wide, and the jaws of nearly equal length; flewsnot too pendulous. The colour of the nose should be black, or dark, or light liver, according to the colour of the coat. The eyes shouldbe bright, mild, and intelligent, and of a dark hazel colour, thedarker the better. The ears of moderate length, set on low and hangingin neat folds close to the cheek; the tip should be velvety, the upperpart clothed with fine silky hair. NECK--The neck should be ratherlong, muscular, and lean, slightly arched at the crest, and cleancut where it joins the head; towards the shoulder it should be larger, and very muscular, not throaty with any pendulosity below the throat, but elegant and bloodlike in appearance. BODY--The body should beof moderate length, with shoulders well set back or oblique; backshort and level; loins wide, slightly arched, strong and muscular. Chest deep in the brisket, with good round widely-sprung ribs, deepin the back ribs--that is, well ribbed up. LEGS AND FEET--The stiflesshould be well bent and ragged, thighs long from hip to hock. Theforearm big and very muscular, the elbow well let down. Pasternsshort, muscular, and straight. The feet very close and compact, andwell protected by hair between the toes. TAIL--The tail should beset on almost in a line with the back; medium length, not curly orropy, to be slightly curved or scimitar-shaped, but with no tendencyto turn upwards; the flag or feather hanging in long, pendant flakes;the feather should not commence at the root, but slightly below, andincrease in length to the middle, then gradually taper off towardsthe end; and the hair long, bright, soft and silky, wavy but notcurly. COAT AND FEATHERING--The coat from the back of the head ina line with the ears ought to be slightly wavy, long, and silky, whichshould be the case with the coat generally; the breeches andfore-legs, nearly down to the feet, should be well feathered. COLOURAND MARKINGS--The colour may be either black and white, lemon andwhite, liver and white, or tricolour--that is, black, white, and tan;those without heavy patches of colour on the body, but flecked allover preferred. 

 * * * * *

II. THE IRISH SETTER. --Though this variety has not attained suchpopularity as its English cousin, it is not because it is regardedas being less pleasing to the eye, for in general appearance of styleand outline there is very little difference; in fact, none, if thechiselling of the head and colour of the coat be excepted. Thebeautiful rich golden, chestnut colour which predominates in allwell-bred specimens is in itself sufficient to account for the greatfavour in which they are regarded generally, while their dispositionis sufficiently engaging to attract the attention of those who desireto have a moderate-sized dog as a companion, rather than either avery large or very small one. Probably this accounts for so many ladyexhibitors in England preferring them to the other varieties ofSetters. We have to go over to its native country, however, to findthe breed most highly esteemed as a sporting dog for actual work, and there it is naturally first favourite; in fact, very few of eitherof the other varieties are to be met with from one end of the GreenIsle to the other. It has been suggested that all Irish Setters aretoo headstrong to make really high-class field trial dogs. Some ofthem, on the contrary, are quite as great in speed and not only asclever at their business, but quite as keen-nosed as other Setters. Some which have competed within the past few years at the Irish RedSetter Club's trials have had as rivals some of the best Pointersfrom England and Scotland, and have successfully held their own. 

The Secretary of the Irish Setter Club is Mr. S. Brown, 27, EustaceStreet, Dublin, and the standard of points as laid down by thatauthority is as follows:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--The head should be long and lean. The skull oval (from ear toear), having plenty of brain room, and with well-defined occipitalprotuberance. Brows raised, showing stop. The muzzle moderately deepand fairly square at the end. From the stop to the point of the noseshould be fairly long, the nostrils wide, and the jaws of nearly equallength; flews not to be pendulous. The colour of the nose darkmahogany or dark walnut, and that of the eyes (which ought not tobe too large) rich hazel or brown. The ears to be of moderate size, fine in texture, set on low, well back, and hanging in a neat foldclose to the head. NECK--The neck should be moderately long, verymuscular, but not too thick; slightly arched, free from all tendencyto throatiness. BODY--The body should be long. Shoulders fine at thepoints, deep and sloping well back. The chest as deep as possible, rather narrow in front. The ribs well sprung, leaving plenty of lungroom. Loins muscular and slightly arched. The hind-quarters wide andpowerful. LEGS AND FEET--The hind-legs from hip to hock should belong and muscular; from hock to heel short and strong. The stifleand hock joints well bent, and not inclined either in or out. Thefore-legs should be straight and sinewy, having plenty of bone, withelbows free, well let down, and, like the hocks, not inclined eitherin or out. The feet small, very firm; toes strong, close together, and arched. TAIL--The tail should be of moderate length, set on ratherlow, strong at root, and tapering to a fine point, to be carried asnearly as possible on a level or below the back. COAT--On the head, front of legs, and tips of ears the coat should be short and fine;but on all other parts of the body and legs it ought to be ofmoderate length, flat, and as free as possible from curl or wave. FEATHERING--The feather on the upper portion of the ears should belong and silky; on the back of fore and hind-legs long and fine; afair amount of hair on the belly, forming a nice fringe, which mayextend on chest and throat. Feet to be well feathered between thetoes. Tail to have a nice fringe of moderately long hair, decreasingin length as it approaches the point. All feathering to be as straightand as flat as possible. COLOUR AND MARKINGS--The colour should bea rich golden chestnut, with no trace whatever of black; white onchest, throat, or toes, or a small star on the forehead, or a narrowstreak or blaze on the nose or face not to disqualify. 

 * * * * *

III. THE BLACK AND TAN SETTER. --Originally this variety was knownas the Gordon Setter, but this title was only partly correct, as theparticular dogs first favoured by the Duke of Gordon, from whom theytook the name, were black, tan, and white, heavily built, and somewhatclumsy in appearance. But the introduction of the Irish blood hadthe effect of making a racier-looking dog more fashionable, thepresence of white on the chest was looked upon with disfavour, andthe Kennel Club settled the difficulty of name by abolishing the term"Gordon" altogether. 

Very few of this variety have appeared at field trials for severalyears past, but that cannot be considered a valid reason forstigmatising them as "old-men's dogs, " as some narrow-minded faddistsdelight in calling them. On the few occasions when the opportunityhas been presented they have acquitted themselves at least as wellas, and on some occasions better than, their rivals of othervarieties, proving to be as fast, as staunch, and as obedient as anyof them. A notable example of this occurred during the season of 1902and 1903, when Mr. Isaac Sharpe's Stylish Ranger was so remarkablysuccessful at the trials. 

It is very difficult to account for the lack of interest which istaken in the variety outside Scotland, but the fact remains that veryfew have appeared at field trials within recent years, and that onlyabout four owners are troubling the officials of English showsregularly at the present time. 

In France, Belgium, Norway, and especially in Russia this handsomesporting dog is a far greater favourite than it is in Great Britain, not only for work with the gun, but as a companion, and it is a factthat at many a Continental dog show more specimens of the breed areexhibited than could be gathered together in the whole of the UnitedKingdom. 

The want of an active organisation which would foster and encouragethe interests of the Black and Tan Setter is much to be deplored, and is, without doubt, the chief cause of its being so much neglected, for in these strenuous days, when almost every breed or variety ofbreed is backed up by its own votaries, it cannot be expected thatsuch as are not constantly kept in prominence will receive anythingmore than scant consideration. 

The Black and Tan Setter is heavier than the English or Irishvarieties, but shows more of the hound and less of the Spaniel. Thehead is stronger than that of the English Setter, with a deeper andbroader muzzle and heavier lips. The ears are also somewhat longer, and the eyes frequently show the haw. The black should be as jet, and entirely free from white. The tan on the cheeks and over the eyes, on the feet and pasterns, should be bright and clearly defined, andthe feathering on the fore-legs and thighs should also be a rich, dark mahogany tan. 

Amongst the oldest and most successful owners of Setters who haveconsistently competed at field trials may be mentioned Colonel Cotes, whose Prince Frederick was probably the most wonderful backer everknown. Messrs. Purcell-Llewellyn, W. Arkwright, Elias and JamesBishop, F. C. Lowe, J. Shorthose, G. Potter and S. Smale, who maybe considered the oldest Setter judges, and who have owned dogs whoseprowess in the field has brought them high reputation. Mr. B. J. Warwick has within recent years owned probably more winners at fieldtrials than any other owner, one of his being Compton Bounce. CaptainHeywood Lonsdale has on several occasions proved the Ightfield strainto be staunch and true, as witness the doughty deeds of Duke of thatilk, and the splendid success he achieved at recent grouse trialsin Scotland with his Ightfield Rob Roy, Mack, and Dot, the first-namedwinning the all-aged stake, and the others being first and third inthe puppy stake. Mr. Herbert Mitchell has been another good patronof the trials, and has won many important stakes. Mr. A. T. Williamshas also owned a few noted trial winners, and from Scotland comesMr. Isaac Sharpe, whose Gordon Setter, Stylish Ranger, has effectuallyput a stop to the silly argument that all this breed are old men'sdogs. 

Many of the older field trial men hold tenaciously to the opinionthat the modern exhibition Setter is useless for high-class work, and contend that if field-trial winners are to be produced they mustbe bred from noted working strains. Doubtless this prejudice in favourof working dogs has been engendered by the circumstance that manyowners of celebrated bench winners care nothing about their dogs beingtrained, in some cases generation after generation having been bredsimply for show purposes. Under such conditions it is not to bewondered at that the capacity for fine scenting properties and thenatural aptitude for quickly picking up a knowledge of their properduties in the field is impaired. But there is no reason why a goodshow dog should not also be a good worker, and the recent edict ofthe Kennel Club which rules that no gun dog shall be entitled tochampionship honours until it has gained a certificate of merit infield trials will doubtless tend towards a general improvement inthe working qualities of the breeds whose providence is in thefinding and retrieving of game. 

CHAPTER XXIV

THE RETRIEVERS

It is obviously useless to shoot game unless you can find it afterit has been wounded or killed, and from the earliest times it hasbeen the habit of sportsmen to train their dogs to do the work whichthey could not always successfully do for themselves. The Pointers, Setters, and Spaniels of our forefathers were carefully broken notonly to find and stand their game, but also to fetch the fallen birds. This use of the setting and pointing dog is still common on theContinent and in the United States, and there is no inaccuracy ina French artist depicting a Pointer with a partridge in its mouth, or showing a Setter retrieving waterfowl. 

The Springer and the old curly-coated water-dog were regarded asparticularly adroit in the double work of finding and retrieving. Pointers and Setters who had been thus broken were found todeteriorate in steadiness in the field, and it gradually came to berealised that even the Spaniel's capacity for retrieving was limited. A larger and quicker dog was wanted to divide the labour, and to beused solely as a retriever in conjunction with the other gun dogs. The Poodle was tried for retrieving with some success, and he showedconsiderable aptitude in finding and fetching wounded wild duck; buthe, too, was inclined to maul his birds and deliver them dead. Eventhe old English Sheepdog was occasionally engaged in the work, andvarious crosses with Spaniel or Setter and Collie were attempted inthe endeavour to produce a grade breed having the desired qualitiesof a good nose, a soft mouth, and an understanding brain, togetherwith a coat that would protect its wearer from the ill effects offrequent immersion in water. 

It was when these efforts were most active--namely about the year1850--that new material was discovered in a black-coated dog recentlyintroduced into England from Labrador. He was a natural water-dog, with a constitution impervious to chills, and entirely free from theliability to ear canker, which had always been a drawback to the useof the Spaniel as a retriever of waterfowl. Moreover, he was himselfreputed to be a born retriever of game, and remarkably sagacious. His importers called him a Spaniel--a breed name which at one timewas also applied to his relative the Newfoundland. Probably therewere not many specimens of the race in England, and, although thereis no record explicitly saying so, it is conjectured that these werecrossed with the English Setter, producing what is now familiarlyknown as the black, flat-coated Retriever. 

One very remarkable attribute of the Retriever is that notwithstandingthe known fact that the parent stock was mongrel, and that in theearly dogs the Setter type largely predominated, the ultimate resulthas favoured the Labrador cross distinctly and prominently, provinghow potent, even when grafted upon a stock admittedly various, isthe blood of a pure race, and how powerful its influence for fixingtype and character over the other less vital elements with which itis blended. 

From the first, sportsmen recognised the extreme value of the newretrieving dog. Strengthened and improved by the Labrador blood, hehad lost little if any of the Setter beauty of form. He was adignified, substantial, intelligent, good-tempered, affectionatecompanion, faithful, talented, highly cultivated, and esteemed, inthe season and out of it, for his mind as well as his beauty. 

It is only comparatively recently that we have realised how excellentan all-around sporting dog the Retriever has become. In many cases, indeed, where grouse and partridge are driven or walked-up awell-broken, soft-mouthed Retriever is unquestionably superior toPointer, Setter, or Spaniel, and for general work in the field heis the best companion that a shooting man can possess. 

Doubtless in earlier days, when the art of training was lessthoroughly understood, the breaking of a dog was a matter of infinitetrouble to breeders. Most of the gun dogs could be taught by patienceand practice to retrieve fur or feather, but game carefully andskilfully shot is easily rendered valueless by being mumbled andmauled by powerful jaws not schooled to gentleness. And this questionof a tender mouth was certainly one of the problems that perturbedthe minds of the originators of the breed. The difficulty was overcomeby process of selection, and by the exclusion from breeding operationsof all hard-mouthed specimens, with the happy effect that in thepresent time it is exceptional to find a working Retriever who doesnot know how to bring his bird to hand without injuring it. A betterknowledge of what is expected of him distinguishes our modernRetriever. He knows his duty, and is intensely eager to perform it, but he no longer rushes off unbidden at the firing of the gun. Hehas learned to remain at heel until he is ordered by word or gesturefrom his master, upon whom he relies as his friend and director. 

It would be idle to expect that the offspring of unbroken sire anddam can be as easily educated as a Retriever whose parents beforehim have been properly trained. Inherited qualities count for a greatdeal in the adaptability of all sporting dogs, and the reason whyone meets with so many Retrievers that are incapable or disobedientor gun-shy is simply that their preliminary education has beenneglected--the education which should begin when the dog is veryyoung. 

In his earliest youth he should be trained to prompt obedience toa given word or a wave of the hand. It is well to teach him very earlyto enter water, or he may be found wanting when you require him tofetch a bird from river or lake. Lessons in retrieving ought to bea part of his daily routine. Equally necessary is it to break himin to the knowledge that sheep and lambs are not game to be chased, and that rabbits and hares are to be discriminated from featheredgame. 

Gun-shyness is often supposed to be hereditary; but it is not so. Any puppy can be cured of gun-shyness in half a dozen short lessons. Sir Henry Smith's advice is to get your puppy accustomed to the soundand sight of a gun being fired, first at a distance and graduallynearer and nearer, until he knows that no harm will come to him. Companionship and sympathy between dog and master is the beginningand end of the whole business, and there is a moral obligation betweenthem which ought never to be strained. 

Both as a worker and as a show dog the flat-coated Retriever hasreached something very near to the ideal standard of perfection whichhas been consistently bred up to. Careful selection and systematicbreeding, backed up by enthusiasm, have resulted in the productionof a dog combining useful working qualities with the highest degreeof beauty. 

A very prominent admirer and breeder was the late Mr. S. E. Shirley, the President of the Kennel Club, who owned many Retrieverssuperlative both as workers and as show dogs, and who probably didmore for the breed than any other man of his generation. 

[Illustration: MR. H. REGINALD COOKE'S RETRIEVER CH. WORSLEY BESS_From the Painting by Maud Earl_]

Mr. Shirley's work was carried on by Mr. Harding Cox, who devotedmuch time and energy to the production of good Retrievers, many ofwhich were of Mr. Shirley's strain. Mr. Cox's dogs deservedly achievedconsiderable fame for their levelness of type, and the improvementin heads so noticeable at the present time is to be ascribed to hisbreeding for this point. Mr. L. Allen Shuter, the owner of Ch. Darenthand other excellent Retrievers of his own breeding, claims also alarge share of credit for the part he has played in the generalimprovement of the breed. Mr. C. A. Phillips, too, owned admirablespecimens, and the name of the late Lieut. -Colonel Cornwall Legh mustbe included. Many of Colonel Legh's bitches were of Shirley blood, but it is believed that a breed of Retrievers had existed at HighLegh for several generations, with which a judicious cross was made, the result being not only the formation of a remarkable kennel, butalso a decided influence for good upon the breed in general. 

But since the Shirley days, when competition was more limited thanit is at present, no kennel of Retrievers has ever attained anythinglike the distinction of that owned by Mr. H. Reginald Cooke, atRiverside, Nantwich. By acquiring the best specimens of the breedfrom all available sources, Mr. Cooke has gathered together a stockwhich has never been equalled. His ideas of type and conformationare the outcome of close and attentive study and consistent practice, and one needs to go to Riverside if one desires to see the highestexamples of what a modern flat-coated Retriever can be. 

Since Dr. Bond Moore imparted to the Retriever a fixity of character, the coats have become longer and less wavy, and in conformation ofskull, colour of eye, straightness of legs, and quality of bone, therehas been a perceptible improvement. 

As there is no club devoted to the breed, and consequently no officialstandard of points, the following description of the perfect Retrieveris offered:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE--That of a well-proportioned bright and activesporting dog, showing power without lumber and raciness withoutweediness. HEAD--Long, fine, without being weak, the muzzle square, the underjaw strong with an absence of lippiness or throatiness. EYES--Dark as possible, with a very intelligent, mild expression. NECK--Long and clean. EARS--Small, well set on, and carried closeto the head. SHOULDERS--Oblique, running well into the back, withplenty of depth of chest. BODY--Short and square, and well ribbedup. STERN--Short and straight, and carried gaily, but not curled overthe back. FORE-LEGS--Straight, pasterns strong, feet small and round. QUARTERS--Strong; stifles well bent. COAT--Dense black or liver, offine quality and texture. Flat, not wavy. WEIGHT--From 65 lb. To 80lb. For dogs; bitches rather less. 

 * * * * *

As a rule the Retriever should be chosen for the intelligent lookof his face, and particular attention should be paid to the shapeof his head and to his eyes. His frame is important, of course, butin the Retriever the mental qualities are of more significance thanbodily points. 

There has been a tendency in recent years among Retriever breedersto fall into the common error of exaggerating a particular point, and of breeding dogs with a head far too fine and narrow--it is whathas been aptly called the alligator head--lacking in brain capacityand power of jaw. A perfect head should be long and clean, but neitherweak nor snipy. The eye should be placed just halfway between theocciput and the tip of the nose. 

It is pleasing to add that to this beautiful breed the phrase"handsome is as handsome does" applies in full measure. Not only isthe average Retriever of a companionable disposition, with delightfulintelligence that is always responsive, but he is a good and faithfulguard and a courageous protector of person and property. It hasalready been said that the majority of the best-looking Retrieversare also good working dogs, and it may here be added that many ofthe most successful working dogs are sired by prize-winners in theshow ring. 

 THE CURLY-COATED RETRIEVER

The curly-coated Retriever is commonly believed to be of earlierorigin than his flat-coated relative, and he is of less pure descent. He probably owes ancestral tribute to the Poodle. Such a cross mayconceivably have been resorted to by the early Retriever breeders, and there was little to lose from a merely sporting point of viewfrom this alien introduction, for the Poodle is well known to be bynature, if not by systematic training, an excellent water dog, capableof being taught anything that the canine mind can comprehend. Duringthe early years of the nineteenth century the Poodle was fairlyplentiful in England, and we had no other curly-coated dog of similarsize and type apart from the Irish Water Spaniel, who may himselflay claim to Poodle relationship; while as to the Retriever, eithercurly or flat coated, he can in no sense be assigned to any countryoutside of Great Britain. The presumption is strong that the"gentleman from France" was largely instrumental in the manufactureof the variety, but whatever the origin of the curly-coated Retrieverhe is a beautiful dog, and one is gratified to note that the oldprejudice against him, and the old indictment as to his hard mouth, are fast giving place to praise of his intelligence and admirationof his working abilities. 

Speaking generally, it seems to be accepted that he is slightlyinferior in nose to his flat-coated cousin, and not quite so easyto break, but there are many keepers and handlers who have discoveredin individual specimens extraordinary merit in the field combinedwith great endurance. It is not certain that any great improvementhas been effected in the variety during recent years, but there areparticular dogs to-day who are decidedly better than any that existeda dozen years or more ago, when such celebrities as True, Old Sam, King Koffee, Ben Wonder, Doden Ben, Lad and Una, were prominent, andthere is no doubt that the curly coats attained show form in advanceof the flat-coated variety. 

The coat of the curly Retriever plays a very important part in hisvalue and personality. There are many kinds of coat, but the onlytrue and proper one is the close-fitting "nigger curl, " of which eachknot is solid and inseparable. A coat of this quality is not capableof improvement by any method of grooming, for the simple reason thatits natural condition is in itself perfect. The little locks shouldbe so close together as to be impervious to water, and all parts ofthe body should be evenly covered with them, including the tail andlegs. A bad class of coat, and one which readily yields to the faker'sart, is the thin open curl which by careful manipulation can begreatly improved. Another bad quality of coat is one in which, uponthe withers and over the loins in particular, the curls do not tightenup naturally, but are large, loose, and soft to the feel. Regardingthe dog as a whole, the following may be taken as an all-rounddescription:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE--That of a smart, active, clean-cut and alert dog, full of go and fire--a sportsman from stem to stern. HEAD--Long andnot weedy in the muzzle, nor thick and coarse in the skull, buttapering down and finishing with a stout broad muzzle. SKULL--Shouldbe flat and moderately broad between the ears, which are rather small, and well covered with hair. EARS--Should lie close to the side ofthe head, but not dead in their carriage. FACE--The face should besmooth, and any indication of a forelock should be penalised. EYE--Theeye should in all cases be dark and not too deeply set. NECK--Wellplaced in the shoulders and nicely arched, of moderate length andyet powerful and free from throatiness. SHOULDERS--Well laid backand as free from massiveness as possible, though there is a decidedtendency in this variety to such a fault. LEGS--Straight and wellcovered with coat. The bone should show quality and yet be fairlyabundant. FEET--Compact and hound-like. BODY--Should show great power, with deep, well-rounded ribs. As little cut-up in the flank aspossible. TAIL--Strong at the base, set on in a line with the backand tapering to a point, the size of the curls upon it diminishinggradually to the end. HIND-QUARTERS--Should show great developmentof muscle, with bent hocks, the lower leg being strong and the hindfeet compact. Any suspicion of cow hocks should be heavily penalised. COLOUR--Mostly a dull black. Some liver-coloured dogs are seen withvery good coats and bodies, but their heads are generally thick andcoarse, and the colour of their eyes does not always match, as itshould do, with the colour of the coat. A few dogs of this colourhave achieved distinction on the show bench. 

 * * * * *

 THE LABRADOR

Within recent years the original smooth-coated Labrador dog has takenits place as a recognised variety of the Retriever and becomeprominent both at exhibitions and as a worker. It is not probablethat any have been imported into England for the past quarter of acentury, but without the assistance of shows or imported blood theyhave survived marvellously. Thanks especially to the kennels of suchbreeders as the Dukes of Buccleuch and Hamilton, the Earl of Verulam, Lords Wimborne, Horne, and Malmesbury, the Hon. A. Holland Hibbert, Sir Savile Crossley, Mr. F. P. Barnett, Mr. C. Liddell, Mr. O. L. Mansel, and others equally enthusiastic. 

To the Duke of Buccleuch's kennel we are probably more indebted inthe last twenty years than to any other. Its foundation was laid intwo bitches by a dog of the Duke of Hamilton's from a bitch of LordMalmesbury's. At Drumlanrig, as well as on the Duke's other estates, they have been most particular in preserving the purity and workingqualities of their strain. And the same may be said of the Hon. A. Holland Hibbert, whose principal dogs are not only typical inappearance, but broken to perfection. The Duchess of Hamilton'skennels have been responsible for some of the best field trial winnersof the present day. As far as looks are concerned, one cannot saythat the Labrador compares favourably with either the flat or thecurly coated Retriever, but that is immaterial so long as he continuesto work as he is doing at present. 

CHAPTER XXV

THE SPORTING SPANIEL

I. THE SPANIEL FAMILY. --The Spaniel family is without any doubt oneof the most important of the many groups which are included in thecanine race, not only on account of its undoubted antiquity, and, compared with other families, its well authenticated lineage, butalso because of its many branches and subdivisions, ranging in sizefrom the majestic and massive Clumbers to the diminutive toys whichwe are accustomed to associate with fair ladies' laps and gaily-deckedpens at our big dog shows. 

Moreover, the different varieties of Setters undoubtedly derive theirorigin from the same parent stock, since we find them described bythe earlier sporting writers as "setting" or "crouching" Spaniels, in contradistinction to the "finding" or "springing" Spaniel, whoflushed the game he found without setting or pointing it. As timewent on, the setting variety was, no doubt, bred larger and longerin the leg, with a view to increased pace; but the Spaniel-like headand coat still remain to prove the near connection between the twobreeds. 

All the different varieties of Spaniels, both sporting and toy, have, with the exception of the Clumber and the Irish Water Spaniel (whois not, despite his name, a true Spaniel at all), a common origin, though at a very early date we find them divided into twogroups--viz. , Land and Water Spaniels, and these two were keptdistinct, and bred to develop those points which were most essentialfor their different spheres of work. The earliest mention of Spanielsto be found in English literature is contained in the celebrated"Master of Game, " the work of Edward Plantagenet, second Duke of York, and Master of Game to his uncle, Henry IV. , to whom the work isdedicated. It was written between the years 1406 and 1413, andalthough none of the MSS. , of which some sixteen are in existence, is dated, this date can be fairly accurately fixed, as the authorwas appointed Master of Game in the former and killed at Agincourtin the latter year. His chapter on Spaniels, however, is mainly atranslation from the equally celebrated "Livre de Chasse, " of GastonComte de Foix, generally known as Gaston Phoebus, which was writtenin 1387, so that we may safely assume that Spaniels were well known, and habitually used as aids to the chase both in France and England, as early as the middle of the fourteenth century. 

In the eighteenth and early part of the nineteenth century the Spanielwas described by many writers on sporting subjects; but there is agreat similarity in most of these accounts, each author apparentlyhaving been content to repeat in almost identical language what hadbeen said upon the subject by his predecessors, without importingany originality or opinions of his own. Many of these works, notwithstanding this defect, are very interesting to the student ofSpaniel lore, and the perusal of Blaine's _Rural Sports_, Taplin's_Sporting Dictionary and Rural Repository_, Scott's _Sportsman'sRepository_, and Needham's _Complete Sportsman_, can be recommendedto all who wish to study the history of the development of the variousmodern breeds. The works of the French writers, De Cominck, DeCherville, Blaze, and Megnin, are well worth reading, while of lateyears the subject has been treated very fully by such British writersas the late J. H. Walsh ("Stonehenge"), Mr. Vero Shaw, Mr. RawdonLee, Colonel Claude Cane, and Mr. C. A. Phillips. 

Nearly all of the early writers, both French and English, are agreedthat the breed came originally from Spain, and we may assume thatsuch early authorities as Gaston Phoebus, Edward Plantagenet, andDr. Caius had good reasons for telling us that these dogs were calledSpaniels because they came from Spain. 

The following distinct breeds or varieties are recognised by theKennel Club: (1) Irish Water Spaniels; (2) Water Spaniels other thanIrish; (3) Clumber Spaniels; (4) Sussex Spaniels; (5) Field Spaniels;(6) English Springers; (7) Welsh Springers; (8) Cocker Spaniels. Eachof these varieties differs considerably from the others, and eachhas its own special advocates and admirers, as well as its ownparticular sphere of work for which it is best fitted, though almostany Spaniel can be made into a general utility dog, which is, perhaps, one of the main reasons for the popularity of the breed. 

II. THE IRISH WATER SPANIEL. --There is only one breed of dog knownin these days by the name of Irish Water Spaniel, but if we are totrust the writers of no longer ago than half a century there wereat one time two, if not three, breeds of Water Spaniels peculiar tothe Emerald Isle. These were the Tweed Water Spaniel, the NorthernWater Spaniel, and the Southern Water Spaniel, the last of thesebeing the progenitors of our modern strains. 

The history of the Irish Water Spaniel is in many ways a veryextraordinary one. According to the claim of Mr. Justin McCarthy, it originated entirely in his kennels, and this claim has never beenseriously disputed by the subsequent owners and breeders of thesedogs. It seems improbable that Mr. Justin McCarthy can actually haveoriginated or manufactured a breed possessing so many extremely markeddifferences and divergences of type as the Irish Water Spaniel; butwhat he probably did was to rescue an old and moribund breed fromimpending extinction, and so improve it by judicious breeding, andcross-breeding as to give it a new lease of life, and permanentlyfix its salient points and characteristics. However that may be, little seems to have been known of the breed before he took it inhand, and it is very certain that nearly every Irish Water Spanielseen for the last half century owes its descent to his old dogBoatswain, who was born in 1834 and lived for eighteen years. He musthave been a grand old dog, since Mr. McCarthy gave him to Mr. JoliffeTuffnell in 1849, when he was fifteen years old; and his new ownersubsequently bred by him Jack, a dog whose name appears in manypedigrees. 

It was not until 1862 that the breed seems to have attracted muchnotice in England, but in that year the Birmingham Committee gavetwo classes for them, in which, however, several of the prizes werewithheld for want of merit; the next few years saw these dogs makinggreat strides in popularity and, classes being provided at most ofthe important shows, many good specimens were exhibited. 

During the last few years, however, the breed seems to have beenprogressing the wrong way, and classes at shows have not been nearlyso strong, either in numbers or in quality, as they used to be. Yetthere have been, and are still, quite a large number of good dogsand bitches to be seen, and it only needs enthusiasm and co-operationamong breeders to bring back the palmiest days of the Irish WaterSpaniel. 

There is no member of the whole canine family which has a moredistinctive personal appearance than the Irish Water Spaniel. Withhim it is a case of once seen never forgotten, and no one who hasever seen one could possibly mistake him for anything else than whathe is. His best friends probably would not claim beauty, in theaesthetic sense, for him; but he is attractive in a quaint waypeculiarly his own, and intelligent-looking. In this particular hislooks do not bewray him; he is, in fact, one of the most intelligentof all the dogs used in aid of the gun, and in his own sphere oneof the most useful. That sphere, there is no doubt, is that indicatedby his name, and it is in a country of bogs and marshes, like thesouth and west of Ireland, of which he was originally a native, wheresnipe and wildfowl provide the staple sport of the gunner, that heis in his element and seen at his best, though, no doubt, he can doexcellent work as an ordinary retriever, and is often used as such. 

But Nature (or Mr. McCarthy's art) has specially formed and endowedhim for the amphibious sport indicated above, and has provided himwith an excellent nose, an almost waterproof coat, the sportinginstincts of a true son of Erin, and, above all, a disposition fullof good sense; he is high-couraged, and at the same time adaptableto the highest degree of perfection in training. His detractors oftenaccuse him of being hard-mouthed, but this charge is not well founded. Many a dog which is used to hunt or find game as well as to retrieveit, will often kill a wounded bird or rabbit rather than allow itto escape, while there are many Irish Water Spaniels who, under normalcircumstances, are just as tender-mouthed as the most fashionableof black Retrievers. Besides his virtues in the field, the Irish WaterSpaniel has the reputation--a very well-founded one--of being thebest of pals. 

Most people are well acquainted with the personal appearance of thisquaint-looking dog. The points regarded as essential are as follows:--

 * * * * *

COLOUR--The colour should always be a rich dark liver or puce withoutany white at all. Any white except the slightest of "shirt fronts"should disqualify. The _nose_ of course should conform to the coatin colour, and be dark brown. HEAD--The head should have a capaciousskull, fairly but not excessively domed, with plenty of brain room. It should be surmounted with a regular topknot of curly hair, a _mostimportant_ and distinctive point. This topknot should _never_ besquare cut or like a poodle's wig, but should grow down to a welldefined point between the eyes. EYES--The eyes should be small, dark, and set obliquely, like a Chinaman's. EARS--The ears should be long, strong in leather, low set, heavily ringleted, and from 18 to 24inches long, according to size. MUZZLE AND JAW--The muzzle and jawshould be long and strong. There should be a decided "stop, " but notso pronounced as to make the brows or forehead prominent. NECK--Theneck should be fairly long and very muscular. SHOULDERS--The shouldersshould be sloping. Most Irish Water Spaniels have bad, straightshoulders, a defect which should be bred out. CHEST--The chest isdeep, and usually rather narrow, but should not be so narrow as toconstrict the heart and lungs. BACK AND LOINS--The back and loinsstrong and arched. FORE-LEGS--The fore-legs straight and well boned. Heavily feathered or ringleted all over. HIND-LEGS--The hind-legswith hocks set very low, stifles rather straight, feathered all over, except inside from the hocks down, which part should be covered withshort hair (a most distinctive point). FEET--The feet large and ratherspreading as is proper for a water dog, well clothed with hair. STERN--The stern covered with the shortest of hair, except for thefirst couple of inches next the buttocks, whiplike or stinglike (amost important point), and carried low, not like a hound's. COAT--Thecoat composed entirely of short crisp curls, not woolly like aPoodle's, and very dense. If left to itself, this coat mats or cords, but this is not permissible in show dogs. The hair on the muzzle andforehead below the topknot is quite short and smooth, as well as thaton the stern. GENERAL APPEARANCE--Is not remarkable for symmetry, but is quaint and intelligent looking. HEIGHT--The height should bebetween 21 and 23 inches. 

 * * * * *

III. THE ENGLISH WATER SPANIEL. --In the Kennel Club's Register ofBreeds no place is allotted to this variety, all Water Spaniels otherthan Irish being classed together. Despite this absence of officialrecognition there is abundant evidence that a breed of Spanielslegitimately entitled to the designation of English Water Spanielshas been in existence for many years, in all probability a descendantof the old "Water-Dogge, " an animal closely resembling the French"Barbet, " the ancestor of the modern Poodle. They were even trimmedat times much in the same way as a Poodle is nowadays, as Markhamgives precise directions for "the cutting or shearing him from thenauill downeward or backeward. " The opinion expressed by the writerof _The Sportsman's Cabinet_, 1803, is that the breed originated froma cross between the large water dog and the Springing Spaniel, andthis is probably correct, though Youatt, a notable authority, thinksthat the cross was with an English Setter. Possibly some strains mayhave been established in this way, and not differ very much in makeand shape from those obtained from the cross with the Spaniel, asit is well known that Setters and Spaniels have a common origin. 

In general appearance the dog resembles somewhat closely the Springer, except that he may be somewhat higher on the leg, and that his coatshould consist of crisp, tight curls, almost like Astrakhan fur, everywhere except on his face, where it should be short. There shouldbe no topknot like that of the Irish Water Spaniel. 

IV. THE CLUMBER SPANIEL is in high favour in the Spaniel world, bothwith shooting men and exhibitors, and the breed well deserves fromboth points of view the position which it occupies in the publicesteem. No other variety is better equipped mentally and physicallyfor the work it is called upon to do in aid of the gun; and few, certainly none of the Spaniels, surpass or even equal it inappearance. 

As a sporting dog, the Clumber is possessed of the very best of noses, a natural inclination both to hunt his game and retrieve it whenkilled, great keenness and perseverance wonderful endurance andactivity considering his massive build, and as a rule is very easyto train, being highly intelligent and more docile and "biddable. "The man who owns a good dog of this breed, whether he uses it as aretriever for driven birds, works it in a team, or uses it as hissole companion when he goes gunning, possesses a treasure. The greatsuccess of these Spaniels in the Field Trials promoted by both thesocieties which foster those most useful institutions is enough toprove this, and more convincing still is the tenacity with which thefortunate possessors of old strains, mostly residents in the immediateneighbourhood of the original home of the breed, have held on to themand continued to breed and use them year after year for manygenerations. 

As a show dog, his massive frame, powerful limbs, pure white coat, with its pale lemon markings and frecklings, and, above all, hissolemn and majestic aspect, mark him out as a true aristocrat, withall the beauty of refinement which comes from a long line of culturedancestors. 

All research so far has failed to carry their history back any furtherthan the last quarter of the eighteenth century. About that time theDuc de Noailles presented some Spaniels, probably his whole kennel, which he brought from France, to the second Duke of Newcastle, fromwhose place, Clumber Park, the breed has taken its name. Beyond thisit seems impossible to go: indeed, the Clumber seems to be generallylooked upon as a purely English breed. 

From Clumber Park specimens found their way to most of the other greathouses in the neighbourhood, notably to Althorp Park, Welbeck Abbey, Birdsall House, Thoresby Hall, and Osberton Hall. It is from thekennels at the last-named place, owned by Mr. Foljambe, that mostof the progenitors of the Clumbers which have earned notoriety derivedtheir origin. Nearly all the most famous show winners of early dayswere descended from Mr. Foljambe's dogs, and his Beau may perhapsbe considered one of the most important "pillars of the stud, " ashe was the sire of Nabob, a great prize-winner, and considered oneof the best of his day, who belonged at various times during hiscareer to such famous showmen as Messrs. Phineas Bullock, Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Rawdon Lee, and Mr. G. Oliver. 

There has been a great deal of lamentation lately among old breedersand exhibitors about the decadence of the breed and the loss of thetrue old type possessed by these dogs. But, despite all they can sayto the contrary, the Clumber is now in a more flourishing state thanit ever has been; and although perhaps we have not now, nor have hadfor the last decade, a John o' Gaunt or a Tower, there have been alarge number of dogs shown during that time who possessed considerablemerit and would probably have held their own even in the days of thesebygone heroes. Some of the most notable have been Baillie Friar, Beechgrove Donally, Goring of Auchentorlie, Hempstead Toby, andPreston Shot, who all earned the coveted title of Champion. 

The Field Trials have, no doubt, had a great deal to do with thelargely augmented popularity of the breed and the great increase inthe number of those who own Clumbers. For the first two or three yearsafter these were truly established no other breed seemed to have achance with them; and even now, though both English and WelshSpringers have done remarkably well, they more than hold their own. The most distinguished performer by far was Mr. Winton Smith'sBeechgrove Bee, a bitch whose work was practically faultless, andthe first Field Trial Champion among Spaniels. Other good Clumberswho earned distinction in the field were Beechgrove Minette, Beechgrove Maud, the Duke of Portland's Welbeck Sambo, and Mr. Phillips' Rivington Honey, Rivington Pearl, and Rivington Reel. 

The points and general description of the breed as published by boththe Spaniel Club and the Clumber Spaniel Club are identical. Theyare as follows:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Large, square and massive, of medium length, broad on top, witha decided occiput; heavy brows with a deep stop; heavy freckledmuzzle, with well developed flew. EYES--Dark amber; slightly sunk. A light or prominent eye objectionable. EARS--Large, vine leaf shaped, and well covered with straight hair and hanging slightly forward, the feather not to extend below the leather. NECK--Very thick andpowerful, and well feathered underneath. BODY (INCLUDING SIZE ANDSYMMETRY)--Long and heavy, and near the ground. Weight of dogs about55 lb. To 65 lb. ; bitches about 45 lb. To 55 lb. NOSE--Square andflesh coloured. SHOULDERS AND CHEST--Wide and deep; shoulders strongand muscular. BACK AND LOIN--Back straight, broad and long; loinpowerful, well let down in flank. HIND-QUARTERS--Very powerful andwell developed. STERN--Set low, well feathered, and carried aboutlevel with the back. FEET AND LEGS--Feet large and round, well coveredwith hair; legs short, thick and strong; hocks low. COAT--Long, abundant, soft and straight. COLOUR--Plain white with lemon markings;orange permissible but not desirable; slight head markings with whitebody preferred. GENERAL APPEARANCE--Should be that of a long, low, heavy, very massive dog, with a thoughtful expression. 

 * * * * *

IV. THE SUSSEX SPANIEL. --This is one of the oldest of the distinctbreeds of Land Spaniels now existing in the British Islands, andprobably also the purest in point of descent, since it has for manyyears past been confined to a comparatively small number of kennels, the owners of which have always been at considerable pains to keeptheir strains free from any admixture of foreign blood. 

The modern race of Sussex Spaniels, as we know it, owes its originin the main to the kennel kept by Mr. Fuller at Rosehill Park, Brightling, near Hastings. This gentleman, who died in 1847, is saidto have kept his strain for fifty years or more, and to have shotover them almost daily during the season, but at his death they weredispersed by auction, and none of them can be traced with any accuracyexcept a dog and a bitch which were given at the time to Relf, thehead keeper. Relf survived his master for forty years, and kept uphis interest in the breed to the last. He used to say that the goldentinge peculiar to the Rosehill breed came from a bitch which had beenmated with a dog belonging to Dr. Watts, of Battle, and that everynow and then what he termed a "sandy" pup would turn up in herlitters. Owing to an outbreak of dumb madness in the Rosehill kennels, a very large number of its occupants either died or had to bedestroyed, and this no doubt accounted for the extreme scarcity ofthe breed when several enthusiasts began to revive it about the year1870. Mr. Saxby and Mr. Marchant are said to have had the same strainas that at Rosehill, and certainly one of the most famous sires whois to be found in most Sussex pedigrees was Buckingham, by Marchant'sRover out of Saxby's Fan. 

It was from the union of Buckingham, who was claimed to be pureRosehill--with Bebb's daughter Peggie that the great Bachelorresulted--a dog whose name is to be found in almost every latter-daypedigree, though Mr. Campbell Newington's strain, to which hasdescended the historic prefix "Rosehill, " contains less of this bloodthan any other. 

About 1879 Mr. T. Jacobs, of Newton Abbot, took up this breed withgreat success, owning, amongst other good specimens, Russett, Dolly, Brunette, and Bachelor III. , the latter a dog whose services at thestud cannot be estimated too highly. When this kennel was broken upin 1891, the best of the Sussex Spaniels were acquired by Mr. Woolland, and from that date this gentleman's kennel carried allbefore it until it in turn was broken up and dispersed in 1905. Sosuccessful was Mr. Woolland that one may almost say that he beat allother competitors off the field, though one of them, Mr. CampbellNewington, stuck most gallantly to him all through. 

Mr. Campbell Newington has been breeding Sussex Spaniels for overa quarter of a century with an enthusiasm and tenacity worthy of thewarmest admiration, and his strain is probably the purest, and morefull of the original blood than any other. His kennel has alwaysmaintained a very high standard of excellence, and many famous showspecimens have come from it, notably Rosehill Ruler II. (a splendidSussex, scarcely inferior to Bridford Giddie), Romulus, Roein, Rita, Rush, Rock, Rag, and Ranji, and many others of almost equal merit. 

Colonel Claude Cane's kennel of Sussex, started from a "Woolland-bred"foundation, has been going for some seventeen years, the best he hasshown being Jonathan Swift, Celbridge Eldorado, and CelbridgeChrysolite. 

The breed has always had a good character for work, and most of theolder writers who mention them speak of Sussex Spaniels in veryeulogistic terms. They are rather slow workers, but thoroughlyconscientious and painstaking, and are not afraid of any amount ofthick covert, through which they will force their way, and seldomleave anything behind them. 

A well-bred Sussex Spaniel is a very handsome dog. Indeed, hisbeautiful colour alone is enough to make his appearance an attractiveone, even if he were unsymmetrical and ungainly in his proportions. 

This colour, known as golden liver, is peculiar to the breed, andis the great touchstone and hall-mark of purity of blood. No otherdog has exactly the same shade of coat, which the word "liver" hardlydescribes exactly, as it is totally different from the ordinary livercolour of an Irishman, a Pointer, or even a liver Field Spaniel. Itis rather a golden chestnut with a regular metallic sheen as ofburnished metal, showing more especially on the head and face andeverywhere where the hair is short. This is very apparent when a doggets his new coat. In time, of course, it is liable to get somewhatbleached by sun and weather, when it turns almost yellow. Every expertknows this colour well, and looks for it at once when judging a classof Sussex. 

The description of the breed given by the Spaniel Club is asfollows:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--The skull should be moderately long, and also wide, with anindentation in the middle, and a full stop, brows fairly heavy;occiput full, but not pointed, the whole giving an appearance ofheaviness without dulness. EYES--Hazel colour, fairly large, softand languishing, not showing the haw overmuch. NOSE--The muzzle shouldbe about three inches long, square, and the lips somewhat pendulous. The nostrils well developed and liver colour. EARS--Thick, fairlylarge, and lobe shaped; set moderately low, but relatively not solow as in the Black Field Spaniel; carried close to the head, andfurnished with soft wavy hair. NECK--Is rather short, strong, andslightly arched, but not carrying the head much above the level ofthe back. There should not be much throatiness in the skin, but wellmarked frill in the coat. CHEST AND SHOULDERS--The chest is round, especially behind the shoulders, deep and wide, giving a good girth. The shoulders should be oblique. BACK AND BACK RIBS--The back andloin are long, and should be very muscular, both in width and depth;for this development the back ribs must be deep. The whole body ischaracterised as low, long, level, and strong. LEGS AND FEET--Thearms and thighs must be bony, as well as muscular, knees and hockslarge and strong, pasterns very short and bony, feet large and round, and with short hair between the toes. The legs should be very shortand strong, with great bone, and may show a slight bend in theforearm, and be moderately well feathered. The hind-legs should notbe apparently shorter than the fore-legs, or be too much bent at thehocks, so as to give a Settery appearance which is so objectionable. The hind-legs should be well feathered above the hocks, but shouldnot have much hair below that point. The hocks should be short andwide apart. TAIL--Should be docked from five to seven inches, setlow, and not carried above the level of the back, thickly clothedwith moderately long feather. COAT--Body coat abundant, flat orslightly waved, with no tendency to curl, moderately well featheredon legs and stern, but clean below the hocks. COLOUR--Rich goldenliver; this is a certain sign of the purity of the breed, dark liveror puce denoting unmistakably a recent cross with the black or othervariety of Field Spaniel. GENERAL APPEARANCE--Rather massive andmuscular, but with free movements and nice tail action denoting atractable and cheerful disposition. Weight from 35 lb. To 45 lb. 

 * * * * *

VI. THE FIELD SPANIEL. --The modern Field Spaniel may be divided intotwo classes. Indeed, we may almost say at this stage of caninehistory, two breeds, as for several years past there has not beenvery much intermingling of blood between the Blacks and those knownby the awkward designation of "Any Other Variety, " though, of course, all came originally from the same parent stock. 

The black members of the family have always been given the pride ofplace, and accounted of most importance, though latterly theirparti-coloured brethren seem to have rather overtaken them. 

Among the really old writers there is one mention, and one only, ofSpaniels of a black colour. Arcussia speaks of them, and of theirbeing used in connection with the sport of hawking, but from his timeup to the middle of the nineteenth century, though many colours arespoken of as being appropriate to the various breeds of Spaniels, no author mentions black. 

The first strain of blacks of which we know much belonged to Mr. F. Burdett, and was obtained from a Mr. Footman, of Lutterworth, Leicestershire, who was supposed to have owned them for some time. Mr. Burdett's Bob and Frank may be found at the head of very manyof the best pedigrees. At his death most of his Spaniels became theproperty of Mr. Jones, of Oscott, and Mr. Phineas Bullock, of Bilston, the latter of whom was most extraordinarily successful, and owneda kennel of Field Spaniels which was practically unbeatable betweenthe dates of the first Birmingham Show in 1861 and the publicationof the first volume of the Kennel Club's Stud Book in 1874, many, if not most, of the dogs which won for other owners having been bredby him. His Nellie and Bob, who won the chief prizes year after yearat all the leading shows, were probably the two best specimens oftheir day. Another most successful breeder was Mr. W. W. Boulton, of Beverley, whose kennel produced many celebrated dogs, includingBeverlac, said to be the largest Field Spaniel ever exhibited, andRolf, whose union with Belle produced four bitches who were destined, when mated with Nigger, a dog of Mr. Bullock's breeding, to form thefoundation of the equally if not more famous kennel belonging to Mr. T. Jacobs, of Newton Abbot. 

It was Mr. Jacobs who, by judiciously mating his Sussex siresBachelor, Bachelor III. , and others with these black-bred bitches, established the strain which in his hands and in those of hissuccessors, Captain S. M. Thomas and Mr. Moses Woolland, carried allbefore it for many years, and is still easily at the top of the tree, being the most sought for and highly prized of all on account of its"quality. "

If Black Spaniels are not quite so popular at present as they weresome years ago, the fault lies with those breeders, exhibitors, andjudges (the latter being most to blame) who encouraged the absurdcraze for excessive length of body and shortness of leg which notvery long ago threatened to transform the whole breed into a raceof cripples, and to bring it into contempt and derision among allpractical men. No breed or variety of dog has suffered more from theinjudicious fads and crazes of those showmen who are not sportsmenalso. At one time among a certain class of judges, length and lownesswas everything, and soundness, activity, and symmetry simply did notcount. As happens to all absurd crazes of this kind when carried toexaggeration, public opinion has proved too much for it, but notbefore a great deal of harm has been done to a breed which iscertainly ornamental, and can be most useful as well. Most of theprize-winners of the present day are sound, useful dogs capable ofwork, and it is to be hoped that judges will combine to keep themso. 

The coloured Field Spaniel has now almost invariably at the principalshows special classes allotted to him, and does not have to competeagainst his black brother, as used to be the case in former years. 

The systematic attempt to breed Spaniels of various colours, with agroundwork of white, does not date back much more than a quarter ofa century, and the greater part of the credit for producing thisvariety may be given to three gentlemen, Mr. F. E. Schofield, Dr. J. H. Spurgin, and Mr. J. W. Robinson. In the early days of breedingblacks, when the bitches were mated either with Sussex or liver andwhite Springers or Norfolk Spaniels, many parti-coloured puppiesnecessarily occurred, which most breeders destroyed; but it occurredto some of these gentlemen that a handsome and distinct variety mightbe obtained by careful selection, and they have certainly succeededto a very great extent. The most famous names among the early siresare Dr. Spurgin's Alonzo and his son Fop, and Mr. Robinson's AlvaDash, from one or other of whom nearly all the modern celebritiesderive their descent. 

Those who have been, and are, interested in promoting and breedingthese variety Spaniels deserve a large amount of credit for theirperseverance, which has been attended with the greatest success sofar as producing colour goes. No doubt there is a very greatfascination in breeding for colour, and in doing so there is no royalroad to success, which can only be attained by the exercise of thegreatest skill and the nicest discrimination in the selection ofbreeding stock. At the same time colour is not everything, and typeand working qualities should never be sacrificed to it. This has toooften been done in the case of coloured Field Spaniels. There areplenty of beautiful blue roans, red roans, and tricolours, whetherblue roan and tan or liver roan and tan, but nearly all of them areeither cocktailed, weak in hind-quarters, crooked-fronted, orhoundy-headed, and showing far too much haw. In fact, in head andfront the greater number of the tricolours remind one of theBasset-hound almost as much as they do in colour. It is to be hopedthat colour-breeders will endeavour to get back the true Spaniel typebefore it is too late. 

The points of both black and coloured Field Spaniels are identical, bar colour, and here it must be said that black and tan, liver andtan, and liver are not considered true variety colours, though ofcourse they have to compete in those classes, but rather sportsfrom black. The colours aimed at by variety breeders have all aground colour of white, and are black and white, blue roan, liverand white, red roan, liver white and tan, and tricolours orquadri-colours--_i. E. _, blue or red roan and tan, or both combined, with tan. The Spaniel Club furnishes the following description ofthe Black Field Spaniel:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Should be quite characteristic of this grand sporting dog, asthat of the Bloodhound or the Bulldog; its very stamp and countenanceshould at once convey the conviction of high breeding, character andnobility; skull well developed, with a distinctly elevated occipitaltuberosity, which, above all, gives the character alluded to; nottoo wide across muzzle, long and lean, never snipy nor squarely cut, and in profile curving gradually from nose to throat; lean beneatheyes, a thickness here gives coarseness to the whole head. The greatlength of muzzle gives surface for the free development of theolfactory nerve, and thus secures the highest possible scentingpowers. EYES--Not too full, but not small, receding or overhung;colour dark hazel or dark brown, or nearly black; grave in expression, and bespeaking unusual docility and instinct. EARS--Set low down aspossible, which greatly adds to the refinement and beauty of the head, moderately long and wide, and sufficiently clad with nice Setter-likefeather. NECK--Very strong and muscular, so as to enable the dog toretrieve his game without undue fatigue; not too short, however. BODY(INCLUDING SIZE AND SYMMETRY)--Long and very low, well ribbed up toa good strong loin, straight or slightly arched, never slack; weightfrom about 35 lbs. To 45 lbs. NOSE--Well developed, with good opennostrils, and always black. SHOULDERS AND CHEST--Former sloping andfree, latter deep and well developed, but not too round and wide. BACK AND LOIN--Very strong and muscular; level and long in proportionto the height of the dog. HIND-QUARTERS--Very powerful and muscular, wide, and fully developed. STERN--Well set on, and carried low, ifpossible below the level of the back, in a perfectly straight line, or with a slight downward inclination, never elevated above the back, and in action always kept low, nicely fringed, with wavy feather ofsilky texture. FEET AND LEGS--Feet not too small, and well protectedbetween the toes with soft feather; good strong pads. Legs straightand immensely boned, strong and short, and nicely feathered withstraight or waved Setter-like feather, overmuch feathering below thehocks objectionable. COAT--Flat or slightly waved, and never curled. Sufficiently dense to resist the weather, and not too short. Silkyin texture, glossy, and refined in nature, with neither duffelnesson the one hand nor curl or wiriness on the other. On chest underbelly, and behind the legs, there should be abundant feather, butnever too much, and that of the right sort, viz. , Setter-like. Thetail and hind-quarters should be similarly adorned. COLOUR--Jet blackthroughout, glossy and true. A little white on chest, though adrawback, not a disqualification. GENERAL APPEARANCE--That of asporting dog, capable of learning and doing anything possible forhis inches and conformation. A grand combination of beauty andutility. 

 * * * * *

VII. THE ENGLISH SPRINGER. --It is only quite recently that the KennelClub has officially recognised the variety known by the name at thehead of this section. For a long time the old-fashioned liver andwhite, or black Spaniels, longer in the leg than either Sussex orField Spaniels, had been known as Norfolk Spaniels, and under thistitle the Spaniel Club has published a description of them. Therehad, however, been a considerable amount of discussion about thepropriety of this name of "Norfolk, " and the weight of the evidenceadduced went to show that as far as any territorial connection withthe county of that name went, it was a misnomer, and that it probablyarose from the breed having been kept by one of the Dukes of Norfolk, most likely that one quoted by Blaine in his _Rural Sports_, who wasso jealous of his strain that it was only on the expressly stipulatedcondition that they were not to be allowed to breed in the directline that he would allow one to leave his kennels. 

But, when this old breed was taken up by the Sporting Spaniel Society, they decided to drop the name of "Norfolk, " and to revert to the oldtitle of "Springer, " not, perhaps, a very happy choice, as allSpaniels are, properly speaking, Springers in contradistinction toSetters. The complete official designation on the Kennel Club'sregister is "English Springers other than Clumbers, Sussex, andField, " a very clumsy name for a breed. There is no doubt that thisvariety of Spaniel retains more resemblance to the old strains whichbelonged to our forefathers, before the long and low idea found favourin the eyes of exhibitors, and it was certainly well worth preserving. The only way nowadays by which uniformity of type can be obtainedis by somebody having authority drawing up a standard and scale ofpoints for breeders to go by, and the Sporting Spaniel Society areto be commended for having done this for the breed under notice, thefruit of their action being already apparent in the larger and moreuniform classes to be seen at shows. 

As the officially recognised life of the breed has been such a shortone, there are naturally not very many names of note among theprize-winners. The principal breeders and owners have so far beenMr. W. Arkwright, Mr. Harry Jones, Sir Hugo FitzHerbert, Mr. C. C. Bethune Eversfield, and Mr. Winton Smith. 

They are undoubtedly the right dogs for those who want Spaniels totravel faster and cover more ground than the more ponderous andshort-legged Clumbers, Sussex, or Field Spaniels do, but their workis hardly equal in finish and precision to that of either of the twoformer breeds. 

The following revised description of the English Springer has beenissued by the Sporting Spaniel Society:--

 * * * * *

SKULL--Long and slightly arched on top, fairly broad, with a stop, and well-developed temples. JAWS--Long and broad, not snipy, withplenty of thin lip. EYES--Medium size, not too full, but bright andintelligent, of a rich brown. EARS--Of fair length, low set, andlobular in shape. NECK--Long, strong, and slightly arched. SHOULDERS--Long and sloping. FORE-LEGS--Of a moderate length, straight, with flat strong bone. BODY--Strong, with well-sprung ribs, good girth, and chest deep and fairly broad. LOIN--Rather long, strong, and slightly arched. HIND-QUARTERS AND HIND-LEGS--Verymuscular, hocks well let down, stifles moderately bent, and nottwisted inwards or outwards. FEET--Strong and compact. STERN--Lowcarried, not above the level of the back, and with a vibratory motion. COAT--Thick and smooth or very slightly wavy, it must not be too long. The feathering must be only moderate on the ears, and scanty on thelegs, but continued down to the heels. COLOUR--Liver and white andblack and white (with or without tan), fawn and white, yellow andwhite, also roans and self colours of all these tints. The piedcolours are preferable, however, as more easily seen in cover. GENERALAPPEARANCE--An active compact dog, upstanding, but by no means stilty. His height at shoulder should about equal his length from the topof the withers to the root of the tail. 

 * * * * *

VIII. THE WELSH SPRINGER. --Like the English Springer, the WelshSpringer has only very recently come into existence--officially, thatis to say; but his admirers claim for him that he has existed as aseparate breed for a long time, though not beyond the bounds of thePrincipality, where he is referred to as the Starter. 

When his claims were first put forward they were vigorously contestedby many who could claim to speak and write with authority upon thevarious breeds of Spaniels existing in these islands, and it wasfreely asserted that they were nothing but crossbreds between theordinary Springer and probably a Clumber in order to account for thered or orange markings and the vine-leaf-shaped ears. Even if theyare a new breed, they are a most meritorious one, both in theirappearance, which is eminently sporting and workmanlike, and for theexcellence of their work in the field, which has been amplydemonstrated by the record earned at the field trials by Mr. A. T. Williams and others, but those who have seen them at work have nothingbut good to say of them, and for working large rough tracts of countryin teams their admirers say they are unequalled. 

In appearance they are decidedly attractive, rather more lightly builtthan most Spaniels, small in size, indeed very little larger thanCockers, invariably white in colour, with red or orange markings, and possessing rather fine heads with small Clumber-shaped ears. Theirgeneral appearance is that of extremely smart and active little dogs. 

The Welsh Springer is described by the Sporting Spaniel Society asfollows:--

 * * * * *

SKULL--Fairly long and fairly broad, slightly rounded with a stopat the eyes. JAWS--Medium length, straight, fairly square, thenostrils well developed, and flesh coloured or dark. A short, chubbyhead is objectionable. EYES--Hazel or dark, medium size, notprominent, not sunken, nor showing haw. EARS--Comparatively smalland gradually narrowing towards the tip, covered with feather notlonger than the ear, set moderately low and hanging close to thecheeks. NECK--Strong, muscular, clean in throat. SHOULDERS--Long andsloping. FORE-LEGS--Medium length, straight, good bone, moderatelyfeathered. BODY--Strong, fairly deep, not long, well-sprung ribs. Length of body should be proportionate to length of leg. LOIN--Muscular and strong, slightly arched, well coupled up and knittogether. HIND-QUARTERS AND HIND-LEGS--Strong; hocks well let down;stifles moderately bent (not twisted in or out), not feathered belowthe hock on the leg. FEET--Round, with thick pads. STERN--Low, nevercarried above the level of the back, feathered, and with a livelymotion. COAT--Straight or flat, and thick. COLOUR--Red or orange andwhite. GENERAL APPEARANCE--Symmetrical, compact, strong, merry, active, not stilty, built for endurance and activity, and about 28lb. And upwards in weight, but not exceeding 45 lb. 

 * * * * *

IX. THE COCKER SPANIEL. --For the last few years the popularity ofthis smaller sized branch of the Spaniel tribe has been steadilyincreasing, and the Cocker classes at most of the best shows are nowremarkable both for the number of entries and the very high standardof excellence to which they attain. 

A short time ago black Cockers were decidedly more fashionable thantheir parti-coloured relatives, but now the reverse is the case, andthe various roans and tricolours have overtaken and passed the others, both in general quality and in the public esteem. The reason for thispopularity of the breed as a whole is not far to seek. Theaffectionate and merry disposition of the Cocker and his small sizecompared with that of the other breeds pre-eminently fit him for acompanion in the house as well as in the field, and he ranks amonghis admirers quite as many of the fairer sex as he does men--a factwhich is not without a certain element of danger, since it shouldnever be lost sight of that the breed is a sporting one, which shouldon no account be allowed to degenerate into a race of mere housecompanions or toys. 

Small-sized Spaniels, usually called Cockers, from their being moreespecially used in woodcock shooting, have been indigenous to Walesand Devonshire for many years, and it is most likely from one or bothof these sources that the modern type has been evolved. It is probabletoo that the type in favour to-day, of a short coupled, rather "cobby"dog, fairly high on the leg, is more like that of these old-fashionedCockers than that which obtained a decade or two ago, when they werescarcely recognised as a separate breed, and the Spaniel classes wereusually divided into "Field Spaniels over 25 lb. " and "Field Spanielsunder 25 lb. " In those days a large proportion of the prizes fellto miniature Field Spaniels. The breed was not given officialrecognition on the Kennel Club's register till 1893, nor a sectionto itself in the Stud Book; and up to that date the only realqualification a dog required to be enabled to compete as a Cockerwas that he should be under the weight of 25 lb. , a limit arbitrarilyand somewhat irrationally fixed, since in the case of an animal juston the border-line he might very well have been a Cocker before anda Field Spaniel after breakfast. 

It is not easy to find authentic pedigrees going back further thana quarter of a century, but Mr. C. A. Phillips can trace his ownstrain back to 1860, and Mr. James Farrow was exhibiting successfullythirty-five years ago. The former gentleman published the pedigreeof his bitch Rivington Dora for eighteen generations _in extenso_in _The Sporting Spaniel_; while the famous Obo strain of the lattermay be said to have exercised more influence than any other on theblack variety both in this country and in the United States. 

It was in 1880 that the most famous of all the "pillars" of the Cockerstud, Mr. James Farrow's Obo, made his first bow to the public, heand his litter sister Sally having been born the year before. He wonthe highest honours that the show bench can give, and the importanceof his service to the breed both in his owner's kennel and outsideit, can scarcely be over-estimated. Nearly all of the best blacks, and many of the best coloured Cockers, are descended from him. Atthis period the type mostly favoured was that of a dog rather longerin the body and lower on the leg than it is at present, but the Obofamily marked a progressive step, and very rightly kept on winningunder all the best judges for many years, their owner being far toogood a judge himself ever to exhibit anything but first-classspecimens. 

[Illustration: THREE GENERATIONS OF MR. R. DE C. PEELE'S BLUE ROANCOCKER SPANIELS--CH. BEN BOWDLER (Father), CH. BOB BOWDLER (Son), and CH. DIXON BOWDLER (Grandson) _From the Painting by LilianCheviot_]

Meanwhile, although the blacks were far the most fashionable--andit was said that it was hopeless to try to get the same quality incoloured specimens--several enthusiastic breeders for colour werequietly at work, quite undismayed by the predilection shown by mostexhibitors and judges for the former colour. Among them was Mr. C. A. Phillips, whose two bitches from Mr. James Freme, of Wepre Hall, Flintshire, succeeded in breeding from one of them, whom he namedRivington Sloe, the celebrated dog Rivington Signal, who, mated withRivington Blossom, produced Rivington Bloom, who was in turn the damof Rivington Redcoat. These dogs proved almost, if not quite, asvaluable to the coloured variety as Obo did to the blacks, and formedthe foundation of Mr. J. M. Porter's celebrated Braeside strain whichafterwards became so famous. 

During the last few years Mr. R. De Courcy Peele's kennel has easilyheld the pride of place in this variety. Most readers are no doubtfamiliar with the many beautiful Cockers which have appeared in theshow ring and carried off so many prizes under the distinguishingaffix Bowdler. His kennel was built up on a Braeside foundation, andhas contained at one time or other such flyers as Ben Bowdler, BobBowdler, Rufus Bowdler, Dixon Bowdler, Eva Bowdler, Mary Bowdler, Blue-coat Bowdler, Susan Bowdler, and others, and Ben and Bob havealso been, as sires, responsible for the success of a good many dogshailing from other kennels. He has also been fairly successful withblacks, which, however, have usually been purchased and not bred byhim, the two best being Master Reuben, bred by Miss Joan Godfrey, and Jetsam Bowdler, a bitch who has distinguished herself both inthe ring and in the field. 

Coloured Cockers are certainly "booming" just now, and as aconsequence the blacks, who are equally worthy of support, are beingrather neglected. Certainly it is the case that whereas one sees atmost shows big classes of the former filled with a good level lotwith hardly a bad specimen amongst them, the classes devoted to thelatter, besides not being so well filled, are much more uneven, andalways contain a large proportion of weeds and toys. A few years agothe black classes were immeasurably superior to the coloured, andit is to be hoped that in the near future they will regain at leasta position of equality with them. 

At the last few Field Trial meetings the Spaniel Club has providedclasses confined to Cockers, which have filled fairly well, andenabled the small breed to demonstrate that it can in its way be quiteas useful as its larger cousins. A Cocker can very often go and workas well where a larger Spaniel cannot even creep, and for workingreally thick hedgerows or gorse has no superior. There seems to beevery prospect of a brilliant future, and increased popularity forthis charming breed. 

Its interests are looked after both by the Spaniel Club and thecomparatively newly formed Cocker Spaniel Club, and it is also quiteas much in favour on the other side of the Atlantic as it is in theUnited Kingdom. Indeed, the classes in America and Canada comparevery favourably with our own. 

The descriptive particulars of the breed are:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Not so heavy in proportion and not so high in occiput as inthe modern Field Spaniel, with a nicely developed muzzle or jaw; lean, but not snipy, and yet not so square as in the Clumber or Sussexvarieties, but always exhibiting a sufficiently wide andwell-developed nose. Forehead perfectly smooth, rising without a toodecided stop from muzzle into a comparatively wide and rounded, well-developed skull, with plenty of room for brain power. EYES--Full, but not prominent, hazel or brown coloured, with a general expressionof intelligence and gentleness, though decidedly wideawake, brightand merry, never goggled nor weak as in the King Charles and Blenheimkinds. EARS--Lobular, set on low, leather fine and not exceedingbeyond the nose, well clothed with long silky hair, which must bestraight or wavy--no positive curls or ringlets. NECK--Strong andmuscular, and neatly set on to fine sloping shoulders. BODY (INCLUDINGSIZE AND SYMMETRY)--Not quite so long and low as in the other breedsof Spaniels, more compact and firmly knit together, giving theimpression of a concentration of power and untiring activity. WEIGHT--The weight of a Cocker Spaniel of either sex should not exceed25 lb. , or be less than 20 lb. Any variation either way should bepenalised. NOSE--Sufficiently wide and well developed to ensure theexquisite scenting powers of this breed. SHOULDERS AND CHEST--Theformer sloping and fine, chest deep and well developed, but not toowide and round to interfere with the free action of the fore-legs. BACK AND LOIN--Immensely strong and compact in proportion to the sizeand weight of the dog; slightly sloping towards the tail. HIND-QUARTERS--Wide, well rounded, and very muscular, so as to ensureuntiring action and propelling power under the most tryingcircumstances of a long day, bad weather, rough ground, and densecovert. STERN--That most characteristic of blue blood in all theSpaniel family may, in the lighter and more active Cocker, althoughset low down, be allowed a slightly higher carriage than in the otherbreeds, but never cocked up over, but rather in a line with the back, though the lower its carriage and action the better, and when at workits action should be incessant in this, the brightest and merriestof the whole Spaniel family. FEET AND LEGS--The legs should be wellboned, feathered and straight, for the tremendous exertions expectedfrom this grand little sporting dog, and should be sufficiently shortfor concentrated power, but not too short as to interfere with itsfull activity. Feet firm, round, and cat-like, not too large, spreading, and loose jointed. This distinct breed of Spaniel doesnot follow exactly on the lines of the larger Field Spaniel, eitherin lengthiness, lowness, or otherwise, but is shorter in the back, and rather higher on the legs. COAT--Flat or waved, and silky intexture, never wiry, woolly, or curly, with sufficient feather ofthe right sort, viz. , waved or Setter-like, but not too profuse andnever curly. GENERAL APPEARANCE--Confirmatory of all indicated above, viz. , a concentration of pure blood and type, sagacity, docility, good temper, affection, and activity. 

CHAPTER XXVI

THE BASSET-HOUND

The Basset was not familiarly known to British sportsmen before 1863, in which year specimens of the breed were seen at the first exhibitionof dogs held in Paris, and caused general curiosity and admirationamong English visitors. In France, however, this hound has been usedfor generations, much as we use our Spaniel, as a finder of game incovert, and it has long been a popular sporting dog in Russia andGermany. In early times it was chiefly to be found in Artois andFlanders, where it is supposed to have had its origin; but the homeof the better type of Basset is now chiefly in La Vendee, in whichdepartment some remarkably fine strains have been produced. 

There are three main strains of the French Basset--the Lane, theCouteulx, and the Griffon. The Griffon Basset is a hound with a hardbristly coat, and short, crooked legs. It has never found great favourhere. The Lane hounds are derived from the kennels of M. Lane, ofFranqueville, Baos, Seine-Inferieure, and are also very littleappreciated in this country. They are a lemon and white variety, with_torse_ or bent legs. The Couteulx hounds were a type bred up intoa strain by Comte le Couteulx de Canteleu. They were tricolour, withstraight, short legs, of sounder constitution than other strains, with the make generally of a more agile hound, and in the pedigreeof the best Bassets owned in this country fifteen years ago, whenthe breed was in considerable demand, Comte de Couteulx's strain wasprominent and always sought for. 

With careful selection and judicious breeding we have now produceda beautiful hound of fine smooth coat, and a rich admixture ofmarkings, with a head of noble character and the best of legs andfeet. Their short, twinkling legs make our Bassets more suitable forcovert hunting than for hunting hares in the open, to which latterpurpose they have frequently been adapted with some success. Theirnote is resonant, with wonderful power for so small a dog, and intone it resembles the voice of the Bloodhound. 

The Basset-hound is usually very good tempered and not inclined tobe quarrelsome with his kennel mates; but he is wilful, and lovesto roam apart in search of game, and is not very amenable todiscipline when alone. On the other hand, he works admirably withhis companions in the pack, when he is most painstaking andindefatigable. Endowed with remarkable powers of scent, he will hunta drag with keen intelligence. 

There are now several packs of Bassets kept in England, and they showvery fair sport after the hares; but it is not their natural vocation, and their massive build is against the possibility of their becomingpopular as harriers. The general custom is to follow them on foot, although occasionally some sportsmen use ponies. Their pace, however, hardly warrants the latter expedient. On the Continent, where biggame is more common than with us, the employment of the Basset isvaried. He is a valuable help in the tracking of boar, wolf, and deer, and he is also frequently engaged in the lighter pastimes of pheasantand partridge shooting. 

The Earl of Onslow and the late Sir John Everett Millais were amongthe earliest importers of the breed into England. They both hadrecourse to the kennels of Count Couteulx. Sir John Millais' Modelwas the first Basset-hound exhibited at an English dog show, atWolverhampton in 1875. Later owners and breeders of prominence wereMr. G. Krehl, Mrs. Stokes, Mrs. C. C. Ellis and Mrs. Mabel Tottie. 

As with most imported breeds, the Basset-hound when first exhibitedwas required to undergo a probationary period as a foreign dog inthe variety class at the principal shows. It was not until 1880 thata class was provided for it by the Kennel Club. 

It is to be regretted that owners of this beautiful hound are notmore numerous. Admirable specimens are still to be seen at the leadingexhibitions, but the breed is greatly in need of encouragement. Atthe present time the smooth dog hound taking the foremost place inthe estimate of our most capable judges is Mr. W. W. M. White's Ch. Loo-Loo-Loo, bred by Mrs. Tottie, by Ch. Louis Le Beau out of Sibella. Mr. Croxton Smith's Waverer is also a dog of remarkably fine type. Among bitch hounds Sandringham Dido, the favourite of Her Majestythe Queen, ranks as the most perfect of her kind. 

The rough or Griffon-Basset, introduced into England at a later datethan the smooth, has failed for some reason to receive greatattention. In type it resembles the shaggy Otterhound, and as atpresent favoured it is larger and higher on the leg than the smoothvariety. Their colouring is less distinct, and they seem generallyto be lemon and white, grey and sandy red. Their note is not so richas that of the smooth variety. In France the rough and the smoothBassets are not regarded as of the same race, but here some breedershave crossed the two varieties, with indifferent consequences. 

Some beautiful specimens of the rough Basset have from time to timebeen sent to exhibition from the Sandringham kennels. His Majestythe King has always given affectionate attention to this breed, andhas taken several first prizes at the leading shows, latterly withSandringham Bobs, bred in the home kennels by Sandringham Babil exSaracenesca. 

Perhaps the most explicit description of the perfect Basset-houndis still that compiled twenty-five years ago by Sir John Millais. It is at least sufficiently comprehensive and exact to serve as aguide:--

 * * * * *

"The Basset, for its size, has more bone, perhaps, than nearly anyother dog. 

"The skull should be peaked like that of the Bloodhound, with thesame dignity and expression, the nose black (although some of my ownhave white about theirs), and well flewed. For the size of the houndI think the teeth are extremely small. However, as they are notintended to destroy life, this is probably the reason. 

"The ears should hang like the Bloodhound's, and are like the softestvelvet drapery. 

"The eyes are a deep brown, and are brimful of affection andintelligence. They are pretty deeply set, and should show aconsiderable haw. A Basset is one of those hounds incapable ofhaving a wicked eye. 

"The neck is long, but of great power; and in the _Basset a jambestorses_ the flews extend very nearly down to the chest. The chestis more expansive than even in the Bulldog, and should in the _Bassetsa jambes torses_ be not more than two inches from the ground. In thecase of the _Bassets a jambes demi-torses_ and _jambes droites_, beinggenerally lighter, their chests do not, of course, come so low. 

"The shoulders are of great power, and terminate in the crooked feetof the Basset, which appear to be a mass of joints. The back and ribsare strong, and the former of great length. 

"The stern is carried gaily, like that of hounds in general, and whenthe hound is on the scent of game this portion of his body getsextremely animated, and tells me, in my own hounds, when they havestruck a fresh or a cold scent, and I even know when the foremosthound will give tongue. 

"The hind-quarters are very strong and muscular, the muscles standingrigidly out down to the hocks. 

"The skin is soft in the smooth haired dogs, and like that of anyother hound, but in the rough variety it is like that of theOtterhound's. 

"Colour, of course, is a matter of fancy, although I infinitely preferthe tricolour, which has a tan head and a black and white body. "

CHAPTER XXVII

THE DACHSHUND

Persons unfamiliar with the sporting properties of this long-bodiedbreed are apt to refer smilingly to the Dachshund as "the dog thatis sold by the yard, " and few even of those who know him give creditto the debonair little fellow for the grim work which he is intendedto perform in doing battle with the vicious badger in its lair. Dachshund means "badger dog, " and it is a title fairly and squarelyearned in his native Germany. 

Given proper training, he will perform the duties of several sportingbreeds rolled into one. Possessing a wonderful nose, combined withremarkable steadiness, his kind will work out the coldest scent, andonce fairly on the line they will give plenty of music and get overthe ground at a pace almost incredible. Dachshunds hunt well in apack, and, though it is not their recognised vocation, they can besuccessfully used on hare, on fox, and any form of vermin that wearsa furry coat. But his legitimate work is directed against the badger, in locating the brock under ground, worrying and driving him intohis innermost earth, and there holding him until dug out. It is nopart of his calling to come to close grips, though that often happensin the confined space in which he has to work. In this position abadger with his powerful claws digs with such energy and skill asrapidly to bury himself, and the Dachshund needs to be provided withsuch apparatus as will permit him to clear his way and keep in touchwith his formidable quarry. The badger is also hunted by Dachshundsabove ground, usually in the mountainous parts of Germany, and inthe growing crops of maize, on the lower slopes, where the verminwork terrible havoc in the evening. In this case the badger is roundedup and driven by the dogs up to the guns which are posted betweenthe game and their earths. For this sport the dog used is heavier, coarser, and of larger build, higher on the leg, and more generallyhoundy in appearance. Dachshunds are frequently used for deer driving, in which operation they are especially valuable, as they work slowly, and do not frighten or overrun their quarry, and can penetrate thedensest undergrowth. Packs of Dachshunds may sometimes be engagedon wild boar, and, as they are web-footed and excellent swimmers, there is no doubt that their terrier qualities would make them usefulassistants to the Otterhound. Apropos of their capabilities in thewater it is the case that a year or two ago, at Offenbach-on-Main, at some trials arranged for life-saving by dogs, a Dachshund carriedoff the first prize against all comers. 

As a companion in the house the Dachshund has perhaps no compeer. He is a perfect gentleman; cleanly in his habits, obedient, unobtrusive, incapable of smallness, affectionate, very sensitiveto rebuke or to unkindness, and amusingly jealous. As a watch he isexcellent, quick to detect a strange footstep, valiant to defend thethreshold, and to challenge with deep voice any intruder, yet sensiblydiscerning his master's friends, and not annoying them with prolongedgrowling and grumbling as many terriers do when a stranger isadmitted. Properly brought up, he is a perfectly safe and amusingcompanion for children, full of animal spirits, and ever ready toshare in a romp, even though it be accompanied by rough and tumbleplay. In Germany, where he is the most popular of all dogs, largeor small, he is to be found in every home, from the Emperor's palacedownwards, and his quaint appearance, coupled with his entertainingpersonality, is daily seized upon by the comic papers to illustratecountless jokes at his expense. 

The origin of the Dachshund is not very clear. Some writers haveprofessed to trace the breed or representations of it on the monumentsof the Egyptians. Some aver that it is a direct descendant of theFrench Basset-hound, and others that he is related to the oldTurnspits--the dogs so excellent in kitchen service, of whom Dr. Caiuswrote that "when any meat is to be roasted they go into a wheel, wherethey, turning about with the weight of their bodies, so diligentlylook to their business that no drudge nor scullion can do the featmore cunningly, whom the popular sort hereupon term Turnspits. "Certainly the dog commonly used in this occupation was long of bodyand short of leg, very much resembling the Dachshund. 

In all probability the Dachshund is a manufactured breed--a breedevolved from a large type of hound intermixed with a terrier to suitthe special conditions involved in the pursuit and extermination ofa quarry that, unchecked, was capable of seriously interfering withthe cultivation of the land. He comprises in his small person thecharacteristics of both hound and terrier--his wonderful powers ofscent, his long, pendulous ears, and, for his size, enormous bone, speak of his descent from the hound that hunts by scent. In manyrespects he favours the Bloodhound, and one may often see Dachshundswhich, having been bred from parents carefully selected to accentuatesome fancy point, have exhibited the very pronounced "peak" (occipitalbone), the protruding haw of the eye, the loose dewlap and the colourmarkings characteristic of the Bloodhound. His small stature, ironheart, and willingness to enter the earth bespeak the terrier cross. 

The Dachshund was first introduced to this country in sufficientnumbers to merit notice in the early 'sixties, and, speedilyattracting notice by his quaint formation and undoubted sportinginstincts, soon became a favourite. At first appearing at shows inthe "Foreign Dog" class, he quickly received a recognition of hisclaims to more favoured treatment, and was promoted by the KennelClub to a special classification as a sporting dog. Since then hisrise has been rapid, and he now is reckoned as one of the numericallylargest breeds exhibited. Unfortunately, however, he has been little, if ever, used for sport in the sense that applies in Germany, andthis fact, coupled with years of breeding from too small a stock (orstock too nearly related) and the insane striving after the fancifuland exaggerated points demanded by judges at dog shows, many of whomnever saw a Dachshund at his legitimate work, has seriously affectedhis usefulness. He has deteriorated in type, lost grit and sense, too, and is often a parody of the true type of Dachshund that is tobe found in his native land. 

To the reader who contemplates possessing one or more Dachshunds aword of advice may be offered. Whether you want a dog for sport, forshow, or as a companion, endeavour to get a good one--a well-bredone. To arrive at this do not buy from an advertisement on your ownknowledge of the breed, but seek out an expert amateur breeder andexhibitor, and get his advice and assistance. If you intend to starta kennel for show purposes, do not buy a high-priced dog at a show, but start with a well-bred bitch, and breed your own puppies, underthe guidance of the aforementioned expert. In this way, and by rearingand keeping your puppies till they are of an age to be exhibited, and at the same time carefully noting the awards at the best shows, you will speedily learn which to retain and the right type of dogto keep and breed for, and in future operations you will be able todiscard inferior puppies at an earlier age. But it is a great mistake, if you intend to form a kennel for show purposes, to sell or partwith your puppies too early. It is notorious with all breeds thatpuppies change very much as they grow. The best looking in the nestoften go wrong later, and the ugly duckling turns out the best ofthe litter. This is especially true of Dachshunds, and it requiresan expert to pick the best puppy of a litter at a month or two old, and even he may be at fault unless the puppy is exceptionally wellreared. 

To rear Dachshund puppies successfully you must not overload themwith fat--give them strengthening food that does not lay on flesh. Lean, raw beef, finely chopped, is an excellent food once or twicea day for the first few months, and, though this comes expensive, it pays in the end. Raw meat is supposed to cause worm troubles, butthese pests are also found where meat is not given, and in any casea puppy is fortified with more strength to withstand them if fed onraw meat than otherwise, and a good dosing from time to time willbe all that is necessary to keep him well and happy. 

Young growing puppies must have their freedom to gambol about, andget their legs strong. Never keep the puppies cooped up in a smallkennel run or house. If you have a fair-sized yard, give them therun of that, or even the garden, in spite of what your gardener maysay--they may do a little damage to the flowers, but will assuredlydo good to themselves. They love to dig in the soft borders: diggingis second nature to them, and is of great importance in theirdevelopment. 

If you have not a garden, or if the flowers are too sacred, it isbetter to place your puppies as early as possible with respectablecottagers, or small farmers, especially the latter, with whom theywill have entire freedom to run about, and will not be overfed. 

If you intend to show your puppies, you should begin some time inadvance to school them to walk on the lead and to stand quiet whenordered to. Much depends on this in the judging ring, where a dogwho is unused to being on a lead often spoils his chances of appearingat his best under the (to him) strange experiences of restraint whichthe lead entails. 

During the past five-and-twenty years the names of two particularDachshunds stand out head and shoulders above those of theircompetitors: Champions Jackdaw and Pterodactyl. Jackdaw had awonderful record, having, during a long show career, never been beatenin his class from start to finish, and having won many valuableprizes. He was credited with being the most perfect Dachshund thathad ever been seen in England, and probably as good as anything inGermany. 

Ch. Jackdaw was a black and tan dog, bred and owned by Mr. HarryJones, of Ipswich. He was sired by Ch. Charkow, out of Wagtail, andborn 20th July, 1886. Through his dam he was descended from a famousbitch, Thusnelda, who was imported by Mr. Mudie in the early'eighties. She was a winner of high honours in Hanover. The name ofJackdaw figures in all the best pedigrees of to-day. 

Ch. Pterodactyl was born in 1888, and bred by Mr. Willink. He wasin a measure an outcross from the standard type of the day, and hisdam, whose pedigree is in dispute, was thought to have been imported. After passing through one or two hands he was purchased by Mr. HarryJones, and in his kennel speedily made a great name in the show ringand at the stud, and was eventually sold for a high price to Mr. Sidney Woodiwiss, who at that period had the largest kennel ofDachshunds in England. 

"Ptero, " as he was called, was a big, light red dog, with wonderfulfore-quarters and great muscular development. He also possessed whatis called a "punishing jaw" and rather short ears, and looked athorough "business" dog. He had an almost unbroken series of successesat shows in England, and being taken to Germany (in the days beforethe quarantine regulations), he took the highest honours in theheavy-weight class, and a special prize for the best Dachshund ofall classes. This dog became the favourite sire of his day and thefashionable colour. 

The black and tan thereupon went quite out of favour, and this fact, coupled with the reckless amount of inbreeding of red to red thathas been going on since Ptero's day, accounts largely for theprevalence of light eyes, pink noses, and bad-coloured coats of theDachshunds, as a class, to-day. 

There are, strictly speaking, three varieties of Dachshund--(_a_)the short-haired, (_b_) the long-haired, and (_c_) the rough-haired. 

Of these we most usually find the first-named in England, and theyare no doubt the original stock. Of the others, though fairly numerousin Germany, very few are to be seen in this country, and althoughone or two have been imported the type has never seemed to appealto exhibitors. 

Both the long-haired and rough-haired varieties have no doubt beenproduced by crosses with other breeds, such as the Spaniel andprobably the Irish Terrier, respectively. 

In the long-haired variety the hair should be soft and wavy, forminglengthy plumes under the throat, lower parts of the body, and thebacks of the legs, and it is longest on the under side of the tail, where it forms a regular flag like that of a Setter or Spaniel. Therough-haired variety shows strongly a terrier cross by his "varmint"expression and short ears. 

The Germans also subdivide by colour, and again for show purposesby weight. These subdivisions are dealt with in their proper orderin the standard of points, and it is only necessary to say here thatall the varieties, colours, and weights are judged by the samestandard except in so far as they differ in texture of coat. At thesame time the Germans themselves do not regard the dapple Dachshundsas yet so fixed in type as the original coloured dogs, and thisexception must also apply to the long and the rough haired varieties. 

The following German standard of points embodies a detaileddescription of the breed:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE AND DISPOSITION--In general appearance theDachshund is a very long and low dog, with compact and well-muscledbody, resting on short, slightly crooked fore-legs. A long head andears, with bold and defiant carriage and intelligent expression. Indisposition the Dachshund is full of spirit, defiant when attacked, aggressive even to foolhardiness when attacking; in play amusing anduntiring; by nature wilful and unheeding. HEAD--Long, and appearingconical from above, and from a side view, tapering to the point ofthe muzzle, wedge-shaped. The skull should be broad rather thannarrow, to allow plenty of brain room, slightly arched, and fairlystraight, without a stop, but not deep or snipy. EYES--Medium in size, oval, and set obliquely, with very clear, sharp expression and of adark colour, except in the case of the liver and tan, when the eyesmay be yellow; and in the dapple, when the eyes may be light or"wall-eyed. " NOSE--Preferably deep black. The flesh-coloured andspotted noses are allowable only in the liver and tan and dapplevarieties. EARS--Set on moderately high, or, seen in profile, abovethe level of the eyes, well back, flat, not folded, pointed, ornarrow, hanging close to the cheeks, very mobile, and when atattention carried with the back of the ear upward and outward. NECK--Moderately long, with slightly arched nape, muscular and clean, showing no dewlap, and carried well up and forward. FORE-QUARTERS--Hiswork underground demands strength and compactness, and, therefore, the chest and shoulder regions should be deep, long, and wide. Theshoulder blade should be long, and set on very sloping, the upperarm of equal length with, and at right angles to, the shoulder blade, strong-boned and well-muscled, and lying close to ribs, but movingfreely. The lower arm is slightly bent inwards, and the feet shouldbe turned slightly outwards, giving an appearance of "crooked" legsapproximating to the cabriole of a Chippendale chair. Straight, narrow, short shoulders are always accompanied by straight, short, upper arms, forming an obtuse angle, badly developed brisket and"keel" or chicken breast, and the upper arm being thrown forward bythe weight of the body behind causes the legs to knuckle over at the"knees. " Broad, sloping shoulders, on the other hand, insure soundnessof the fore-legs and feet. LEGS AND FEET--Fore-legs very short andstrong in bone, slightly bent inwards; seen in profile, moderatelystraight and never bending forward or knuckling over. Feet large, round, and strong, with thick pads, compact and well-arched toes, nails strong and black. The dog must stand equally on all parts ofthe foot. BODY--Should be long and muscular, the chest very oval, rather than very narrow and deep, to allow ample room for heart andlungs, hanging low between front legs, the brisket point should behigh and very prominent, the ribs well sprung out towards the loins(not flat-sided). Loins short and strong. The line of back onlyslightly depressed behind shoulders and only slightly arched overloins. The hind-quarters should not be higher than the shoulders, thus giving a general appearance of levelness. HIND-QUARTERS--Therump round, broad, and powerfully muscled; hip bone not too short, but broad and sloping; the upper arm, or thigh, thick, of good length, and jointed at right angles to the hip bone. The lower leg (or secondthigh) is, compared with other animals, short, and is set on at rightangles to the upper thigh, and is very firmly muscled. The hind-legsare lighter in bone than the front ones, but very strongly muscled, with well-rounded-out buttocks, and the knee joint well developed. Seen from behind, the legs should be wide apart and straight, andnot cowhocked. The dog should not be higher at the quarters than atshoulder. STERN--Set on fairly high, strong at root, and tapering, but not too long. Neither too much curved nor carried too high; well, but not too much, feathered; a bushy tail is better than too littlehair. COAT AND SKIN--Hair short and close as possible, glossy andsmooth, but resistant to the touch if stroked the wrong way. The skintough and elastic, but fitting close to the body. COLOUR--_OneColoured_:--There are several self-colours recognised, including deepred, yellowish red, smutty red. Of these the dark, or cherry, redis preferable, and in this colour light shadings on any part of thebody or head are undesirable. "Black" is rare, and is only a sportfrom black and tan. _Two Coloured_:--Deep black, brown (liver) orgrey, with golden or tan markings (spots) over the eyes at the sideof the jaw and lips, inner rim of ears, the breast, inside and backof legs, the feet, and under the tail for about one-third of itslength. In the above-mentioned colours white markings areobjectionable. The utmost that is allowed being a small spot, or afew hairs, on the chest. _Dappled_:--A silver grey to almost whitefoundation colour, with dark, irregular spots (small for preference)of dark grey, brown, tan, or black. The general appearance shouldbe a bright, indefinite coloration, which is considered especiallyuseful in a hunting dog. WEIGHT--Dachshunds in Germany are classifiedby weight as follows:--_Light-weight_--Dogs up to 16-1/2 lb. , bitchesup to 15-1/2 lb. _Middle-weight_--Dogs up to 22 lb. , bitches up to22 lb. _Heavy-weight_--Over 22 lb. _Toys_--Up to 12 lb. The Germanpound is one-tenth more than the English. The light-weight dog ismost used for going to ground. 

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE OLD WORKING TERRIER

There can hardly have been a time since the period of the NormanConquest when the small earth dogs which we now call terriers werenot known in these islands and used by sporting men as assistantsin the chase, and by husbandmen for the killing of obnoxious vermin. The two little dogs shown in the Bayeux tapestry running with thehounds in advance of King Harold's hawking party were probably meantfor terriers. Dame Juliana Berners in the fifteenth century did notneglect to include the "Teroures" in her catalogue of sporting dogs, and a hundred years later Dr. Caius gave pointed recognition to theirvalue in unearthing the fox and drawing the badger. 

"Another sorte, there is, " wrote the doctor's translator in 1576, "which hunteth the Fox and the Badger or Greye onely, whom we callTerrars, because they (after the manner and custome of ferrets insearching for Connyes) creep into the grounde, and by that meanesmake afrayde, nyppe and bite the Foxe and the Badger in such sortethat eyther they teare them in pieces with theyr teeth, beying inthe bosome of the earth, or else hayle and pull them perforce outof theyr lurking angles, darke dongeons, and close caues; or at theleast through cocened feare drive them out of theire hollow harbours, in so much that they are compelled to prepare speedie flyte, and, being desirous of the next (albeit not the safest) refuge, areotherwise taken and intrapped with snayres and nettes layde overholes to the same purpose. But these be the least in that kyndecalled Sagax. "

The colour, size, and shape of the original terriers are not indicatedby the early writers, and art supplies but vague and uncertainevidence. Nicholas Cox, who wrote of sporting dogs in _The Gentleman'sRecreation_ (1667), seems to suggest that the type of working terrierwas already fixed sufficiently to be divided into two kinds, the onehaving shaggy coats and straight limbs, the other smooth coats andshort bent legs. Yet some years later another authority--Blome--inthe same publication was more guarded in his statements as to theterrier type when he wrote: "Everybody that is a fox hunter is ofopinion that he hath a good breed, and some will say that the terrieris a peculiar species of itself. I will not say anything to theaffirmative or negative of the point. "

Searching for evidence on the subject, one finds that perhaps theearliest references to the colours of terriers were made by Danielin his _Field Sports_ at the end of the eighteenth century, when hedescribed two sorts, the one rough, short-legged, and long-backed, very strong, and "most commonly of a black or yellowish colour, mixedwith white"--evidently a hound-marked dog; and another smooth-coatedand beautifully formed, with a shorter body and more sprightlyappearance, "generally of a reddish brown colour, or black withtanned legs. "

Gilpin's portrait of Colonel Thornton's celebrated Pitch, paintedin 1790, presents a terrier having a smooth white coat with a blackpatch at the set-on of the undocked tail, and black markings on theface and ears. The dog's head is badly drawn and small in proportion;but the body and legs and colouring would hardly disgrace theTotteridge Kennels of to-day. Fox-terriers of a noted strain weredepicted from life by Reinagle in _The Sportsman's Cabinet_, publishedover a hundred years ago; and in the text accompanying the engravinga minute account is given of the peculiarities and working capacitiesof the terrier. We are told that there were two breeds: the onewire-haired, larger, more powerful, and harder bitten; the othersmooth-haired and smaller, with more style. The wire-hairs were whitewith spots, the smooths were black and tan, the tan apparentlypredominating over the black. The same writer states that it wascustomary to take out a brace of terriers with a pack of hounds, alarger and a smaller one, the smaller dog being used in emergencywhen the earth proved to be too narrow to admit his bigger companion. It is well known that many of the old fox hunters have kept theirspecial breeds of terrier, and the Belvoir, the Grove, and LordMiddleton's are among the packs to which particular terrier strainshave been attached. 

That even a hundred years ago terriers were bred with care, and thatcertain strains were held in especial value, is shown by the recordedfact that a litter of seven puppies was sold for twenty-one guineas--agood price even in these days--and that on one occasion so high asum as twenty guineas was paid for a full-grown dog. At that timethere was no definite and well-established breed recognised throughoutthe islands by a specific name; the embracing title of "Terrier"included all the varieties which have since been carefullydifferentiated. But very many of the breeds existed in theirrespective localities awaiting national recognition. Here and theresome squire or huntsman nurtured a particular strain and developeda type which he kept pure, and at many a manor-house and farmsteadin Devonshire and Cumberland, on many a Highland estate and Irishriverside where there were foxes to be hunted or otters to be killed, terriers of definite strain were religiously cherished. Several ofthese still survive, and are as respectable in descent and quite asimportant historically as some of the favoured and fashionablechampions of our time. They do not perhaps possess the outward beautyand distinction of type which would justify their being brought intogeneral notice, but as workers they retain all the fire and vervethat are required in dogs that are expected to encounter such viciousvermin as the badger and the fox. 

Some of the breeds of terriers seen nowadays in every dog show wereequally obscure and unknown a few years back. Thirty-seven years agothe now popular Irish Terrier was practically unknown in England, and the Scottish Terrier was only beginning to be recognised as adistinct breed. The Welsh Terrier is quite a new introduction thata dozen or so years ago was seldom seen outside the Principality;and so recently as 1881 the Airedale was merely a local dog knownin Yorkshire as the Waterside or the Bingley Terrier. Yet the breedsjust mentioned are all of unimpeachable ancestry, and the circumstancethat they were formerly bred within limited neighbourhoods is initself an argument in favour of their purity. We have seen the processof a sudden leap into recognition enacted during the past few yearsin connection with the white terrier of the Western Highlands--a dogwhich was familiarly known in Argyllshire centuries ago, yet whichhas only lately emerged from the heathery hillsides around Poltallochto become an attraction on the benches at the Crystal Palace and onthe lawns of the Botanical Gardens; and the example suggests thepossibility that in another decade or so the neglected SealyhamTerrier, the ignored terrier of the Borders, and the almost forgottenJack Russell strain, may have claimed a due recompense for their longneglect. 

There are lovers of the hard-bitten working "earth dogs" who stillkeep these strains inviolate, and who greatly prefer them to thebetter-known terriers whose natural activities have been too oftenatrophied by a system of artificial breeding to show points. Few ofthese old unregistered breeds would attract the eye of the fancieraccustomed to judge a dog parading before him in the show ring. Toknow their value and to appreciate their sterling good qualities, one needs to watch them at work on badger or when they hit upon theline of an otter. It is then that they display the alertness and thedare-devil courage which have won for the English terriers their nameand fame. 

An excellent working terrier was the white, rough-haired strain keptby the Rev. John Russell in Devonshire and distributed amongprivileged sportsmen about Somersetshire and Gloucestershire. Theworking attributes of these energetic terriers have long beenunderstood, and the smart, plucky little dogs have been constantlycoveted by breeders all over the country, but they have never wonthe popularity they deserve. 

Those who have kept both varieties prefer the Russell to the SealyhamTerrier, which is nevertheless an excellent worker. It is on recordthat one of these, a bitch of only 9 lb. Weight, fought and killed, single-handed, a full-grown dog-fox. The Sealyham derives its breedname from the seat of the Edwardes family, near Haverfordwest, inPembrokeshire, where the strain has been carefully preserved for wellover a century. It is a long-bodied, short-legged terrier, with ahard, wiry coat, frequently whole white, but also white with blackor brown markings or brown with black. They may be as heavy as 17lb. , but 12 lb. Is the average weight. Some years ago the breed seemedto be on the down grade, requiring fresh blood from a well-chosenoutcross. One hears very little concerning them nowadays, but itis certain that when in their prime they possessed all the grit, determination, and endurance that are looked for in a good workingterrier. 

A wire-haired black and tan terrier was once common in Suffolk andNorfolk, where it was much used for rabbiting, but it may now beextinct, or, if not extinct, probably identified with the WelshTerrier, which it closely resembled in size and colouring. There wasalso in Shropshire a well-known breed of wire-hair terriers, blackand tan, on very short legs, and weighing about 10 lb. Or 12 lb. , with long punishing heads and extraordinary working powers. So, too, in Lancashire and Cheshire one used to meet with sandy-colouredterriers of no very well authenticated strain, but closely resemblingthe present breed of Irish Terrier; and Squire Thornton, at his placenear Pickering, in Yorkshire, had a breed of wire-hairs tan in colourwith a black stripe down the back. Then there is the Cowley strain, kept by the Cowleys of Callipers, near King's Langley. These are whitewire-haired dogs marked like the Fox-terrier, and exceedingly game. Possibly the Elterwater Terrier is no longer to be found, but somefew of them still existed a dozen years or so ago in the LakeDistrict, where they were used in conjunction with the West CumberlandOtterhounds. They were not easily distinguishable from thebetter-known Border Terriers of which there are still many strains, ranging from Northumberland, where Mr. T. Robson, of Bellingham, haskept them for many years, to Galloway and Ayrshire and the Lothians, where their coats become longer and less crisp. 

There are many more local varieties of the working terrier as, forexample, the Roseneath, which is often confused with the Poltalloch, or White West Highlander, to whom it is possibly related. And thePittenweem, with which the Poltalloch Terriers are now being crossed;while Mrs. Alastair Campbell, of Ardrishaig, has a pack of CairnTerriers which seem to represent the original type of the improvedScottie. Considering the great number of strains that have beenpreserved by sporting families and maintained in more or less purityto type, it is easy to understand how a "new" breed may becomefashionable, and still claim the honour of long descent. They maynot in all cases have the beauty of shape which is desired on theshow bench; but it is well to remember that while our show terriershave been bred to the highest perfection we still possess in GreatBritain a separate order of "earth dogs" that for pluckily followingthe fox and the badger into their lairs or bolting an otter from hisholt cannot be excelled all the world over. 

CHAPTER XXIX

THE WHITE ENGLISH TERRIER

This dog, one would think, ought, by the dignified title which hebears, to be considered a representative national terrier, forminga fourth in the distinctively British quartette whose other membersare the Scottish, the Irish, and the Welsh Terriers. Possibly in theearly days when Pearson and Roocroft bred him to perfection it washoped and intended that he should become a breed typical of England. He is still the only terrier who owns the national name, but he haslong ago yielded pride of place to the Fox-terrier, and it is thecase that the best specimens of his race are bred north of the border, while, instead of being the most popular dog in the land, he isactually one of the most neglected and the most seldom seen. At theKennel Club Show of 1909 there was not a single specimen of the breedon view, nor was one to be found at the recent shows at Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, or Islington, nor at the National TerrierShow at Westminster. It is a pity that so smart and beautiful a dogshould be suffered to fall into such absolute neglect. One wonderswhat the reason of it can be. Possibly it is that the belief stillprevails that he is of delicate constitution, and is not gifted witha great amount of intelligence or sagacity; there is no doubt, however, that a potent factor in hastening the decline is to be foundin the edict against cropping. Neither the White Terrier nor theManchester Terrier has since been anything like so popular as theyboth were before April, 1898, when the Kennel Club passed the lawthat dogs' ears must not be cropped. 

Writers on canine history, and Mr. Rawdon Lee among the number, tellus that the English White Terrier is a comparatively new breed, andthat there is no evidence to show where he originally sprang from, who produced him, or for what reason he was introduced. His existenceas a distinct breed is dated back no longer than forty years. Thisis about the accepted age of most of our named English terriers. Halfa century ago, before the institution of properly organised dog showsdrew particular attention to the differentiation of breeds, thegeneric term "terrier" without distinction was applied to all "earthdogs, " and the consideration of colour and size was the only commonrule observed in breeding. But it would not be difficult to provethat a white terrier resembling the one now under notice existed inEngland as a separate variety many generations anterior to the periodusually assigned to its recognition. 

In the National Portrait Gallery there is a portrait of Mary ofModena, Queen Consort of James II. , painted in 1670 by WilliamWissing, who has introduced at the Queen's side a terrier that isundoubtedly of this type. The dog has slight brown or brindle markingson the back, as many English White Terriers have, and it is to bepresumed that it is of the breed from which this variety is descended. 

Apart from colour there is not a great difference between the WhiteEnglish Terrier and the Manchester Black and Tan. But although theyare of similar shape and partake much of the same general character, yet there is the distinction that in the black and tan theconservation of type is stronger and more noticeable than in thewhite, in which the correct shape and action are difficult to obtain. It ought naturally to be easier to breed a pure white dog from whiteparents than to breed correctly marked and well tanned puppies fromperfect black and tans; but the efforts of many breeders do not seemto support such a theory in connection with the English Terrier, whoselitters frequently show the blemish of a spot of brindle or russet. These spots usually appear behind the ears or on the neck, and areof course a disfigurement on a dog whose coat to be perfect shouldbe of an intense and brilliant white. It appears to be equallydifficult to breed one which, while having the desired purity ofcolour, is also perfect in shape and terrier character. It is to benoted, too, that many otherwise good specimens are deaf--a fault whichseriously militates against the dog's possibilities as a companionor as a watch. 

Birmingham and Manchester were the localities in which the EnglishTerrier was most popular forty years ago, but it was Mr. FrederickWhite, of Clapham, who bred all the best of the white variety andwho made it popular in the neighbourhood of London. His terriers wereof a strain founded by a dog named King Dick, and in 1863 he exhibiteda notable team in Laddie, Fly, Teddie, and Nettle. Mr. S. E. Shirley, M. P. , was attracted to the breed, and possessed many good examples, as also did the Rev. J. W. Mellor and Mr. J. H. Murchison. Mr. AlfredBenjamin's Silvio was a prominent dog in 1877. 

Silvio was bred by Mr. James Roocroft, of Bolton, who owned a largekennel of this variety of terrier, and who joined with his townsman, Joe Walker, and with Bill Pearson in raising the breed to popularityin Lancashire. Bill Pearson was the breeder of Tim, who was consideredthe best terrier of his time, a dog of 14 lb. , with a brilliant whitecoat, the darkest of eyes, and a perfect black nose. 

It is apparent that the Whippet was largely used as a cross with theEnglish Terrier, which may account to a great extent for the declineof terrier character in the breed. Wiser breeders had recourse tothe more closely allied Bull-terrier; Mr. Shirley's prize winningPurity was by Tim out of a Bull-terrier bitch, and there is no doubtthat whatever stamina remains in the breed has been supported by thiscross. 

The following is the description laid down by the White EnglishTerrier Club:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Narrow, long and level, almost flat skull, without cheekmuscles, wedge-shaped, well filled up under the eyes, tapering tothe nose, and not lippy. EYES--Small and black, set fairly closetogether, and oblong in shape. NOSE--Perfectly black. EARS--Croppedand standing perfectly erect. NECK AND SHOULDERS--The neck shouldbe fairly long and tapering from the shoulders to the head, withsloping shoulders, the neck being free from throatiness, and slightlyarched at the occiput. CHEST--Narrow and deep. BODY--Short and curvingupwards at the loins, sprung out behind the shoulders, back slightlyarched at loins, and falling again at the joining of the tail to thesame height as the shoulders. LEGS--Perfectly straight and well underthe body, moderate in bone, and of proportionate length. FEET--Feetnicely arched, with toes set well together, and more inclined to beround than hare-footed. TAIL--Moderate length, and set on where thearch of the back ends, thick where it joins the body, tapering toa point, and not carried higher than the back. COAT--Close, hard, short, and glossy. COLOUR--Pure white, coloured marking to disqualify. CONDITION--Flesh and muscles to be hard and firm. WEIGHT--From 12lb. To 20 lb. 

CHAPTER XXX

THE BLACK AND TAN TERRIER

The Black and Tan, or Manchester, Terrier as we know him to-day isa comparatively new variety, and he is not to be confounded with theoriginal terrier with tan and black colouring which was referred toby Dr. Caius in the sixteenth century, and which was at that timeused for going to ground and driving out badgers and foxes. 

Formerly there was but little regard paid to colour and markings, and there was a considerably greater proportion of tan in the coatthan there is at the present day, while the fancy markings, such aspencilled toes, thumb marks, and kissing spots were not cultivated. The general outline of the dog, too, was less graceful and altogethercoarser. 

During the first half of the nineteenth century the chiefaccomplishment of this terrier was rat-killing. There are someextraordinary accounts of his adroitness, as well as courage, indestroying these vermin. The feats of a dog called Billy are recorded. He was matched to destroy one hundred large rats in eight minutesand a half. The rats were brought into the ring in bags, and as soonas the number was complete Billy was put over the railing into theirmidst. In six minutes and thirty-five seconds they were all destroyed. In another match he killed the same number in six minutes and thirteenseconds. 

It was a popular terrier in Lancashire, and it was in this countythat the refining process in his shape and colouring was practised, and where he came by the name of the Manchester Terrier. 

Like the White English Terriers the Black and Tan has fallen on evildays. It is not a popular dog among fanciers, and although many goodones may be seen occasionally about the streets the breed suffersfrom want of the care and attention that are incidental to thebreeding and rearing of dogs intended for competition at shows. 

There are many who hold the opinion that one of the chief reasonsfor the decadence in the popularity of the Black and Tan Terrier, notwithstanding its many claims to favour, is to be found in the lossof that very alert appearance which was a general characteristicbefore the Kennel Club made it illegal to crop the ears of such aswere intended for exhibition. It must be admitted that until veryrecently there was a considerable amount of truth in the prevalentopinion, inasmuch as a rather heavy ear, if carried erect, was thebest material to work upon, and from which to produce the long, fine, and upright, or "pricked" effect which was looked upon as being thecorrect thing in a cropped dog; hence it followed that no care wastaken to select breeding stock likely to produce the small, semi-erect, well-carried, and thin ears required to-day, consequentlywhen the edict forbidding the use of scissors came into force therewere very few small-eared dogs to be found. It has taken at leastten or a dozen years to eradicate the mischief, and even yet the cureis not complete. 

Another factor which has had a bad effect is the belief, which hasbecome much too prevalent, that a great deal of "faking" has beenpractised in the past, and that it has been so cleverly performedas to deceive the most observant judge, whereby a very artificialstandard of quality has been obtained. 

The standard of points by which the breed should be judged is asfollows:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE--A terrier calculated to take his own part in therat pit, and not of the Whippet type. HEAD--The head should be long, flat, and narrow, level and wedge-shaped, without showing cheekmuscles; well filled up under the eyes, with tapering, tightly-lippedjaws and level teeth. EYES--The eyes should be very small, sparkling, and bright, set fairly close together and oblong in shape. NOSE--Black. EARS--The correct carriage of ears is a debatable pointsince cropping has been abolished. Probably in the large breed thedrop ear is correct, but for Toys either erect or semi-erect carriageof the ear is most desirable. NECK AND SHOULDERS--The neck shouldbe fairly long and tapering from the shoulders to the head, withsloping shoulders, the neck being free from throatiness and slightlyarched at the occiput. CHEST--The chest should be narrow but deep. BODY--The body should be moderately short and curving upwards at theloin; ribs well sprung, back slightly arched at the loin and fallingagain at the joining of the tail to the same height as the shoulders. FEET--The feet should be more inclined to be cat- than hare-footed. TAIL--The tail should be of moderate length and set on where the archof the back ends; thick where it joins the body, tapering to a point, and not carried higher than the back. COAT--The coat should be close, smooth, short and glossy. COLOUR--The coat should be jet black andrich mahogany tan, distributed over the body as follows: On the headthe muzzle is tanned to the nose, which with the nasal bone is jetblack. There is also a bright spot on each cheek and above each eye;the underjaw and throat are tanned, and the hair inside the ears isthe same colour; the fore-legs tanned up to the knee, with black lines(pencil marks) up each toe, and a black mark (thumb mark) above thefoot; inside the hind-legs tanned, but divided with black at the hockjoints; and under the tail also tanned; and so is the vent, but onlysufficiently to be easily covered by the tail; also slightly tannedon each side of the chest. Tan outside the hind-legs--commonly calledbreeching--is a serious defect. In all cases the black should notrun into the tan, nor _vice versa_, but the division between the twocolours should be well defined. WEIGHT--For toys not exceeding 7 lb. ;for the large breed from 10 to 20 lb. Is most desirable. 

CHAPTER XXXI

THE BULL-TERRIER

The Bull-terrier is now a gentlemanly and respectably owned dog, wearing an immaculate white coat and a burnished silver collar; hehas dealings with aristocracy, and is no longer contemned for keepingbad company. But a generation or two ago he was commonly the associateof rogues and vagabonds, skulking at the heels of such members ofsociety as Mr. William Sikes, whom he accompanied at night on darksomebusiness to keep watch outside while Bill was within, cracking thecrib. In those days the dog's ears were closely cropped, not for thesake of embellishment, but as a measure of protection against thefangs of his opponent in the pit when money was laid upon the resultof a well-fought fight to the death. For fighting was the acknowledgedvocation of his order, and he was bred and trained to the work. Heknew something of rats, too, and many of his kind were famed in theland for their prowess in this direction. Jimmy Shaw's Jacko couldfinish off sixty rats in three minutes, and on one occasion made arecord by killing a thousand in a trifle over an hour and a half. 

The breed is sufficiently modern to leave no doubt as to itsderivation. In the first quarter of the nineteenth century attentionwas being directed to the improvement of terriers generally, and newtypes were sought for. They were alert, agile little dogs, excellentfor work in the country; but the extravagant Corinthians of thetime--the young gamesters who patronised the prize-ring and thecock-pit--desired to have a dog who should do something more than killrats, or unearth the fox, or bolt the otter: which accomplishmentsafforded no amusement to the Town. They wanted a dog combining allthe dash and gameness of the terrier with the heart and courage andfighting instinct of the Bulldog. Wherefore the terrier and theBulldog were crossed. A large type of terrier was chosen, and thiswould be the smooth-coated Black and Tan, or the early English WhiteTerrier; but probably both were used indifferently, and for aconsiderable period. The result gave the young bucks what theyrequired: a dog that was at once a determined vermin killer and anintrepid fighter, upon whose skill in the pit wagers might withconfidence be laid. 

The animal, however, was neither a true terrier nor a true Bulldog, but an uncompromising mongrel; albeit he served his immediate purpose, and was highly valued for his pertinacity, if not for his appearance. In 1806 Lord Camelford possessed one for which he had paid the veryhigh price of eighty-four guineas, and which he presented to Belcher, the pugilist. This dog was figured in _The Sporting Magazine_ of thetime. He was a short-legged, thick-set, fawn-coloured specimen, withclosely amputated ears, a broad blunt muzzle, and a considerablelay-back; and this was the kind of dog which continued for many yearsto be known as the Bull-and-terrier. He was essentially a man's dog, and was vastly in favour among the undergraduates of Oxford andCambridge. 

Gradually the Bulldog element, at first pronounced, was reduced tosomething like a fourth degree, and, with the terrier characterpredominating, the head was sharpened, the limbs were lengthened andstraightened until little remained of the Bulldog strain but thedauntless heart and the fearless fighting spirit, together with thefrequent reversion to brindle colouring, which was the last outwardand visible characteristic to disappear. 

Within the remembrance of men not yet old the Bull-terrier was asmuch marked with fawn, brindle, or even black, as are the Fox-terriersof our own period. But fifty years or so ago white was becomingfrequent, and was much admired. A strain of pure white was bred byJames Hinks, a well-known dog-dealer of Birmingham, and it is no doubtto Hinks that we are indebted for the elegant Bull-terrier of thetype that we know to-day. These Birmingham dogs showed a refinementand grace and an absence of the crook-legs and coloured patches whichbetrayed that Hinks had been using an out-cross with the English WhiteTerrier, thus getting away further still from the Bulldog. 

With the advent of the Hinks strain in 1862 the short-faced dog fellinto disrepute, and pure white became the accepted colour. There wasa wide latitude in the matter of weight. If all other points weregood, a dog might weigh anything between 10 and 38 lbs. , but classeswere usually divided for those above and those below 16 lb. The typebecame fixed, and it was ruled that the perfect Bull-terrier "musthave a long head, wide between the ears, level jaws, a small blackeye, a large black nose, a long neck, straight fore-legs, a smallhare foot, a narrow chest, deep brisket, powerful loin, long body, a tail set and carried low, a fine coat, and small ears well hungand dropping forward. "

Idstone, who wrote this description in 1872, earnestly insisted thatthe ears of all dogs should be left uncut and as Nature made them;but for twenty years thereafter the ears of the Bull-terrier continuedto be cropped to a thin, erect point. The practice of cropping, itis true, was even then illegal and punishable by law, but, althoughthere were occasional convictions under the Cruelty to Animals Act, the dog owners who admired the alertness and perkiness of the cutear ignored the risk they ran, and it was not until the Kennel Clubtook resolute action against the practice that cropping was entirelyabandoned. 

The president of the Kennel Club, Mr. S. E. Shirley, M. P. , hadhimself been a prominent owner and breeder of the Bull-terrier. HisNelson, bred by Joe Willock, was celebrated as an excellent exampleof the small-sized terrier, at a time, however, when there were nota great many competitors of the highest quality. His Dick, also, wasa remarkably good dog. Earlier specimens which have left their namesin the history of the breed were Hinks's Old Dutch, who was, perhaps, even a more perfect terrier than the same breeder's Madman and Puss. 

Lancashire and Yorkshire have always been noted for goodBull-terriers, and the best of the breed have usually been producedin the neighbourhoods of Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, Bolton, andLiverpool, while Birmingham also shared in the reputation. At onetime Londoners gave careful attention to the breed, stimulated theretoby the encouragement of Mr. Shirley and the success of Alfred George. 

Of recent years the Bull-terrier has not been a great favourite, andit has sadly deteriorated in type; but there are signs that thevariety is again coming into repute, and within the past two yearsmany admirable specimens--as nearly perfect, perhaps, as many thatwon honour in former generations--have been brought into prominence. Among dogs, for example, there are Mr. E. T. Pimm's Sweet Lavender, Dr. M. Amsler's MacGregor, Mr. Chris Houlker's His Highness, and Mr. J. Haynes' Bloomsbury Young King. Among bitches there are Mrs. Kipping's Delphinium Wild and Desdemona, Mr. Hornby's Lady Sweetheart, Mr. W. Mayor's Mill Girl, Mr. T. Gannaway's Charlwood Belle, Dr. J. W. Low's Bess of Hardwicke, and Mrs. E. G. Money's Eastbourne Tarqueenia. While these and such as these beautiful and typical terriers are beingbred and exhibited there is no cause to fear a further decline inpopularity for a variety so eminently engaging. 

The club description is as follows:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE--The general appearance of the Bull-terrier isthat of a symmetrical animal, the embodiment of agility, grace, elegance, and determination. HEAD--The head should be long, flat, and wide between the ears, tapering to the nose, without cheekmuscles. There should be a slight indentation down the face, withouta stop between the eyes. The jaws should be long and very powerful, with a large black nose and open nostrils. Eyes small and very black, almond shape preferred. The lips should meet as tightly as possible, without a fold. The teeth should be regular in shape, and should meetexactly; any deviation, such as pigjaw, or being underhung, is a greatfault. EARS--The ears, when cropped, should be done scientificallyand according to fashion. Cropped dogs cannot win a prize at showsheld under Kennel Club rules, if born after March 31st, 1895. Whennot cropped, it should be a semi-erect ear, but others do notdisqualify. NECK--The neck should be long and slightly arched, nicelyset into the shoulders tapering to the head without any loose skin, as found in the Bulldog. SHOULDERS--The shoulders should be strong, muscular, and slanting; the chest wide and deep, with ribs wellrounded. BACK--The back short and muscular, but not out of proportionto the general contour of the animal. LEGS--The fore-legs should beperfectly straight, with well-developed muscles; not out at shoulder, but set on the racing lines, and very strong at the pastern joints. The hind-legs are long and, in proportion to the fore-legs, muscular, with good strong, straight hocks, well let down near the ground. FEET--The feet more resemble those of a cat than a hare. COLOUR--Should be white. COAT--Short, close, and stiff to the touch, with a fine gloss. TAIL--Short in proportion to the size of the dog, set on very low down, thick where it joins the body, and taperingto a fine point. It should be carried at an angle of about 45 degrees, without curl, and never over the back. HEIGHT AT SHOULDERS--From 12to 18 inches. WEIGHT--From 15 lb. To 50 lb. 

CHAPTER XXXII

THE SMOOTH FOX-TERRIER

To attempt to set forth the origin of the Fox-terrier as we know himto-day would be of no interest to the general reader, and would entailthe task of tracing back the several heterogeneous sources from whichhe sprang. It is a matter of very little moment whether he owes hisorigin to the white English Terrier or to the Bull-terrier crossedwith the Black and Tan, or whether he has a mixture of Beagle bloodin his composition, so it will suffice to take him as he emerged fromthe chaos of mongreldom about the middle of the last century, rescuedin the first instance by the desire of huntsmen or masters ofwell-known packs to produce a terrier somewhat in keeping with theirhounds; and, in the second place, to the advent of dog shows. Priorto that time any dog capable, from his size, conformation, and pluck, of going to ground and bolting his fox was a Fox-terrier, were herough or smooth, black, brown, or white. 

The starting-point of the modern Fox-terrier dates from about the'sixties, and no pedigrees before that are worth considering. 

From three dogs then well known--Old Jock, Trap, and Tartar--he claimsdescent; and, thanks to the Fox-terrier Club and the great care takenin compiling their stud-books, he can be brought down to to-day. Ofthese three dogs Old Jock was undoubtedly more of a terrier than theothers. It is a moot point whether he was bred, as stated in mostrecords of the time, by Captain Percy Williams, master of the Rufford, or by Jack Morgan, huntsman to the Grove; it seems, however, wellestablished that the former owned his sire, also called Jock, andthat his dam, Grove Pepper, was the property of Morgan. He first camebefore the public at the Birmingham show in 1862, where, shown byMr. Wootton, of Nottingham, he won first prize. He subsequentlychanged hands several times, till he became the property of Mr. Murchison, in whose hands he died in the early 'seventies. He wasexhibited for the last time at the Crystal Palace in 1870, and thoughthen over ten years old won second to the same owner's Trimmer. Athis best he was a smart, well-balanced terrier, with perhaps too muchdaylight under him, and wanting somewhat in jaw power; but he showedfar less of the Bull-terrier type than did his contemporary Tartar. 

This dog's antecedents were very questionable, and his breeder isgiven as Mr. Stevenson, of Chester, most of whose dogs wereBull-terriers pure and simple, save that they had drop ears and shortsterns, being in this respect unlike old Trap, whose sire is generallysupposed to have been a Black and Tan Terrier. This dog came fromthe Oakley Kennels, and he was supposed to have been bred by a millerat Leicester. However questionable the antecedents of these threeterriers may have been, they are undoubtedly the progenitors of ourpresent strain, and from them arose the kennels that we have to-day. 

Mention has been made of Mr. Murchison, and to him we owe in a greatmeasure the start in popularity which since the foundation of hislarge kennel the Fox-terrier has enjoyed. Mr. Murchison's chiefopponents in the early 'seventies were Mr. Gibson, of Brockenhurst, with his dogs Tyke and Old Foiler; Mr. Luke Turner, of Leicester, with his Belvoir strain, which later gave us Ch. Brockenhurst Joe, Ch. Olive and her son, Ch. Spice; Mr. Theodore Bassett, Mr. Allison, and, a year or so later, Mr. Frederick Burbidge, the Messrs. Clarke, Mr. Tinne, Mr. Francis Redmond, and Mr. Vicary. About this time atremendous impetus was given to the breed by the formation, in 1876, of the Fox-terrier Club, which owed its inception to Mr. Harding Coxand a party of enthusiasts seated round his dinner table at 36, Russell Square, among whom were Messrs. Bassett, Burbidge, Doyle, Allison, and Redmond, the last two named being still members of theclub. The idea was very warmly welcomed, a committee formed, and ascale of points drawn up which, with but one alteration, is in vogueto-day. Every prominent exhibitor or breeder then, and with fewexceptions since, has been a member, and the club is by far thestrongest of all specialist clubs. 

It will be well to give here the said standard of points. 

 * * * * *

HEAD AND EARS--The _Skull_ should be flat and moderately narrow, andgradually decreasing in width to the eyes. Not much "stop" shouldbe apparent, but there should be more dip in the profile between theforehead and top jaw than is seen in the case of a Greyhound. The_Cheeks_ must not be full. The _Ears_ should be V-shaped and small, of moderate thickness, and dropping forward close to the cheek, nothanging by the side of the head like a Foxhound's. The _Jaw_, upperand under, should be strong and muscular; should be of fair punishingstrength, but not so in any way to resemble the Greyhound or modernEnglish Terrier. There should not be much falling away below the eyes. This part of the head, should, however, be moderately chiselled out, so as not to go down in a straight line like a wedge. The _Nose_, towards which the muzzle must gradually taper, should be black. The_Eyes_ should be dark in colour, small, and rather deep set, fullof fire, life, and intelligence; as nearly as possible circular inshape. The _Teeth_ should be as nearly as possible level, _i. E. _, the upper teeth on the outside of the lower teeth. NECK--Should beclean and muscular, without throatiness, of fair length, and graduallywidening to the shoulders. SHOULDERS AND CHEST--The _Shoulders_ shouldbe long and sloping, well laid back, fine at the points, and clearlycut at the withers. The _Chest_ deep and not broad. BACK AND LOIN--The_Back_ should be short, straight, and strong, with no appearance ofslackness. The _Loin_ should be powerful and very slightly arched. The fore ribs should be moderately arched, the back ribs deep; andthe dog should be well ribbed up. HIND-QUARTERS--Should be strongand muscular, quite free from droop or crouch; the thighs long andpowerful; hocks near the ground, the dog standing well up on themlike a Foxhound, and not straight in the stifle. STERN--Should beset on rather high, and carried gaily, but not over the back orcurled. It should be of good strength, anything approaching a"pipe-stopper" tail being especially objectionable. LEGS AND FEET--The_Legs_ viewed in any direction must be straight, showing little orno appearance of an ankle in front. They should be strong in bonethroughout, short and straight to pastern. Both fore and hind legsshould be carried straight forward in travelling, the stifles notturned outwards. The elbows should hang perpendicular to the body, working free of the side. The _Feet_ should be round, compact, andnot large. The soles hard and tough. The toes moderately arched, andturned neither in nor out. COAT--Should be straight, flat, smooth, hard, dense, and abundant. The belly and under side of the thighsshould not be bare. As regards colour, white should predominate;brindle, red, or liver markings are objectionable. Otherwise thispoint is of little or no importance. SYMMETRY, SIZE, AND CHARACTER--Thedog must present a general gay, lively, and active appearance; boneand strength in a small compass are essentials; but this must notbe taken to mean that a Fox-terrier should be cloggy, or in any waycoarse--speed and endurance must be looked to as well as power, andthe symmetry of the Foxhound taken as a model. The terrier, like thehound, must on no account be leggy, nor must he be too short in theleg. He should stand like a cleverly-made hunter, covering a lot ofground, yet with a short back, as before stated. He will then attainthe highest degree of propelling power, together with the greatestlength of stride that is compatible with the length of his body. Weight is not a certain criterion of a terrier's fitness for hiswork--general shape, size and contour are the main points; and ifa dog can gallop and stay, and follow his fox up a drain, it matterslittle what his weight is to a pound or so, though, roughly speaking, it may be said he should not scale over twenty pounds in showcondition. 

DISQUALIFYING POINTS: NOSE--White, cherry, or spotted to aconsiderable extent with either of these colours. EARS--prick, tulip, or rose. MOUTH--much overshot or much undershot. 

 * * * * *

In order to give some idea of the extraordinary way in which theFox-terrier took the public taste, it will be necessary to hark backand give a _resume_ of the principal kennels and exhibitors to whomthis was due. In the year in which the Fox-terrier Club was formed, Mr. Fred Burbidge, at one time captain of the Surrey Eleven, had theprincipal kennels. He was the pluckiest buyer of his day, and oncehe fancied a dog nothing stopped him till it was in his kennels. Hebought Nimrod, Dorcas, Tweezers, and Nettle, and with them and otherdiscriminating purchases he was very hard to beat on the show-bench. Strange to say, at this time he seemed unable to breed a good dog, and determined to have a clear out and start afresh. A few broodbitches only were retained, and the kennels moved from Champion Hillto Hunton Bridge, in Hertfordshire. From thence in a few years cameBloom, Blossom, Tweezers II. , Hunton Baron, Hunton Bridegroom, anda host of others, which spread the fame of the great Hunton strain. When the kennel was dispersed at Mr. Burbidge's untimely death in1892, the dogs, 130 lots in all, were sold by auction and realisedP1, 800; Hunton Tartar fetched P135, Justice P84, Bliss P70, andScramble P65. 

Messrs. A. H. And C. Clarke were at this time quietly founding akennel, which perhaps has left its mark more indelibly on the breedthan any before or since. Brockenhurst Rally was a most fortunatepurchase from his breeder, Mr. Herbert Peel, and was by BrockenhurstJoe from a Bitters bitch, as from this dog came Roysterer and Ruler, their dam being Jess, an old Turk bitch; and from Rollick by Buffwas bred Ruse and Ransome. Roysterer was the sire of Result, by manyconsidered the best Fox-terrier dog of all time; and Result's owndaughter Rachel was certainly the best bitch of her day. All theseterriers had intense quality and style, due for the most part toinbreeding. Very little new blood was introduced, with an inevitableresult; and by degrees the kennel died out. 

No history of the Fox-terrier could be complete without mention ofMr. Francis Redmond and his kennel, going back, as it does, to theMurchison and Luke Turner period, and being still to-day the mostprominent one in existence. We can date his earlier efforts from hispurchase of Deacon Nettle, the dam of Deacon Ruby; Dusty was the damof Ch. Diamond Dust; Dickon he had from Luke Turner, and in this dogwe have one of the foundation-stones of the Fox-terrier stud-book, as he was the sire of Splinter, who in his turn was the sire ofVesuvian. 

Mr. Redmond's next great winners were D'Orsay and Dominie, twosterling good terriers, the former of which was the sire of DameD'Orsay, who, bred to Despoiler, produced Dame Fortune, the motherof Donna Fortuna, whose other parent was Dominie. Donna Fortuna, considered universally the best specimen of a Fox-terrier everproduced, had from the first a brilliant career, for though fearlesslyshown on all occasions she never knew defeat. Some took exceptionto her want of what is called terrier character, and others wouldhave liked her a shade smaller; but we have still to see theFox-terrier, taken all round, that could beat her. 

As an outcross Mr. Redmond purchased Dreadnought, one of the highestclass dogs seen for many years, but had very bad luck with him, anaccident preventing him from being shown and subsequently causinghis early death. We must not forget Duchess of Durham or Dukedom;but to enumerate all Mr. Redmond's winners it would be necessary totake the catalogues of all the important shows held for the pastthirty years. To no one do we owe so much; no one has made such astudy of the breed, reducing it almost to a science, with the resultthat even outside his kennels no dog has any chance of permanentlyholding his own unless he has an ample supply of the blood. 

The great opponent of the Totteridge Kennel up to some few years agowas unquestionably Mr. Vicary, of Newton Abbot, who laid thefoundation of his kennel with Vesuvian, who was by Splinter, out ofKohinor, and from whom came the long line of winners, Venio-Vesuvienne, Vice-Regal, Valuator, Visto, and Veracity. Fierce war raged roundthese kennels, each having its admiring and devoted adherents, untilone side would not look at anything but a Redmond Terrier to theexclusion of the Vicary type. The Newton Abbot strain was remarkablefor beautiful heads and great quality, but was faulty in feet andnot absolute as to fronts, each of which properties was a _sine quanon_ amongst the Totteridge dogs. Latter-day breeders have recognisedthat in the crossing of the two perfection lies, and Mr. Redmondhimself has not hesitated to go some way on the same road. 

[Illustration: FOX TERRIERS 1. Mrs. J. H. Brown's Ch. Captain Double 2. Mr. J. C. Tinne's Ch. The Sylph 3. Mr. T. J. Stephen's Wire-Hair Ch. Sylvan Result _Photograph by Revely_]

It is fortunate for the breed of Fox-terriers how great a hold thehobby takes, and how enthusiastically its votaries pursue it, otherwise we should not have amongst us men like Mr. J. C. Tinne, whose name is now a household word in the Fox-terrier world, as ithas been any time for the past thirty years. Close proximity, in thosedays, to Mr. Gibson at Brockenhurst made him all the keener, and oneof his first terriers was a bitch of that blood by Bitters. Withdaughters of Old Foiler he did very well--to wit, Pungent, sisterto Dorcas, while through Terror we get Banquet, the granddam ofDespoiler. He purchased from Mr. Redmond both Deacon Diamond and Daze, each of whom was bred to Spice, and produced respectively Auburn andBrockenhurst Dainty; from the latter pair sprang Lottery and Worry, the granddam of Tom Newcome, to whom we owe Brockenhurst Agnes, Brockenhurst Dame, and Dinah Morris, and consequently Adam Bede andHester Sorrel. 

It has always been Mr. Tinne's principle to aim at producing the bestterrier he could, irrespective of the fads of this kennel or that, and his judgment has been amply vindicated, as the prize lists ofevery large show will testify. And to-day he is the proud possessorof Ch. The Sylph, who has beaten every one of her sex, and isconsidered by many about the best Fox-terrier ever seen. 

No name is better known or more highly respected by dog owners thanthat of the late Mr. J. A. Doyle, as a writer, breeder, judge, orexhibitor of Fox-terriers. Whilst breeding largely from his own stock, he was ever on the look-out for a likely outcross. He laid great storeon terrier character, and was a stickler for good coats; a point muchneglected in the present-day dog. 

Amongst the smaller kennels is that of Mr. Reeks, now mostlyidentified with Oxonian and that dog's produce, but he will alwaysbe remembered as the breeder of that beautiful terrier, Avon Minstrel. Mr. Arnold Gillett has had a good share of fortune's favours, as theRidgewood dogs testify; whilst the Messrs. Powell, Castle, Glynn, Dale, and Crosthwaite have all written their names on the pages ofFox-terrier history. Ladies have ever been supporters of the breed, and no one more prominently so than Mrs. Bennett Edwards, who throughDuke of Doncaster, a son of Durham, has founded a kennel which attimes is almost invincible, and which still shelters such grandterriers as Doncaster, Dominie, Dodger, Dauphine, and many otherswell known to fame. Mrs. J. H. Brown, too, as the owner of CaptainDouble, a terrier which has won, and deservedly, more prizes thanany Fox-terrier now or in the past, must not be omitted. 

Whether the present Fox-terrier is as good, both on the score ofutility and appearance, as his predecessors is a question which hasmany times been asked, and as many times decided in the negative aswell as in the affirmative. It would be idle to pretend that a greatmany of the dogs now seen on the show bench are fitted to do the workNature intended them for, as irrespective of their make and shapethey are so oversized as to preclude the possibility of going toground in any average sized earth. 

This question of size is one that must sooner or later be tackledin some practical way by the Fox-terrier Club, unless we are to seea race of giants in the next few generations. Their own standard gives20 lb. --a very liberal maximum; but there are dogs several poundsheavier constantly winning prizes at shows, and consequently beingbred from, with the result which we see. There are many little dogs, and good ones, to be seen, but as long as the judges favour the bigones these hold no chance, and as it is far easier to produce a goodbig one than a good little one, breeders are encouraged to use sireswho would not be looked at if a hard-and-fast line were drawn overwhich no dogs should win a prize. There are hundreds of Fox-terriersabout quite as capable of doing their work as their ancestors everwere, and there is hardly a large kennel which has not from time totime furnished our leading packs with one or more dogs, and withgratifying results. It is, therefore, a great pity that our leadingexhibitors should often be the greatest delinquents in showing dogswhich they know in their hearts should be kept at home or draftedaltogether, and it is deplorable that some of our oldest judges shouldby their awards encourage them. 

Before concluding this chapter it may not be out of place to say afew words as to the breeding and rearing of Fox terriers. 

In the first place, _never_ breed from an animal whose pedigree isnot authenticated beyond a shadow of a doubt; and remember that whilelike _may_ beget like, the inevitable tendency is to throw back toformer generations. The man who elects to breed Fox-terriers musthave the bumps of patience and hope very strongly developed, as ifthe tyro imagines that he has only to mate his bitch to one of theknown prize-winning dogs of the day in order to produce a champion, he had better try some other breed. Let him fix in his mind the idealdog, and set to work by patient effort and in the face of manydisappointments to produce it. It is not sufficient that, havingacquired a bitch good in all points save in head, that he breeds herto the best-headed dog he can find. He must satisfy himself that thehead is not a chance one, but is an inherited one, handed down frommany generations, good in this particular, and consequently potentto reproduce its like. So in all other points that he wishes toreproduce. In the writer's experience, little bitches with qualityare the most successful. Those having masculine characteristics shouldbe avoided, and the best results will be obtained from the first threelitters, after which a bitch rarely breeds anything so good. See thatyour bitch is free from worms before she goes to the dog, then feedher well, and beyond a dose of castor oil some days before she isdue to whelp, let Nature take its course. Dose your puppies well forworms at eight weeks old, give them practically as much as they willeat, and unlimited exercise. Avoid the various advertised nostrums, and rely rather on the friendly advice of some fancier or yourveterinary surgeon. 

Take your hobby seriously, and you will be amply repaid, even ifsuccess does not always crown your efforts, as while the breedingof most animals is a fascinating pursuit, that of the Fox-terrierpresents many varying delights. 

CHAPTER XXXIII

THE WIRE-HAIR FOX-TERRIER

The wire-hair Fox-terrier is, with the exception of its coat, identical with the smooth Fox-terrier--full brother in fact to him. The two varieties are much interbred, and several litters inconsequence include representatives of both; and not only this, butit is quite a frequent occurrence to get a smooth puppy from wire-hairparents, although for some generations neither of the parents mayhave had any smooth cross in their pedigrees. 

The North of England and South Wales (to a lesser extent) have everbeen the home of the wire-hair, and nearly all the best specimenshave come originally from one or the other of those districts. Thereis no doubt that there was excellent stock in both places, and thereis also no doubt that though at times this was used to the bestadvantage, there was a good deal of carelessness in mating, and acertain amount in recording the parentage of some of the terriers. With regard to this latter point it is said that one gentleman whohad quite a large kennel and several stud dogs, but who kept no books, used never to bother about remembering which particular dog he hadput to a certain bitch, but generally satisfied himself as to thesire of a puppy when it came in from "walk" by just examining it andsaying "Oh, that pup must be by owd Jock or Jim, " as the case mightbe, "'cos he's so loike 'im, " and down he would go on the entry formaccordingly. However this may be, there is no doubt that the sirewould be a wire-hair Fox-terrier, and, although the pedigree thereforemay not have been quite right, the terrier was invariably pure bred. 

In the early days the smooth was not crossed with the wire to anythinglike the extent that it was later, and this fact is probably the causeof the salvation of the variety. The wire-hair has had more harm doneto him by his being injudiciously crossed with the smooth thanprobably by anything else. 

The greatest care must be exercised in the matter of coat before anysuch cross is effected. The smooth that is crossed with the wire musthave a really hard, and not too full coat, and, as there are very, very few smooths now being shown with anything like a proper coatfor a terrier to possess, the very greatest caution is necessary. Some few years back, almost incalculable harm was done to the varietyby a considerable amount of crossing into a strain of smooths withterribly soft flannelly coats. Good-looking terriers were produced, and therein lay the danger, but their coats were as bad as bad couldbe; and, though people were at first too prone to look over this veryserious fault, they now seem to have recovered their senses, and thus, although much harm was done, any serious damage has been averted. If a person has a full-coated wire-hair bitch he is too apt to puther to a smooth simply because it is a smooth, whom he thinks willneutralise the length of his bitch's jacket, but this is absoluteheresy, and must not be done unless the smooth has the very hardestof hair on him. If it is done, the result is too horrible for words:you get an elongated, smooth, full coat as soft as cotton wool, andsometimes as silkily wavy as a lady's hair. This is not a coat forany terrier to possess, and it is not a wire-hair terrier's coat, which ought to be a hard, crinkly, peculiar-looking broken coat ontop, with a dense undercoat underneath, and must never be mistakablefor an elongated smooth terrier's coat, which can never at any timebe a protection from wind, water, or dirt, and is, in reality, thereverse. 

The wire-hair has had a great advertisement, for better or worse, in the extraordinarily prominent way he has been mentioned inconnection with "faking" and trimming. Columns have been written onthis subject, speeches of inordinate length have been delivered, motions and resolutions have been carried, rules have beenpromulgated, etc. , etc. , and the one dog mentioned throughout inconnection with all of them has been our poor old, much malignedwire-hair. He has been the scapegoat, the subject of all thisbrilliancy and eloquence, and were he capable of understanding thelanguage of the human, we may feel sure much amusement would be his. 

There are several breeds that are more trimmed than the wire-hair, and that might well be quoted before him in this connection. Thereis a vast difference between legitimate trimming, and what is called"faking. " All dogs with long or wire-hair or rough coats naturallyrequire more attention, and more grooming than those with short smoothcoats. For the purposes of health and cleanliness it is absolutelynecessary that such animals should be frequently well groomed. Thereis no necessity, given a wire-hair with a good and proper coat, touse anything but an ordinary close-toothed comb, a good hard brush, and an occasional removal of long old hairs on the head, ears, neck, legs, and belly, with the finger and thumb. The Kennel Clubregulations for the preparation of dogs for exhibition are perfectlyclear on this subject, and are worded most properly. They say thata dog "shall be disqualified if any part of his coat or hair has beencut, clipped, singed, or rasped down by any substance, or if any ofthe new or fast coat has been removed by pulling or plucking in anymanner, " and that "no comb shall be used which has a cutting orrasping edge. " There is no law, therefore, against the removal ofold coat by finger and thumb, and anyone who keeps long-haired dogsknows that it is essential to the dog's health that there should benone. 

It is in fact most necessary in certain cases, at certain times, topull old coat out in this way. Several terriers with good coats areapt to grow long hair very thickly round the neck and ears, and unlessthis is removed when it gets old, the neck and ears are liable tobecome infested with objectionable little slate-coloured nits, whichwill never be found as long as the coat is kept down when necessary. Bitches in whelp and after whelping, although ordinarily good-coated, seem to go all wrong in their coats unless properly attended to inthis way, and here again, if you wish to keep your bitch free fromskin trouble, it is a necessity, in those cases which need it, touse finger and thumb. 

If the old hair is pulled out only when it is old, there is nodifficulty about it, and no hurt whatever is occasioned to the dog, who does not in reality object at all. If, however, new or fast coatis pulled out it not only hurts the dog but it is also a very foolishthing to do, and the person guilty of such a thing fully meritsdisqualification. 

Most of the nonsense that is heard about trimming emanates, of course, from the ignoramus; the knife, he says, is used on them all, a sharprazor is run over their coats, they are singed, they are cut, theyare rasped (the latter is the favourite term). Anything like sucha sweeping condemnation is quite inaccurate and most unfair. It isimpossible to cut a hair without being detected by a good judge, andvery few people ever do any such thing, at any rate for some monthsbefore the terrier is exhibited, for if they do, they know they arebound to be discovered, and, as a fact, are. 

When the soft-coated dogs are clipped they are operated on, say, twoor three months before they are wanted, and the hair gets a chanceto grow, but even then it is easily discernible, and anyone who, likethe writer, has any experience of clipping dogs in order to cure themof that awful disease, follicular mange, knows what a sight the animalis when he grows his coat, and how terribly unnatural he looks. 

The wire-hair has never been in better state than he is to-day; heis, generally speaking, far ahead of his predecessors of twenty-fiveyears ago, not only from a show point of view, but also in workingqualities. One has only to compare the old portraits of specimensof the variety with dogs of the present day to see this. A good manyindividual specimens of excellent merit, it is true, there were, butthey do not seem to have been immortalised in this way. The portraitsof those we do see are mostly representations of awful-looking brutes, as bad in shoulders, and light of bone, as they could be; they appearalso to have had very soft coats, somewhat akin to that we see ona Pomeranian nowadays, though it is true this latter fault may havebeen that of the artist, or probably amplified by him. 

Perhaps the strongest kennel of wire-hairs that has existed was thatowned a good many years ago by Messrs. Maxwell and Cassell. Severalchampions were in the kennel at the same time, and they were a sortylot of nice size, and won prizes all over the country. Jack Frost, Jacks Again, Liffey, Barton Wonder, Barton Marvel, and several othergood ones, were inmates of this kennel, the two latter especiallybeing high-class terriers, which at one time were owned by Sir H. De Trafford. Barton Marvel was a very beautiful bitch, and probablythe best of those named above, though Barton Wonder was frequentlyput above her. Sir H. De Trafford had for years a very good kennelof the variety, and at that time was probably the biggest and bestbuyer. 

Mr. Carrick, of Carlisle, was also a prominent owner years ago, andshowed some excellent terriers, the best being Carlisle Tack, Trick, and Tyro. The latter was an exceptionally good dog. 

Mr. Sam Hill, of Sheffield, had also a strong kennel, always wellshown by George Porter, who is now, and has been for some years, inAmerica, where he still follows his old love. Mr. Hill's name willever be associated with that of his great dog Meersbrook Bristles, who has undoubtedly done the breed a great amount of good. Mr. Mayhewis another old fancier, who nearly always showed a good one. Mr. Mayhew has been in America now for many years. One dog of his, whoit is believed became a champion, viz. Brittle, did at one time abig business at stud, perhaps not to the advantage of the breed, forhe was possessed of a very bad fault, in that he had what was calleda topknot ring, a bunch of soft silky hairs on his forehead, anunfailing sign of a soft coat all over, and a thing which breedersshould studiously avoid. This topknot was at one time more prevalentthan it is now. Whether it is a coincidence or not one cannot say, but it is a fact that in the writer's experience several terrierspossessed of this fault have also blue markings, which again arealmost invariably accompanied by a soft coat, and taking these twopeculiarities together it would seem that at some time, years ago, a cross with that wonderfully game but exceedingly soft-coatedterrier, the Bedlington, may have been resorted to, though if so itwould appear that nowadays any effect of it is gradually dying out. 

Mr. George Raper is one of the old fanciers who has for many yearsowned some of the best specimens of the variety, Ch. Go Bang perhapsbeing the most notable. Go Bang was a beautiful terrier; there wasno denying his quality. Mr. Raper sold him to Mr. G. M. Carnochan, of New York, for something like P500, probably the biggest price thathas ever been paid for any Fox-terrier. Mr. Hayward Field is anothergentleman who has been exhibiting the breed for very many years, andhas owned several good terriers. The late Mr. Clear had also at onetime a strong kennel, the best of which by a long way was Ch. JackSt. Leger. 

Mr. Wharton was a well-known exhibitor and judge some time back. Itwas he who owned that excellent little terrier Ch. Bushey Broom, whocreated quite a furore when first exhibited at the WestminsterAquarium. 

Mr. Harding Cox was years ago a great supporter of the variety. Heexhibited with varying success, and was always much in request asa judge; one knew in entering under him that he wanted firstly a_terrier_, and further that the terrier had to be _sound_. Mr. Coxhas of course played a big part in the popularisation of theFox-terrier, for, as all the world knows, he was the instigator ofthe Fox-terrier Club, it being founded at a meeting held at his house. His love has ever been for the small terrier, and certainly thespecimens shown by him, whatever their individual faults, wereinvariably a sporting, game-looking lot. Mr. Sidney Castle has formany years shown wire-hair Fox-terriers of more than average merit;and thoroughly understands the variety, indeed, perhaps as well asanybody. Messrs. Bartle, Brumby Mutter, G. Welch, and S. Wilson, areall old fanciers who have great experience, have bred and shownexcellent specimens. 

In mentioning the names of celebrated men and terriers of years goneby, reference must be made to a terrier shown some time ago, whichwas as good, taken all round, as any that have so far appeared. Thiswas Ch. Quantock Nettle, afterwards purchased by a gentleman in Walesand renamed Lexden Nettle. Of correct size, with marvellous character, an excellent jacket and very takingly marked with badger tan and blackon a wonderful head and ears, this bitch swept the board, as theysay, and unquestionably rightly so. 

No article on the wire-hair Fox-terrier would be complete withoutmentioning the name of the late Mr. S. E. Shirley, President of theKennel Club. Mr. Shirley was a successful exhibitor in the early daysof the variety, and while his terriers were a good-looking lot, thoughnot up to the show form of to-day, they were invariably hard-bitten, game dogs, kept chiefly for work. 

On the question of size nearly all the principal judges of theFox-terrier are agreed. Their maxim is "a good little one can alwaysbeat a good big one. " The difficulty arises when the little ones areno good, and the big ones are excellent; it is a somewhat commonoccurrence, and to anyone who loves a truly formed dog, and who knowswhat a truly formed dog can do, it is an extremely difficult thingto put the little above the larger. All big dogs with properly placedshoulders and sound formation are better terriers for work of anysort than dogs half their size, short on the leg, but bad in thesepoints. It is in reality impossible to make an inexorable rule aboutthis question of size; each class must be judged on its own merits. 

CHAPTER XXXIV

THE AIREDALE TERRIER

There is perhaps no breed of dog that in so short a time has beenimproved so much as the Airedale. He is now a very beautiful animal, whereas but a few years back, although maybe there were a few fairlynice specimens, by far the greater number were certainly the reverseof this. 

In place of the shaggy, soft-coated, ugly-coloured brute with largehound ears and big full eyes, we have now a very handsome creature, possessing all the points that go to make a really first-class terrierof taking colour, symmetrical build, full of character and "go, " amplyjustifying--in looks, at any rate--its existence as a terrier. 

Whether it is common sense to call a dog weighing 40 lb. To 50 lb. A terrier is a question that one often hears discussed. The factremains the dog is a terrier--a sort of glorified edition of whatwe understand by the word, it is true, but in points, looks, andcharacter, a terrier nevertheless, and it is impossible otherwiseto classify him. 

People will ask: "How can he be a terrier? Why he is an outrage onthe very word, which can only mean a dog to go to ground; and to whatanimal in the country of his birth can an Airedale go to ground?"Above ground and in water, however, an Airedale can, and does, performin a very excellent manner everything that any other terrier can do. As a water dog he is, of course, in his element; for work on landrequiring a hard, strong, fast and resolute terrier he is, needlessto say, of great value; and he is said to be also, when trained--ascan easily be imagined when one considers his power of scent, hisstrength, sagacity, and speed--a most excellent gun-dog. He is, infact, a general utility dog, for add to the above-mentioned qualitiesthose of probably an incomparable guard and a most excellentcompanion, faithful and true, and ask yourself what do you want more, and what breed of dog, taken all round, can beat him?

The Airedale is not of ancient origin. He was probably first heardof about the year 1850. He is undoubtedly the product of theOtterhound and the old Black and Tan wire-haired terrier referredto in the chapters on the wire-hair Fox and the Welsh Terriers. Whenone considers the magnificent nobleness, the great sagacity, courage, and stateliness of the Otterhound, the great gameness, cheek, andpertinacity of the old Black and Tan wire-hair, such a cross mustsurely produce an animal of excellent type and character. 

Yorkshire, more especially that part of it round and about the townof Otley, is responsible for the birth of the Airedale. Theinhabitants of the country of broad acres are, and always have been, exceedingly fond of any kind of sport--as, indeed, may also be saidof their brothers of the Red Rose--but if in connection with thatsport a dog has to be introduced, then indeed are they doubly blessed, for they have no compeers at the game. 

Otter-hunting was formerly much indulged in by the people living inthe dales of the Aire and the Wharfe, and not only were packs ofOtterhounds kept, but many sportsmen maintained on their own accounta few hounds for their personal delectation. These hounds were nodoubt in some instances a nondescript lot, as, indeed, are severalof the packs hunting the otter to-day, but there was unquestionablya good deal of Otterhound blood in them, and some pure bred houndswere also to be found. Yorkshire also has always been the great homeof the terrier. Fox-terriers, as we now know them, had at this timehardly been seen. The terrier in existence then was the Black andTan wire-hair, a hardy game terrier, a great workman on land or inwater. 

Whether by design or accident is not known, but the fact remains thatin or about the year mentioned a cross took place between these samehounds and terriers. It was found that a handier dog was producedfor the business for which he was required, and it did not take manyyears to populate the district with these terrier-hounds, which sooncame to be recognised as a distinct breed. The Waterside Terrier wasthe name first vouchsafed to the new variety. After this they wentby the name of Bingley Terriers, and eventually they came to be knownunder their present appellation. 

The specimens of the Airedale which were first produced were not ofvery handsome appearance, being what would now be called bad incolour, very shaggy coated, and naturally big and ugly in ear. It, of course, took some time to breed the hound out at all satisfactorily;some authorities tell us that for this purpose the common fightingpit Bull-terrier and also the Irish Terrier were used, the latterto a considerable extent; and whether this is correct or not thereis no doubt that there would also be many crosses back again intothe small Black and Tan Terrier, primarily responsible for hisexistence. 

In about twenty years' time, the breed seems to have settled downand become thoroughly recognised as a variety of the terrier. It wasnot, however, for some ten years after this that classes were givenfor the breed at any representative show. In 1883 the committee ofthe National Show at Birmingham included three classes for Airedalesin their schedule, which were fairly well supported; and three yearsafter this recognition was given to the breed in the stud-book ofthe ruling authority. 

From this time on the breed prospered pretty well; several very goodterriers were bred, the hound gradually almost disappeared, as alsodid to a great extent the bad-coloured ones. The best example amongstthe early shown dogs was undoubtedly Newbold Test, who had a longand very successful career. This dog excelled in terrier character, and he was sound all over; his advent was opportune--he was just thedog that was wanted, and there is no doubt he did the breed a greatamount of good. 

A dog called Colne Crack, who was a beautiful little terrier wasanother of the early shown ones by whom the breed has lost nothing, and two other terriers whose names are much revered by lovers of thebreed are Cholmondeley Briar and Briar Test. 

Some years ago, when the breed was in the stage referred to above, a club was formed to look after its interests, and there is no doubtthat though perhaps phenomenal success did not attend its efforts, it did its best, and forms a valuable link in the chain of popularityof the Airedale. It was at best apparently a sleepy sort of concern, and never seems to have attracted new fanciers. Some dozen or so yearsago, however, a club, destined not only to make a great name foritself, but also to do a thousandfold more good to the breed itespouses than ever the old club did, was formed under the name ofthe South of England Airedale Terrier Club, and a marvellouslysuccessful and popular life it has so far lived. The younger clubwas in no way an antagonist of the older one, and it has ever beencareful that it should not be looked upon in any way as such. Theold club has, however, been quite overshadowed by the younger, which, whether it wishes it or not, is now looked upon as the leading societyin connection with the breed. 

At a meeting of the first club--which went by the name of the AiredaleTerrier Club--held in Manchester some eighteen or twenty years ago, the following standard of perfection and scale of points was drawnup and adopted:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Long, with flat skull, but not too broad between the ears, narrowing slightly to the eyes, free from wrinkle; stop hardlyvisible, and cheeks free from fullness; jaw deep and powerful, wellfilled up before the eyes; lips light; ears V-shaped with a sidecarriage, small but not out of proportion to the size of the dog;the nose black; the eyes small and dark in colour, not prominent, and full of terrier expression; the teeth strong and level. The neckshould be of moderate length and thickness, gradually widening towardsthe shoulders and free from throatiness. SHOULDERS AND CHEST--Shoulderslong and sloping well into the back, shoulder-blades flat, chest deep, but not broad. BODY--Back short, strong and straight; ribs wellsprung. HIND-QUARTERS--Strong and muscular, with no drop; hocks welllet down; the tail set on high and carried gaily, but not curled overthe back. LEGS AND FEET--Legs perfectly straight, with plenty of bone;feet small and round with good depth of pad. COAT--Hard and wiry, and not so long as to appear ragged; it should also be straight andclose, covering the dog well over the body and legs. COLOUR--The headand ears, with the exception of dark markings on each side of theskull, should be tan, the ears being a darker shade than the rest, the legs up to the thigh and elbows being also tan, the body blackor dark grizzle. WEIGHT--Dogs 40 lb. To 45 lb. , bitches slightly less. 

 * * * * *

At the time of the formation of the Southern club the state of theAiredale was critical; possessed of perhaps unequalled naturaladvantages, lovely dog as he is, he had not made that progress thathe should have done. He had not been boomed in any way, and had beencrawling when he should have galloped. From the moment the new clubwas formed, however, the Airedale had a new lease of life. Mr. HollandBuckley and other keen enthusiasts seem to have recognised to a nicetyexactly what was required to give a necessary fillip to the breed;they appear also to have founded their club at the right moment, andto have offered such an attractive bill of fare, that not only dideveryone in the south who had anything to do with Airedales join atonce, but very shortly a host of new fanciers was enrolled, and crowdsof people began to take the breed up who had had nothing to do withit, or, indeed, any other sort of dog previously. 

Some few years after the foundation of this club, a junior branchof it was started, and this, ably looked after by Mr. R. LauderMcLaren, is almost as big a success in its way as is the parentinstitution. Other clubs have been started in the north and elsewhere, and altogether the Airedale is very well catered for in this respect, and, if things go on as they are now going, is bound to prosper andbecome even more extensively owned than he is at present. To Mr. Holland Buckley, Mr. G. H. Elder, Mr. Royston Mills, and Mr. MarshallLee, the Airedale of the present day owes much. 

The Airedales that have struck the writer as the best he has comeacross are Master Briar, Clonmel Monarch, Clonmel Marvel, DumbartonLass, Tone Masterpiece, Mistress Royal, Master Royal, Tone Chief, Huckleberry Lass, Fielden Fashion, York Sceptre and Clonmel Floriform. Nearly everyone of these is now, either in the flesh or spirit, inthe United States or Canada. 

In all probability, the person who knows more about this terrier thananyone living is Mr. Holland Buckley. He has written a mostentertaining book on the Airedale; he has founded the principal clubin connection with the breed; he has produced several very excellentspecimens, and it goes without saying that he is--when he can beinduced to "take the ring"--a first-rate judge. Mr. Buckley hasfrequently told the writer that in his opinion one of the bestterriers he has seen was the aforesaid Clonmel Floriform, but, asthis dog was sold for a big price very early in his career, the writernever saw him. 

Most of the articles that have been written on the Airedale have comefrom the pen of Mr. Buckley, and therefore but modest reference ismade to the man who has worked so whole-heartedly, so well, and sosuccessfully in the interests of the breed he loves. It would beungenerous and unfair in any article on the Airedale, written byanyone but Mr. Buckley, if conspicuous reference were not made tothe great power this gentleman has been, and to the great good thathe has done. 

The Airedale is such a beautiful specimen of the canine race, andis, in reality, in such healthy state, that every one of hisadmirers--and they are legion--is naturally jealous for his welfare, and is wishful that all shall go well with him. It is gratifying tostate that he has never been the tool of faction, though at one timehe was doubtless near the brink; but this was some time ago, and itwould be a grievous pity if he ever again became in jeopardy offeeling the baneful influence of any such curse. 

There is one serious matter in connection with him, however, and thatis the laxity displayed by some judges of the breed in giving prizesto dogs shown in a condition, with regard to their coats, which oughtto disentitle them to take a prize in any company. Shockinglybadly-trimmed shoulders are becoming quite a common thing to see inAiredales. There is no necessity for this sort of thing; it is veryfoolish, and it is impossible to imagine anything more likely to doharm to a breed than that the idea should get abroad that this isthe general practice in connection with it. 

CHAPTER XXXV

THE BEDLINGTON TERRIER

This gamest of all the terriers has been known as a distinct andthoroughly British breed for over a century, which is, I think, afairly ancient lineage. There are various theories as to its originalparentage, but the one which holds that he was the result of a crossbetween the Otterhound and the Dandie Dinmont suggests itself to meas the most probable one. His characteristics strongly resemble inmany points both these breeds, and there can be but little doubt ofhis near relationship at some time or other to the Dandie. 

The earliest authentic record we have of the Bedlington was a dognamed Old Flint, who belonged to Squire Trevelyan, and was whelpedin 1782. The pedigree of Mr. William Clark's Scamp, a dog well knownabout 1792, is traced back to Old Flint, and the descendants of Scampwere traced in direct line from 1792 to 1873. 

A mason named Joseph Aynsley has the credit for giving the name of"Bedlington" to this terrier in 1825. It was previously known as theRothbury Terrier, or the Northern Counties Fox-terrier. Mr. ThomasJ. Pickett, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, was perhaps the earliest supporterof the breed on a large scale, and his Tynedale and Tyneside inespecial have left their names in the history of the Bedlington. 

The present day Bedlington, like a good many other terriers, hasbecome taller and heavier than the old day specimens. This no doubtis due to breeding for show points. He is a lathy dog, but not shelly, inclined to be flatsided, somewhat light in bone for his size, verylively in character, and has plenty of courage. If anything, indeed, his pluck is too insistent. 

The standard of points as adopted by the National Bedlington Terrierand The Yorkshire Bedlington Terrier Clubs is as follows:--

 * * * * *

SKULL--Narrow, but deep and rounded; high at the occiput, and coveredwith a nice silky tuft or topknot. MUZZLE--Long, tapering, sharp andmuscular, as little stop as possible between the eyes, so as to formnearly a line from the nose-end along the joint of skull to theocciput. The lips close fitting and without flew. EYES--Should besmall and well sunk in the head. The blues should have a dark eye, the blues and tans ditto, with amber shades; livers and sandies, alight brown eye. NOSE--Large, well angled; blues and blues and tansshould have black noses, livers and sandies flesh-coloured. TEETH--Level or pincher-jawed. EARS--Moderately large, well formed, flat to the cheek, thinly covered and tipped with fine silky hair. They should be filbert shaped. LEGS--Of moderate length, not wideapart, straight and square set, and with good-sized feet, which arerather long. TAIL--Thick at the root, tapering to a point, slightlyfeathered on lower side, 9 inches to 11 inches long and scimitarshaped. NECK AND SHOULDERS--Neck long, deep at base, rising well fromthe shoulders, which should be flat. BODY--Long and well-proportioned, flat ribbed, and deep, not wide in chest, slightly arched back, wellribbed up, with light quarters. COAT--Hard, with close bottom, andnot lying flat to sides. COLOUR--Dark blue, blue and tan, liver, liverand tan, sandy, or sandy and tan. HEIGHT--About 15 inches to 16inches. WEIGHT--Dogs about 24 pounds; bitches about 22 pounds. GENERALAPPEARANCE--He is a light-made, lathy dog, but not shelly. 

 * * * * *

There is a tendency nowadays towards excess of size in the Bedlington. It is inclined to be too long in the body and too leggy, which, ifnot checked, will spoil the type of the breed. It is, therefore, veryimportant that size should be more studied by judges than is atpresent the case. The faults referred to are doubtless the resultof breeding for exceptionally long heads, which seem to be the crazejust now, and, of course, one cannot get extra long heads withoutproportionately long bodies and large size. If it were possible todo so, then the dog would become a mere caricature. 

As a sporting terrier the Bedlington holds a position in the firstrank. He is very fast and enduring, and exceedingly pertinacious, and is equally at home on land and in water. He will work an otter, draw a badger, or bolt a fox, and he has no superior at killing ratsand all kinds of vermin. He has an exceptionally fine nose, and makesa very useful dog for rough shooting, being easily taught to retrieve. If he has any fault at all, it is that he is of too jealous adisposition, which renders it almost impossible to work him with otherdogs, as he wants all the fun to himself, and if he cannot get ithe will fight for it. But by himself he is perfect. As a companionhe is peculiarly affectionate and faithful, and remarkablyintelligent; he makes a capital house-dog, is a good guard and isvery safe with children. 

Bedlingtons are not dainty feeders, as most writers have asserted, nor are they tender dogs. If they are kept in good condition and getplenty of exercise they feed as well as any others, and are as hardas nails if not pampered. They are easy to breed and rear, and thebitches make excellent mothers. If trained when young they are veryobedient, and their tendency to fight can in a great measure be curedwhen they are puppies; but, if not checked then, it cannot be doneafterwards. Once they take to fighting nothing will keep them fromit, and instead of being pleasurable companions they become positivenuisances. On the other hand, if properly broken they give very littletrouble, and will not quarrel unless set upon. 

CHAPTER XXXVI

THE IRISH TERRIER

The dare-devil Irish Terrier has most certainly made his home in ourbosom. There is no breed of dog more genuinely loved by those whohave sufficient experience and knowledge to make the comparison. Otherdogs have a larger share of innate wisdom, others are mostaesthetically beautiful, others more peaceable; but our rufous friendhas a way of winning into his owner's heart and making there anabiding place which is all the more secure because it is gained bysincere and undemonstrative devotion. Perhaps one likes him equallyfor his faults as for his merits. His very failings are due to hissoldierly faithfulness and loyalty, to his too ardent vigilance inguarding the threshold, to his officious belligerence towards othercanines who offend his sense of proprietorship in his master. Hisparticular stature may have some influence in his success as a chum. He is just tall enough to rest his chin upon one's knee and look upwith all his soul into one's eyes. Whatever be the secret of hisattraction 'tis certain that he has the Hibernian art of compellingaffection and forgiveness, and that he makes one value him, not forthe beauty of his ruddy raiment, the straightness of his fore-legs, the set of his eye and ear, the levelness of his back, or his abilityto win prizes, but rather for his true and trusty heart, that exactsno return and seeks no recompense. He may be but an indifferentspecimen of his kind, taken in as a stranger at the gates; but whenat length the inevitable time arrives, as it does all too soon incanine nature, one then discovers how surely one has been harbouringan angel unawares. 

Statistics would probably show that in numbers the Fox-terrierjustifies the reputation of being a more popular breed, and theScottish Terrier is no doubt a formidable competitor for publicesteem. It is safe, however, to say that the Irish Terrier shareswith these the distinction of being one of the three most popularterriers in the British Isles. 

This fact taken into consideration, it is interesting to reflect thatthirty years ago the "Dare-Devil" was virtually unknown in England. Idstone, in his book on dogs, published in 1872 did not give a wordof mention to the breed, and dog shows had been instituted sixteenyears before a class was opened for the Irish Terrier. The dogexisted, of course, in its native land. It may indeed be almosttruthfully said to have existed "as long as that country has beenan island. "

About the year 1875, experts were in dispute over the Irish Terrier, and many averred that his rough coat and length of hair on foreheadand muzzle were indubitable proof of Scotch blood. His veryexpression, they said, was Scotch. But the argument was quelled bymore knowing disputants on the other side, who claimed that Irelandhad never been without her terrier, and that she owed no manner ofindebtedness to Scotland for a dog whose every hair was essentiallyIrish. 

In the same year at a show held in Belfast a goodly number of thebreed were brought together, notable among them being Mr. D. O'Connell's Slasher, a very good-looking wire-coated working terrier, who is said to have excelled as a field and water dog. Slasher waslint white in colour, and reputed to be descended from a pure whitestrain. Two other terriers of the time were Mr. Morton's Fly (thefirst Irish Terrier to gain a championship) and Mr. George Jamison'sSport. 

The prominent Irish Terriers of the 'seventies varied considerablyin type. Stinger, who won the first prize at Lisburn in 1875, waslong-backed and short-legged, with a "dark blue grizzle coloured back, tan legs, and white turned-out feet. " The dam of Mr. Burke's KilleneyBoy was a rough black and tan, a combination of colours which wasbelieved to accompany the best class of coats. Brindles were notuncommon. Some were tall on the leg, some short; some were lanky andothers cobby; many were very small. There were classes given at aDublin show in 1874 for Irish Terriers under 9 lb. Weight. 

Jamison's Sport is an important dog historically, for various reasons. He was undoubtedly more akin to our present type than any other IrishTerrier of his time of which there is record. His dark ears wereuncropped at a period when cropping was general; his weightapproximated to our modern average. He was an all coloured red, andhis legs were of a length that would not now be seriously objectedto. But in his day he was not accepted as typical, and he was notparticularly successful in the show ring. The distinguished terrierof his era was Burke's Killeney Boy, to whom, and to Mr. W. Graham'sbitch Erin, with whom he was mated, nearly all the pedigrees of thebest Irish Terriers of to-day date back. Erin was said to be superiorin all respects to any of her breed previous to 1880. In her firstlitter by Killeney Boy were Play Boy, Pretty Lass, Poppy, Gerald, Pagan II. , and Peggy, every one of whom became famous. More than oneof these showed the black markings of their granddam, and theirprogeny for several generations were apt to throw back to theblack-and-tan, grey, or brindle colouring. Play Boy and Poppy werethe best of Erin's first litter. The dog's beautiful ears, which wereleft as Nature made them, were transmitted to his son Bogie Rattler, who was sire of Bachelor and Benedict, the latter the most successfulstud dog of his time. Poppy had a rich red coat, and this colourrecurred with fair regularity in her descendants. Red, which had notat first been greatly appreciated, came gradually to be the acceptedcolour of an Irish Terrier's jacket. Occasionally it tended towardsflaxen; occasionally to a deep rich auburn; but the black and brindlewere so rigidly bred out that by the year 1890, or thereabout, theyvery seldom recurred. Nowadays it is not often that any other colourthan red is seen in a litter of Irish Terriers, although a white patchon the breast is frequent, as it is in all self-coloured breeds. 

In addition to the early celebrities already named, ExtremeCarelessness, Michael, Brickbat, Poppy II. , Moya Doolan, StraightTip, and Gaelic have taken their places in the records of the breed, while yet more recent Irish Terriers who have achieved fame have beenMrs. Butcher's Bawn Boy and Bawn Beauty, Mr. Wallace's Treasurer, Mr. S. Wilson's Bolton Woods Mixer, Dr. Smyth's Sarah Kidd, and Mr. C. J. Barnett's Breda Muddler. 

Naturally in the case of a breed which has departed from its originaltype, discussions were frequent before a standard of perfection forthe Irish Terrier was fixed. His size and weight, the length orshortness of his limbs, the carriage of his tail, the form of hisskull and muzzle, the colour and texture of his coat were the subjectsof controversy. It was considered at one juncture that he was beingbred too big, and at another that he was being brought too much toresemble a red wire-hair Fox-terrier. When once the black markingon his body had been eliminated no one seems to have desired thatit should be restored. Red was acknowledged to be the one and onlycolour for an Irish Terrier. But some held that the correct red shouldbe deep auburn, and others that wheaten colour was the tone to beaimed at. A medium shade between the two extremes is now generallypreferred. As to size, it should be about midway between that of theAiredale and the Fox-terrier, represented by a weight of from 22 to27 lb. 

The two breeds just mentioned are, as a rule, superior to the IrishTerrier in front legs, and feet, but in the direction of these pointsgreat improvements have recently been observable. The heads of ourIrish Terriers have also been brought nearer to a level of perfection, chiselled to the desired degree of leanness, with the determinedexpression so characteristic of the breed, and with the length, squareness, and strength of muzzle which formerly were so difficultto find. This squareness of head and jaw is an important point tobe considered when choosing an Irish Terrier. 

Opinions differ in regard to slight details of this terrier'sconformation, but the official description, issued by the IrishTerrier Club, supplies a guide upon which the uncertain novice mayimplicitly depend:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Long; skull flat, and rather narrow between ears, gettingslightly narrower towards the eye; free from wrinkles; stop hardlyvisible except in profile. The jaw must be strong and muscular, butnot too full in the cheek, and of a good punishing length. Thereshould be a slight falling away below the eye, so as not to have aGreyhound appearance. Hair on face of same description as on body, but short (about a quarter of an inch long), in appearance almostsmooth and straight; a slight beard is the only longish hair (andit is only long in comparison with the rest) that is permissible, and this is characteristic. TEETH--Should be strong and level. LIPS--Not so tight as a Bull-terrier's, but well-fitting, showingthrough the hair their black lining. NOSE--Must be black. EYES--Adark hazel colour, small, not prominent, and full of life, fire, andintelligence. EARS--Small and V-shaped, of moderate thickness, setwell on the head, and dropping forward closely to the cheek. The earmust be free of fringe, and the hair thereon shorter and darker incolour than the body. NECK--Should be of a fair length, and graduallywidening towards the shoulders, well carried, and free of throatiness. There is generally a slight sort of frill visible at each side ofthe neck, running nearly to the corner of the ear. SHOULDERS ANDCHEST--Shoulders must be fine, long, and sloping well into the back;the chest deep and muscular, but neither full nor wide. BACK ANDLOIN--Body moderately long; back should be strong and straight, withno appearance of slackness behind the shoulders; the loin broad andpowerful, and slightly arched; ribs fairly sprung, rather deep thanround, and well ribbed back. HIND-QUARTERS--Should be strong andmuscular, thighs powerful, hocks near ground, stifles moderately bent. STERN--Generally docked; should be free of fringe or feather, butwell covered with rough hair, set on pretty high, carried gaily, butnot over the back or curled. FEET AND LEGS--Feet should be strong, tolerably round, and moderately small; toes arched, and neither turnedout nor in; black toe nails most desirable. Legs moderately long, well set from the shoulders, perfectly straight, with plenty of boneand muscle; the elbows working freely clear of the sides; pasternsshort and straight, hardly noticeable. Both fore and hind legs shouldbe moved straight forward when travelling, the stifles not turnedoutwards, the legs free of feather, and covered, like the head, withas hard a texture of coat as body, but not so long. COAT--Hard andwiry, free of softness or silkiness, not so long as to hide theoutlines of the body, particularly in the hind-quarters, straightand flat, no shagginess, and free of lock or curl. COLOUR--Shouldbe "whole-coloured, " the most preferable being bright red, red, wheaten, or yellow red. White sometimes appears on chest and feet;it is more objectionable on the latter than on the chest, as a speckof white on chest is frequently to be seen in all self-colouredbreeds. SIZE AND SYMMETRY--The most desirable weight in show conditionis, for a dog 24 lb. , and for a bitch 22 lb. The dog must presentan active, lively, lithe, and wiry appearance; lots of substance, at the same time free of clumsiness, as speed and endurance, as wellas power, are very essential. They must be neither cloddy or cobby, but should be framed on the lines of speed, showing a graceful racingoutline. TEMPERAMENT--Dogs that are very game are usually surly orsnappish. The Irish Terrier as a breed is an exception, beingremarkably good-tempered, notably so with mankind, it being admitted, however, that he is perhaps a little too ready to resent interferenceon the part of other dogs. There is a heedless, reckless pluck aboutthe Irish Terrier which is characteristic, and, coupled with theheadlong dash, blind to all consequences, with which he rushes athis adversary, has earned for the breed the proud epithet of "TheDare-Devils. " When "off-duty" they are characterised by a quiet, caress-inviting appearance, and when one sees them endearingly, timidly pushing their heads into their masters' hands, it is difficultto realise that on occasions, at the "set on, " they can prove theyhave the courage of a lion, and will fight unto the last breath intheir bodies. They develop an extraordinary devotion to and have beenknown to track their masters almost incredible distances. 

 * * * * *

[Illustration: MR. FRED W. BREAKELL'S IRISH TERRIER CH. KILLARNEYSPORT]

It is difficult to refer to particular Irish Terriers of to-daywithout making invidious distinctions. There are so many excellentexamples of the breed that a list even of those who have gainedchampionship honours would be formidable. But one would hardlyhesitate to head the list with the name of Paymaster, a dog of rareand almost superlative quality and true Irish Terrier character. Paymaster is the property of Miss Lilian Paull, of Weston-super-Mare, who bred him from her beautiful bitch Erasmic, from Breda Muddler, the sire of many of the best. Side by side with Paymaster, Mr. F. Clifton's Mile End Barrister might be placed. It would need a councilof perfection, indeed, to decide which is the better dog of the two. Very high in the list, also, would come Mr. Henry Ridley's Redeemerand Mr. Breakell's Killarney Sport. And among bitches one would namecertainly Mr. Gregg's Belfast Erin, Mr. Clifton's Charwoman, Mr. Everill's Erminie, and Mr. J. S. McComb's Beeston Betty. These arebut half a dozen, but they represent the highest level of excellencethat has yet been achieved by scientific breeding in Irish Terriertype. 

Breeding up to the standard of excellence necessary in competitionin dog shows has doubtless been the agent which has brought the IrishTerrier to its present condition of perfection, and it is the meansby which the general dog owning public is most surely educated toa practical knowledge of what is a desirable and what an undesirabledog to possess. But, after all, success in the show ring is not theone and only thing to be aimed at, and the Irish Terrier is not tobe regarded merely as the possible winner of prizes. He is above allthings a dog for man's companionship, and in this capacity he takesa favoured place. He has the great advantage of being equally suitablefor town and country life. In the home he requires no pampering; hehas a good, hardy constitution, and when once he has got over theills incidental to puppyhood--worms and distemper--he needs only tobe judiciously fed, kept reasonably clean, and to have his fill ofactive exercise. If he is taught to be obedient and of gentlemanlyhabit, there is no better house dog. He is naturally intelligent andeasily trained. Although he is always ready to take his own part, he is not quarrelsome, but remarkably good-tempered and a safeassociate of children. Perhaps with his boisterous spirits he is pronesometimes to be over-zealous in the pursuit of trespassing tabbiesand in assailing the ankles of intruding butcher boys and officiouspostmen. These characteristics come from his sense of duty, which isstrongly developed, and careful training will make him discriminativein his assaults. 

Very justly is he classed among the sporting dogs. He is a bornsportsman, and of his pluck it were superfluous to speak. Fear isunknown to him. In this characteristic as in all others, he is trulya son of Erin. 

CHAPTER XXXVII

THE WELSH TERRIER

This breed is near akin to the wire-hair Fox-terrier, the principaldifferences being merely of colour and type. The Welsh Terrier isa wire-haired black or grizzle and tan. The most taking colouringis a jet black body and back with deep tan head, ears, legs, belly, and tail. Several specimens have, however, black foreheads, skulls, ears, and tail, and the black will frequently be seen also extendingfor a short way down the legs. There must be no black, however, belowthe hock, and there must be no substantial amount of white anywhere;a dog possessing either of these faults is, according to the recognisedstandard of the breed, disqualified. Many of the most successful benchwinners have, nevertheless, been possessed of a little white on thechest and even a few hairs of that colour on their hind toes, and, apparently, by the common consent of all the judges of the breed, they have been in nowise handicapped for these blemishes. 

There are not so many grizzle coloured Welsh Terriers now as thereused to be. A grizzle and tan never looks so smart as a black andtan; but though this is so, if the grizzle is of a dark hard colour, its owner should not be handicapped as against a black and tan; if, on the contrary, it is a washed-out, bluish-looking grizzle, a judgeis entitled to handicap its possessor, apart altogether from the factthat any such colour on the back is invariably accompanied by anobjectionable light tan on the legs, the whole being a certain signof a soft, silky, unterrierlike coat. 

The coat of the Welsh Terrier slightly differs from that of thewire-hair Fox-terrier in that it is, as a rule, not so abundant, andis, in reality, a different class of coat. It is not so broken asis that of the Fox-terrier, and is generally a smoother, shorter coat, with the hairs very close together. When accompanied with this thereis a dense undercoat, one has, for a terrier used to work a good dealin water, an ideal covering, as waterproof almost as the featherson a duck's back. The other difference between the Fox and WelshTerrier--viz. , type--is very hard to define. To anyone who reallyunderstands Welsh Terriers, the selection of those of proper typefrom those of wrong type presents little if any difficulty. 

As a show-bench exhibit the Welsh Terrier is not more than twenty-twoyears old. He has, however, resided in Wales for centuries. 

There is no doubt that he is in reality identical with the old blackand tan wire-haired dog which was England's first terrier, and whichhas taken such a prominent part in the production and evolution ofall the other varieties of the sporting terrier. 

There are several people living in or about Carnarvonshire who canshow that Welsh Terriers have been kept by their ancestors from, atany rate, a hundred to two hundred years ago. Notable among theseis the present master of the Ynysfor Otterhounds, whose greatgrandfather, John Jones, of Ynysfor, owned Welsh Terriers in or aboutthe year 1760. This pack of Otterhounds has always been kept by theJones of Ynysfor, who have always worked and still work Welsh Terrierswith them. From this strain some good terriers have sprung, and thisalthough neither the present master nor any of his ancestors haveconcerned themselves greatly about the looks of their terriers, orkept anything but a head record of their pedigrees. They are all, however, pure bred, and are set much store on by their owner and hisfamily, just as they always have been by their predecessors. 

Until about the year 1884 no one seems to have considered the questionof putting specimens of the breed on the show bench. About that year, however, several gentlemen interested in the variety met togetherto see what could be done in connection with the matter, the outcomebeing that the Welsh Terrier Club was shortly afterwards founded, the Kennel Club recognised the breed, and the terrier himself beganhis career as a show dog. 

The specimens which were first shown were, as may be imagined, nota very high-class-looking lot. Although the breed had been kept pure, no care had been taken in the culture of it, except that which wasnecessary to produce a sporting game terrier, able to do its work. One can readily understand, therefore, that such an entirely "fancy"point as a long foreface and narrow, clean skull had never beenthought of for a moment, and it was in these particulars that theWelsh Terrier at first failed, from a show point of view. Naturallyenough, good shoulders, sound hind-quarters, more than fair legs andfeet, and excellent jackets were to be found in abundance, but asthe body was almost invariably surmounted by a very short andwedge-shaped head and jaw, often accompanied with a pair of heavy, round ears, an undershot mouth, and a light, full eye, it will berealised that the general appearance of the dog was not prepossessing. 

The Welsh Terrier to-day is very much improved beyond what he waswhen first put on the bench. This improvement has been brought aboutby careful and judicious breeding from nothing but pure bred specimens. No outside aid has been invoked--at any rate in the production ofany of the best terriers--and none has been required. It is a matterfor great congratulation that the breed has been kept pure despiteall temptation and exhortation. 

The Welsh Terrier breeds as true as steel; you know what you are goingto get. Had popular clamour had its way years ago, goodness only knowwhat monstrosities would now be being bred. 

The colour of the Welsh Terrier is, of course, against him for workingwith a pack of hounds, especially in water. It is only fair, however, to the breed to say that, barring this colour drawback, there is nobetter terrier to hounds living. They are not quarrelsome, show verylittle jealousy one of another in working, can therefore easily beused, exercised, and kennelled together, being much better in thisrespect than any of the other breeds of terriers. They also, as ageneral rule, are dead game; they want a bit of rousing, and are notso flashily, showily game as, say, the Fox-terrier; but, just as withhumans, when it comes to _real_ business, when the talking game isplayed out and there is nothing left but the _doing_ part of thebusiness, then one's experience invariably is that the quiet man, the quiet terrier, is the animal wanted. 

On the formation of the Welsh Terrier Club a standard of perfectionwas drawn up and circulated with the club rules. This standard hasremained unchanged up to the present day, and is as follows:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--The skull should be flat and rather wider between the ears thanthe wire-hair Fox-terrier. The jaw should be powerful, clean cutrather deeper and more punishing--giving the head a more masculineappearance--than that usually seen in a Fox-terrier. The stop nottoo defined, fair length from stop to end of nose, the latter beingof a black colour. EARS--The ears should be V-shaped, small, not toothin, set on fairly high, carried forward, and close to the cheek. EYES--The eyes should be small, not being too deeply set in orprotruding out of skull, of a dark hazel colour, expressive andindicating abundant pluck. NECK--The neck should be of moderate lengthand thickness, slightly arched and sloping gracefully into theshoulders. BODY--The back should be short and well ribbed up, theloin strong, good depth, and moderate width of chest. The shouldersshould be long, sloping and well set back. The hind-quarters shouldbe strong, thighs muscular and of good length, with the hocksmoderately straight, well set down and fair amount of bone. The sternshould be set on moderately high, but not too gaily carried. LEGSAND FEET--The legs should be straight and muscular, possessing fairamount of bone with upright and powerful pasterns. The feet shouldbe small, round and catlike. COAT--The coat should be wiry, hard, very close and abundant. COLOUR--The colour should be black and tanor black grizzle and tan, free from black pencilling on toes. SIZE--The height at shoulders should be 15 inches for dogs, bitchesproportionately less. Twenty pounds shall be considered a fair averageweight in working condition, but this may vary a pound or so eitherway. 

DISQUALIFYING POINTS: NOSE white, cherry, or spotted to a considerableextent with either of these colours. EARS prick, tulip, or rose. Undershot jaw or pig jawed mouth. Black below hocks or white anywhereto any appreciable extent, black pencilling on toes. 

CHAPTER XXXVIII

THE SCOTTISH TERRIER

The Scottish Terrier as a show dog dates from about 1877 to 1879. Heseems almost at once to have attained popularity, and he hasprogressed gradually since then, ever in an upward direction, until heis to-day one of the most popular and extensively owned varieties ofthe dog. Sir Paynton Pigott had, at the date mentioned, a very finekennel of the breed, for in _The Live Stock Journal_ of May 30th, 1879, we find his kennel fully reviewed in a most enthusiastic mannerby a correspondent who visited it in consequence of a controversy thatwas going on at the time, as to whether or not there was such a dog atall, and who, therefore, wished to see and judge for himself as tothis point. At the end of his report on the kennel the writer addsthese words: "It was certainly one of the happiest days of my life tohave the pleasure of looking over so many grand little dogs, but tofind them in England quite staggered me. Four dogs and eight bitchesare not a bad beginning, and with care and judicious selection inmating, I have little doubt but Mr. Pigott's kennel will be asrenowned for Terriers as the late Mr. Laverack's was for Setters. Iknow but few that take such a delight in the brave little 'die-hards'as Mr. Pigott, and he may well feel proud of the lot he has gottogether at great trouble and expense. "

[Illustration: MRS. SPENCER'S DANDIE DINMONT CH. BRAW LAD Photographby T. Fall]

[Illustration: A TYPICAL AIREDALE HEAD]

[Illustration: MR. W. L. McCANDLISH'S SCOTTISH TERRIER EMS COSMETIC]

The fact that there was such a kennel already in existence proved, ofcourse, a strong point in favour of the _bona fides_ of the breed. Thebest dog in it was Granite, whose portrait and description were givenin the _Journal_ in connection with the said review; and the otheranimals of the kennel being of the same type, it was at once recognisedthat there was, in fact, such a breed, and the mouths of the doubterswere stopped. 

Granite was unquestionably a typical Scottish Terrier, even as we knowthem at the present day. He was certainly longer in the back than wecare for nowadays, and his head also was shorter, and his jaw moresnipy than is now seen, but his portrait clearly shows he was agenuine Scottish Terrier, and there is no doubt that he, with hiskennel mates, Tartan, Crofter, Syringa, Cavack, and Posey, conferredbenefit upon the breed. 

To dive deeper into the antiquity of the Scottish Terrier is a thingwhich means that he who tries it must be prepared to meet all sorts ofabuse, ridicule, and criticism. One man will tell you there never wasany such thing as the present-day Scottish Terrier, that the mere factof his having prick ears shows he is a mongrel; another, that he ismerely an offshoot of the Skye or the Dandie; another, that the onlyScottish Terrier that is a Scottish Terrier is a white one; another, that he is merely a manufactured article from Aberdeen, and so on _adinfinitum_. 

It is a most extraordinary fact that Scotland should have unto herselfso many different varieties of the terrier. There is strong presumptionthat they one and all came originally from one variety, and it isquite possible, nay probable, that different crosses into othervarieties have produced the assortment of to-day. The writer isstrongly of opinion that there still exist in Scotland at the presenttime specimens of the breed which propagated the lot, which was whatis called even now the Highland Terrier, a little long-backed, short-legged, snipy-faced, prick or drop-eared, mostly sandy andblack-coloured terrier, game as a pebble, lively as a cricket, and allin all a most charming little companion; and further, that to produceour present-day Scottish Terrier--or shall we say, to improve thepoints of his progenitor?--the assistance of our old friend the Blackand Tan wire-haired terrier of England was sought by a few astutepeople living probably not very far from Aberdeen. 

Scottish Terriers frequently go by the name of Aberdeen Terriers--anappellation, it is true, usually heard only from the lips of peoplewho do not know much about them. Mr. W. L. McCandlish, one of thegreatest living authorities on the breed, in an able treatisepublished some time back, tells us, in reference to this matter, thatthe terrier under notice went at different periods under the names ofHighland, Cairn, Aberdeen, and Scotch; that he is now known by theproud title of Scottish Terrier; and that "the only surviving trace ofthe differing nomenclature is the title Aberdeen, which many peoplestill regard as a different breed--a want of knowledge frequentlyturned to account by the unscrupulous dealer who is able to sell underthe name of Aberdeen a dog too bad to dispose of as a ScottishTerrier. " But there can be no doubt that originally there must havebeen _some_ reason for the name. In a letter to the writer, SirPaynton Pigott says, "Some people call them and advertise them as theAberdeen Terrier, which is altogether a mistake; but the reason of itis that forty years ago a Dr. Van Bust, who lived in Aberdeen, bredthese terriers to a large extent and sold them, and those buying themcalled them, in consequence, 'Aberdeen Terriers, ' whereas they were inreality merely a picked sort of Old Scotch or Highland Terrier. " SirPaynton himself, as appears from the columns of _The Live StockJournal_ (March 2nd, 1877), bought some of the strain of Van Bust, andtherein gives a full description of the same. 

Sir Paynton Pigott's kennel of the breed assumed quite largeproportions, and was most successful, several times winning all theprizes offered in the variety at different shows. He may well becalled the Father of the breed in England, for when he gave upexhibiting, a great deal of his best blood got into the kennels ofMr. H. J. Ludlow, who, as everyone knows, has done such a tremendousamount of good in popularising the breed and has also himself producedsuch a galaxy of specimens of the very best class. Mr. Ludlow's firstterrier was a bitch called Splinter II. The name of Kildee is, in thebreed, almost world-famous, and it is interesting to note that inevery line does he go back to the said Splinter II. Rambler--called bythe great authorities the first pillar of the stud book--was a son ofa dog called Bon-Accord, and it is to this latter dog and Roger Rough, and also the aforesaid Tartan and Splinter II. That nearly all of thebest present-day pedigrees go back. This being so, it is unnecessaryto give many more names of dogs who have in their generations of someyears back assisted in bringing the breed to its present state ofperfection. An exception, however, must be made in the case of twosons of Rambler, by name Dundee and Alister, names very familiar inthe Scottish Terrier pedigrees of the present day. Alister especiallywas quite an extraordinary stud dog. His progeny were legion, and somevery good terriers of to-day own him as progenitor in nearly everyline. The best descendants of Alister were Kildee, Tiree, Whinstone, Prince Alexander, and Heather Prince. He was apparently too muchinbred to, and though he produced or was responsible for severalbeautiful terriers, it is much to be doubted whether in a breed whichis suffering from the ill-effects of too much inbreeding, he was notone of the greatest sinners. 

The Scottish Terrier Club was formed in the year 1882. In the sameyear a joint committee drew up a standard of perfection for the breed, Messrs. J. B. Morison and Thomson Gray, two gentlemen who were lookedupon as great authorities, having a good deal to do with it. 

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STANDARD OF POINTS OF THE SCOTTISH TERRIER: SKULL--Proportionatelylong, slightly domed and covered with short hard hair about 3/4 inchlong or less. It should not be quite flat, as there should be a sortof stop or drop between the eyes. MUZZLE--Very powerful, and graduallytapering towards the nose, which should always be black and of a goodsize. The jaws should be perfectly level, and the teeth square, thoughthe nose projects somewhat over the mouth which gives the impressionof the upper jaw being longer than the under one. EYES--A dark-brownor hazel colour; small, piercing, very bright and rather sunken. EARS--Very small, prick or half prick (the former is preferable), butnever drop. They should also be sharp pointed, and the hair on themshould not be long, but velvety, and they should not be cut. The earsshould be free from any fringe at the top. NECK--Short, thick andmuscular; strongly set on sloping shoulders. CHEST--Broad in comparisonto the size of the dog, and proportionately deep. BODY--Of moderatelength, but not so long as a Skye's, and rather flat-sided; wellribbed up, and exceedingly strong in hind-quarters. LEGS AND FEET--Bothfore and hind legs should be short and very heavy in bone, the formerbeing straight and well set on under the body, as the Scottish Terriershould not be out at elbows. The hocks should be bent, and the thighsvery muscular, and the feet strong, small and thickly covered withshort hair, the fore feet being larger than the hind ones. TAIL--Shouldbe about 7 inches long, never docked, carried with a slight bend andoften gaily. COAT--Should be rather short (about 2 inches), intenselyhard and wiry in texture, and very dense all over the body. SIZE--From15 lb. To 20 lb. ; the best weight being as near as possible 18 lb. Fordogs, and 16 lb. For bitches when in condition for work. COLOUR--Steelor iron grey, black brindle, brown brindle, grey brindle, black, sandyand wheaten. White markings are objectionable, and can only be allowedon the chest and to a small extent. GENERAL APPEARANCE--The faceshould wear a very sharp, bright and active expression, and the headshould be carried up. The dog (owing to the shortness of his coat)should appear to be higher on the leg than he really is; but at thesame time he should look compact and possessed of great muscle in hishind-quarters. In fact, a Scottish Terrier, though essentially aterrier, cannot be too powerfully put together, and should be fromabout 9 inches to 12 inches in height. 

SPECIAL FAULTS: MUZZLE--Either under or over hung. EYES--Large orlight-coloured. EARS--Large, round at the points or drop. It is also afault if they are too heavily covered with hair. LEGS--Bent, orslightly bent, and out at elbows. COAT--Any silkiness, wave ortendency to curl is a serious blemish, as is also an open coat. SIZE--Specimens of over 20 lb. Should be discouraged. 

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There have, of recent years, been many very excellent specimens of theScottish Terrier bred and exhibited. Preeminent among them stands Mrs. Hannay's Ch. Heworth Rascal, who was a most symmetrical terrier, andprobably the nearest approach to perfection in the breed yet seen. Other very first-class terriers have been the same lady's Ch. Gair, Mr. Powlett's Ch. Callum Dhu, Mr. McCandlish's Ems Cosmetic, Mr. Chapman's Heather Bob and Heather Charm, Mr. Kinnear's Seafield Rascal, Mr. Wood's Hyndman Chief, Messrs. Buckley and Mills's Clonmel Invader, and Mr. Deane Willis's Ch. Huntley Daisy and Ch. Carter Laddie. 

It is highly probable that of all the terrier tribe, the "Scottie, "taken as a whole, is the best companion. He makes a most excellenthouse-dog, is not too big, does not leave white hairs about all overthe place, loves only his master and his master's household, and is, withal, a capable and reliable guard. He is, as a rule, a game, attractive terrier, with heaps of brain power, and from a show pointof view there is always some recompense in keeping him, as it will befound he breeds true to type and does not beget offspring of all sorts, shapes, and makes. 

CHAPTER XXXIX

THE WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER

Man, being a hunting animal, kills the otter for his skin, and thebadger also; the fox he kills because the animal likes lamb and gameto eat. Man, being unable to deal in the course of a morning with therocks under and between which his quarry harbours, makes use of thesmall dog which will go underground, to which the French name terrierhas been attached. 

Towards the end of the reign of James the First of England and Sixthof Scotland, we find him writing to Edinburgh to have half a dozen"earth dogges or terrieres" sent carefully to France as a present, andhe directs that they be got from Argyll, and sent over in two or moreships lest they should get harm by the way. That was roughly threehundred years ago, and the King most probably would not have so highlyvalued a newly-invented strain as he evidently did value the"terrieres" from Argyll. We may take it then that in 1600 theArgyllshire terriers were considered to be the best in Scotland, andlikely enough too, seeing the almost boundless opportunities thecounty gives for the work of the "earth dogges. "

But men kept their dogs in the evil pre-show days for work and not forpoints, and mighty indifferent were they whether an ear cocked up orlay flat to the cheek, whether the tail was exactly of fancy length, or how high to a hair's breadth it stood. These things are _sine quanon_ on the modern show bench, but were not thought of in the cruel, hard fighting days of old. 

In those days two things--and two things only--were imperativelynecessary: pluck and capacity to get at the quarry. This entailed thatthe body in which the pluck was enshrined must be small and mostactive, to get at the innermost recesses of the lair, and that thebody must be protected by the best possible teeth and jaws forfighting, on a strong and rather long neck and directed by a mostcapable brain. It is held that feet turned out a little are better forscrambling up rocks than perfectly straight Fox-terrier like feet. Inaddition, it was useful to have your dog of a colour easy to see whenin motion, though no great weight was laid upon that point, as in thedays before newspapers and trains men's eyes were good, as a rule. Still, the quantity of white in the existing terriers all through thewest coast of Scotland shows that it must have been rather a favouredcolour. 

White West Highland Terriers were kept at Poltalloch sixty years ago, and so they were first shown as Poltalloch Terriers. Yet although theywere kept in their purest strain in Argyllshire, they are still to befound all along the west coast of Scotland, good specimens belongingto Ross-shire, to Skye, and at Ballachulish on Loch Leven, so that itis a breed with a long pedigree and not an invented breed of thepresent day. Emphatically, they are not simply white coloured ScottishTerriers, and it is an error to judge them on Scottish Terrier lines. They are smaller than the average Scottie, more "foxy" in generalconformation--straight limbed, rather long, rather low, and active inbody, with a broad forehead, light muzzle and underjaw, and a bright, small intelligent eye. Colonel Malcolm, of Poltalloch, who isrecognised as the great authority on the breed, lays stress upon thequality of the coat. "The outer coat, " he says, "should be very softon the forehead and get gradually harder towards the haunches, but theharsh coat beloved of the show bench is all nonsense, and is theeasiest thing in the world to 'fake, ' as anyone can try who will diphis own hair into the now fashionable 'anturic' baths. The outer coatshould be distinctly _long_, but not long in the 'fancy' or showsense. Still, it should be long enough to hang as a thatch over thesoft, woolly real coat of the animal and keep it dry so that a goodshake or two will throw off most of the water; while the under coatshould be so thick and naturally oily that the dog can swim through afair-sized river and not get wet, or be able to sit out through adrenching rain guarding something of his master's and be none theworse. This under coat I, at least, have never seen a judge look for, but for the working terrier it is most important. The size of the dogis perhaps best indicated by weight. The dog should not weigh morethan 18 lb. , nor the bitch more than 16 lb. 

"There is among judges, I find--with all respect I say it--an undueregard for weight and what is called strength, also for grooming, which means brushing or plucking out all the long hair to gratify thejudge. One might as well judge of Sandow's strength, not by hisperformances, but by the kind of wax he puts on his moustache!

"The West Highland Terrier of the old sort--I do not, of course, speakof bench dogs--earned their living following fox, badger, or otterwherever these went underground, between, over, or under rocks that noman could get at to move, and some of such size that a hundred mencould not move them. (And oh! the beauty of their note when they cameacross the right scent!) I want my readers to understand this, and notto think of a Highland fox-cairn as if it were an English fox-earthdug in sand; nor of badger work as if it were a question of locatingthe badger and then digging him out. No; the badger makes his homeamongst rocks, the small ones perhaps two or three tons in weight, andprobably he has his 'hinner end' against one of three or four hundredtons--no digging him out--and, moreover, the passages between therocks must be taken as they are; no scratching them a little wider. Soif your dog's ribs are a trifle too big he may crush one or twothrough the narrow slit and then stick. He will never be able to pullhimself back--at least, until starvation has so reduced him that hewill probably be unable, if set free, to win (as we say in Scotland)his way back to the open. 

"I remember a tale of one of my father's terriers who got so lost. Thekeepers went daily to the cairn hoping against hope. At last one day apair of bright eyes were seen at the bottom of a hole. They did notdisappear when the dog's name was called. A brilliant idea seized oneof the keepers. The dog evidently could not get up, so a rabbit skinwas folded into a small parcel round a stone and let down by a string. The dog at once seized the situation--and the skin--held on, was drawnup, and fainted on reaching the mouth of the hole. He was carried hometenderly and nursed; he recovered. "

Referring to the characteristics of this terrier, Colonel Malcolmcontinues:--"Attention to breeding as to colour has undoubtedlyincreased the whiteness, but, other points being good, a dog of theWest Highland White Terrier breed is not to be rejected if he showshis descent by a slight degree of pale red or yellow on his back orhis ears. I know an old Argyllshire family who consider that toimprove their terriers they ought all to have browny yellow ears. Neither again, except for the show bench, is there the slightestobjection to half drop ears--_i. E. _, the points of one or both earsjust falling over. 

"Unfortunately, the show bench has a great tendency to spoil allbreeds from too much attention being given to what is evident--andears are grand things for judges to pin their faith to; also, theygreatly admire a fine long face and what is called--but wronglycalled--a strong jaw, meaning by that an ugly, heavy face. I haveoften pointed out that the tiger, the cat, the otter, all animalsremarkable for their strength of jaw, have exceedingly short faces, but their bite is cruelly hard. And what, again, could be daintierthan the face of a fox?

"The terrier of the West Highlands of Scotland has come down to thepresent day, built on what I may perhaps call the fox lines, and it isa type evolved by work--hard and deadly dangerous work. It is only oflate years that dogs have been bred for show. The so-called 'Scottish'Terrier, which at present rules the roost, dates from 1879 as a showdog. 

"I therefore earnestly hope that no fancy will arise about these dogswhich will make them less hardy, less wise, less companionable, lessactive, or less desperate fighters underground than they are atpresent. A young dog that I gave to a keeper got its stomach torn openin a fight. It came out of the cairn to its master to be helped. Heput the entrails back to the best of his ability, and then the dogslipped out of his hands to finish the fight, and forced the fox outinto the open! That is the spirit of the breed; but, alas, that cannotbe exhibited on the show bench. They do say that a keeper of mine, when chaffed by the 'fancy' about the baby faces of his 'lot, ' wasdriven to ask, 'Well, can any of you gentlemen oblige me with a cat, and I'll show you?' I did not hear him say it, so it may only be atale. 

"Anyhow, I have in my kennel a dog who, at ten months old, met a vixenfox as she was bolting out of her cairn, and he at once caught her bythe throat, stuck to her till the pack came up, and then on till shewas killed. In the course of one month his wounds were healed, and hehad two other classical fights, one with a cat and the other with adog fox. Not bad for a pup with a 'baby face?'

"I trust my readers understand that the West Highland White Terriersare not White Aberdeens, not a new invention, but have a mostrespectable ancestry of their own. I add the formal list of points, but this is the work of show bench experts--and it will be seen fromwhat I have written that I do not agree with them on certainparticulars. There should be feather to a fair degree on the tail, butif experts will not allow it, put rosin on your hands and pull thehair out--and the rosin will win your prize. The eye should not besunk, which gives the sulky look of the 'Scotch' Terrier, but shouldbe full and bright, and the expression friendly and confiding. Theskull should not be narrow anywhere. It is almost impossible to getblack nails in a dog of pure breed and the black soon wears off thepad work, so folk must understand this. On two occasions recently Ihave shown dogs, acknowledged, as dogs, to be quite first class, 'but, you see, they are not the proper type. ' The judges unfortunately haveas yet their eyes filled with the 'Scottish' terrier type and prefermongrels that show it to the real 'Simon Pure. '"

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STANDARD OF POINTS: The GENERAL APPEARANCE of the West Highland WhiteTerrier is that of a small, game, hardy-looking terrier, possessedwith no small amount of self-esteem, with a "varminty" appearance, strongly built, deep in chest and back ribs, straight back andpowerful quarters, on muscular legs and exhibiting in a marked degreea great combination of strength and activity. COLOUR--White. COAT--Veryimportant, and seldom seen to perfection; must be double-coated. Theouter coat consists of hard hair, about 2-1/2 inches long, and freefrom any curl. The under coat, which resembles fur, is short, soft, and close. Open coats are objectionable. SIZE--Dogs to weigh from 14to 18 lb. , and bitches from 12 to 16 lb. , and measure from 8 to 12inches at the shoulder. SKULL--Should not be too narrow, being inproportion to his powerful jaw, proportionately long, slightly domed, and gradually tapering to the eyes, between which there should be aslight indentation or stop. Eyebrows heavy. The hair on the skull tobe from 3/4 to 1 inch long, and fairly hard. EYES--Widely set apart, medium in size, dark hazel in colour, slightly sunk in the head, sharpand intelligent, which, looking from under the heavy eyebrows, give apiercing look. Full eyes, and also light-coloured eyes, are veryobjectionable. MUZZLE--Should be powerful, proportionate in length, and should gradually taper towards the nose, which should be fairlywide, and should not project forward beyond the upper jaw. The jawslevel and powerful, and teeth square or evenly met, well set, andlarge for the size of the dog. The nose and roof of mouth should bedistinctly black in colour. EARS--Small, carried erect or semi-erect, but never drop, and should be carried tightly up. The semi-erect earshould drop nicely over at the tips, the break being aboutthree-quarters up the ear, and both forms of ears should terminate ina sharp point. The hair on them should be short, smooth (velvety), andthey should not be cut. The ears should be free from any fringe at thetop. Round, pointed, broad and large ears are very objectionable, alsoears too heavily covered with hair. NECK--Muscular, and nicely set onsloping shoulders. CHEST--Very deep, with breadth in proportion to thesize of the dog. BODY--Compact, straight back, ribs deep and wellarched in the upper half of rib, presenting a flattish side appearance. Loins broad and strong. Hind-quarters strong, muscular, and wideacross the top. LEGS AND FEET--Both fore and hind legs should be shortand muscular. The shoulder blades should be comparatively broad, andwell-sloped backwards. The points of the shoulder blades should beclosely knit into the backbone, so that very little movement of themshould be noticeable when the dog is walking. The elbow should beclose in to the body both when moving or standing, thus causing thefore-leg to be well placed in under the shoulder. The fore-legs shouldbe straight and thickly covered with short hard hair. The hind-legsshould be short and sinewy. The thighs very muscular and not too wideapart. The hocks bent and well set in under the body, so as to befairly close to each other either when standing, walking, or running(trotting); and, when standing, the hind-legs, from the point of thehock down to fetlock joint, should be straight or perpendicular andnot far apart. The fore-feet are larger than the hind ones, are round, proportionate in size, strong, thickly padded, and covered with shorthard hair. The foot must point straight forward. The hind-feet aresmaller, not quite as round as fore-feet, and thickly padded. Theunder surface of the pads of feet and all the nails should bedistinctly black in colour. Hocks too much bent (cow hocks) detractfrom the general appearance. Straight hocks are weak. Both kinds areundesirable, and should be guarded against. TAIL--Six or seven incheslong, covered with hard hairs, no feathers, as straight as possible;carried gaily, but not curled over back. A long tail is objectionable. MOVEMENT--Should be free, straight, and easy all round. In front, theleg should be freely extended forward by the shoulder. The hindmovement should be free, strong, and close. The hocks should be freelyflexed and drawn close in under the body, so that, when moving off thefoot, the body is thrown or pushed forward with some force. Stiff, stilty movement behind is very objectionable. 

FAULTS: COAT--Any silkiness, wave, or tendency to curl is a seriousblemish, as is also an open coat. Black or grey hairs disqualify forcompetition. SIZE--Any specimens under the minimum, or above themaximum weight, are objectionable. EYES--Full or light coloured. EARS--Round-pointed, drop, broad and large, or too heavily coveredwith hair. MUZZLE--Either under or over shot, and defective teeth. 

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[Illustration: COL. MALCOLM'S WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIERS SONNY ANDSARAH]

[Illustration: MISS E. McCHEANE'S SKYE TERRIERS CH. FAIRFIELD DIAMONDAND CH. WOLVERLEY CHUMMIE Photograph by T. Fall]

CHAPTER XL

THE DANDIE DINMONT

The breed of terrier now known as the Dandie Dinmont is one of theraces of the dog which can boast of a fairly ancient lineage. Thoughit is impossible now to say what was the exact origin of this breed, we know that it was first recognised under its present name after thepublication of Scott's _Guy Mannering_, in the year 1814, and we knowthat for many years previously there had existed in the Bordercounties a rough-haired, short-legged race of terrier, the constantand very effective companion of the Border farmers and others in theirfox-hunting expeditions. 

Various theories have been suggested by different writers as to themanner in which the breed was founded. Some say that the Dandie is theresult of crossing a strain of rough-haired terriers with theDachshund; others that a rough-haired terrier was crossed with theOtterhound; and others again assert that no direct cross was everintroduced to found the breed, but that it was gradually evolved fromthe rough-haired terriers of the Border district. And this lattertheory is probably correct. 

The Dandie would appear to be closely related to the BedlingtonTerrier. In both breeds we find the same indomitable pluck, the samependulous ear, and a light silky "topknot" adorning the skull of each;but the Dandie was evolved into a long-bodied, short-legged dog, andthe Bedlington became a long-legged, short-bodied dog! Indeed toillustrate the close relationship of the two breeds a case is quotedof the late Lord Antrim, who, in the early days of dog shows, exhibited two animals from the same litter, and with the one obtaineda prize or honourable mention in the Dandie classes, and with theother a like distinction in the Bedlington classes. 

It may be interesting to give a few particulars concerning thetraceable ancestors of the modern Dandie. In Mr. Charles Cook's bookon this breed, we are given particulars of one William Allan, ofHolystone, born in 1704, and known as Piper Allan, and celebrated as ahunter of otters and foxes, and for his strain of rough-haired terrierswho so ably assisted him in the chase. William Allan's terriersdescended to his son James, also known as the "Piper, " and born in theyear 1734. James Allan died in 1810, and was survived by a son whosold to Mr. Francis Somner at Yetholm a terrier dog named Old Pepper, descended from his grandfather's famous dog Hitchem. Old Pepper wasthe great-grandsire of Mr. Somner's well-known dog Shem. Theseterriers belonging to the Allans and others in the district areconsidered by Mr. Cook to be the earliest known ancestors of themodern Dandie Dinmont. 

Sir Walter Scott himself informs us that he did not draw the characterof Dandie Dinmont from any one individual in particular, but that thecharacter would well fit a dozen or more of the Lidderdale yeomen ofhis acquaintance. However, owing to the circumstance of his callingall his terriers Mustard and Pepper, without any other distinctionexcept "auld" and "young" and "little, " the name came to be fixed byhis associates upon one James Davidson, of Hindlee, a wild farm in theTeviotdale mountains. 

James Davidson died in the year 1820, by which time the Dandie DinmontTerrier was being bred in considerable numbers by the Border farmersand others to meet the demand for it which had sprung up since theappearance of _Guy Mannering_. 

As a result of the controversies that were continually recurring withregard to the points of a typical Dandie Dinmont there was formed inthe year 1876 the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club, with the object ofsettling the question for ever, and for this purpose all the mostnoted breeders and others interested were invited to give their viewsupon it. 

The standard of points adopted by the club is as follows:--

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HEAD--Strongly made and large, not out of proportion to the dog'ssize; the muscles showing extraordinary development, more especiallythe maxillary. SKULL--Broad between the ears, getting gradually lesstowards the eyes, and measuring about the same from the inner cornerof the eyes to back of skull as it does from ear to ear. The foreheadwell domed. The head is covered with very soft silky hair, whichshould not be confined to a mere topknot, and the lighter in colourand silkier it is the better. The cheeks, starting from the earsproportionately with the skull, have a gradual taper towards themuzzle, which is deep and strongly made, and measures about threeinches in length, or in proportion to skull as three is to five. Themuzzle is covered with hair of a little darker shade than the topknot, and of the same texture as the feather of the fore-legs. The top ofthe muzzle is generally bare for about an inch from the black part ofthe nose, the bareness coming to a point towards the eye, and beingabout one inch broad at the nose. The nose and inside of mouth blackor dark coloured. The teeth very strong, especially the canine, whichare of extraordinary size for such a small dog. The canines fit wellinto each other, so as to give the greatest available holding andpunishing power, and the teeth are level in front, the upper ones veryslightly overlapping the under ones. (Many of the finest specimenshave a "swine mouth, " which is very objectionable, but it is not sogreat an objection as the protrusion of the under jaw. ) EYES--Set wideapart, large, full, round, bright, expressive of great determination, intelligence and dignity; set low and prominent in front of the head;colour a rich dark hazel. EARS--Pendulous, set well back, wide apartand low on the skull, hanging close to the cheek, with a very slightprojection at the base, broad at the junction of the head and taperingalmost to a point, the fore part of the ear tapering very little, thetapering being mostly on the back part, the fore part of the earcoming almost straight down from its junction with the head to thetip. They should harmonise in colour with the body colour. In the caseof a pepper dog they are covered with a soft, straight, brownish hair(in some cases almost black). In the case of a mustard dog the hairshould be mustard in colour, a shade darker than the body, but notblack. All should have a thin feather of light hair starting about twoinches from the tip, and of nearly the same colour and texture as thetopknot, which gives the ear the appearance of a distinct point. Theanimal is often one or two years old before the feather is shown. Thecartilage and skin of the ear should not be thick, but rather thin. Length of ear, from three to four inches. NECK--Very muscular, welldeveloped, and strong; showing great power of resistance, being wellset into the shoulders. BODY--Long, strong, and flexible; ribs wellsprung and round, chest well developed and let well down between thefore-legs; the back rather low at the shoulder, having a slightdownward curve and a corresponding arch over the loins, with a veryslight gradual drop from top of loins to root of tail; both sides ofbackbone well supplied with muscle. TAIL--Rather short, say from eightinches to ten inches, and covered on the upper side with wiry hair ofdarker colour than that of the body, the hair on the under side beinglighter in colour, and not so wiry, with a nice feather, about twoinches long, getting shorter as it nears the tip; rather thick at theroot, getting thicker for about four inches, then tapering off to apoint. It should not be twisted or curled in any way, but should comeup with a curve like a scimitar, the tip, when excited, being in aperpendicular line with the root of the tail. It should neither be seton too high nor too low. When not excited it is carried gaily, and alittle above the level of the body. LEGS--The fore-legs short, withimmense muscular development and bone, set wide apart, the chestcoming well down between them. The feet well formed, and _not flat_, with very strong brown or dark-coloured claws. Bandy legs and flatfeet are objectionable. The hair on the fore-legs and feet of a pepperdog should be tan, varying according to the body colour from a richtan to a pale fawn; of a mustard dog they are of a darker shade thanits head, which is a creamy white. In both colours there is a nicefeather, about two inches long, rather lighter in colour than the hairon the fore-part of the leg. The hind-legs are a little longer thanthe fore ones, and are set rather wide apart, but not spread out in anunnatural manner, while the feet are much smaller, the thighs are welldeveloped, and the hair of the same colour and texture as the foreones, but having no feather or dew claws; the whole claws should bedark; but the claws of all vary in shade according to the colour ofthe dog's body. COAT--This is a very important point; the hair shouldbe about two inches long; that from skull to root of tail a mixture ofhardish and soft hair, which gives a sort of crisp feel to the hand. The hair should not be wiry; the coat is termed pily or pencilled. Thehair on the under part of the body is lighter in colour and softerthan that on the top. The skin on the belly accords with the colour ofdog. COLOUR--The colour is pepper or mustard. The pepper ranges from adark bluish black to a light silver grey, the intermediate shadesbeing preferred, the body colour coming well down the shoulder andhips, gradually merging into the leg colour. The mustards vary from areddish brown to a pale fawn, the head being a creamy white, the legsand feet of a shade darker than the head. The claws are dark as inother colours. (Nearly all Dandie Dinmonts have some white on thechest, and some have also white claws. ) SIZE--The height should befrom 8 to 11 inches at the top of shoulder. Length from top ofshoulder to root of tail should not be more than twice the dog'sheight, but, preferably, one or two inches less. WEIGHT--From 14 lb. To 24 lb. The best weight as near 18 lb. As possible. These weightsare for dogs in good working order. 

 * * * * *

In the above standard of points we have a very full and detailedaccount of what a Dandie should be like, and if only judges at showswould bear them in mind a little more, we should have fewerconflicting decisions given, and Dandie fanciers and the publicgenerally would not from time to time be set wondering as to what isthe correct type of the breed. 

A Dandie makes an excellent house guard; for such a small dog he hasan amazingly deep, loud bark, so that the stranger, who has heard himbarking on the far side of the door, is quite astonished when he seesthe small owner of the big voice. When kept as a companion he becomesa most devoted and affectionate little friend, and is very intelligent. As a dog to be kept in kennels there is certainly one great drawbackwhere large kennels are desired, and that is the risk of keeping twoor more dogs in one kennel; sooner or later there is sure to be afight, and when Dandies fight it is generally a very serious matter;if no one is present to separate them, one or both of the combatantsis pretty certain to be killed. But when out walking the Dandie is nomore quarrelsome than other breeds of terriers, if properly trainedfrom puppyhood. 

There is one little matter in breeding Dandies that is generally asurprise to the novice, and that is the very great difference in theappearance of the young pups and the adult dog. The pups are bornquite smooth-haired, the peppers are black and tan in colour, and themustards have a great deal of black in their colouring. The topknotbegins to appear sometimes when the dog is a few months old, andsometimes not till he is a year or so old. It is generally best tomate a mustard to a pepper, to prevent the mustards becoming too lightin colour, though two rich-coloured mustards may be mated togetherwith good results. It is a rather curious fact that when two mustardsare mated some of the progeny are usually pepper in colour, thoughwhen two peppers are mated there are very seldom any mustard puppies. 

The popularity of the Dandie has now lasted for nearly a hundredyears, and there is no reason why it should not last for anothercentury, if breeders will only steer clear of the exaggeration ofshow points, and continue to breed a sound, active, and hardy terrier. 

CHAPTER XLI

THE SKYE, AND CLYDESDALE TERRIERS

That the Skye Terrier should be called "the Heavenly Breed" is atribute to the favour in which he is held by his admirers. Certainlywhen he is seen in perfection he is an exceedingly beautiful dog. Ascertainly there is no breed more affectionate, more faithful, or morelovable. Among his characteristics are a long-enduring patience, aprompt obedience, and a deep-hearted tenderness, combined withfearless courage. He is more sensitive to rebuke and punishment thanmost dogs, and will nurse resentment to those who are unjust to him;not viciously, but with an almost human plaintiveness which demands animmediate reconciliation. He is staunch and firm as his native hillsto those who are kind to him, and for entering into battle with anenemy there is no dog more recklessly daring and resolute. 

Visitors to dog shows are disposed to believe that the Skye Terrier, with its well-groomed coat that falls in smooth cascades down itssides, and its veil of thick hair that obscures the tender softness ofits dark and thoughtful eyes, is meant only to look beautiful upon thebench or to recline in comfortable indolence on silken cushions. Thisis a mistake. See a team of Skyes racing up a hillside after afugitive rabbit, tirelessly burrowing after a rat, or displaying theirterrier strategy around a fox's earth or an otter's holt, and you willadmit that they are meant for sport, and are demons at it. Even theirpeculiarity of build is a proof that they are born to follow verminunderground. They are long of body, with short, strong legs, adaptedfor burrowing. With the Dachshund they approximate more closely thanany other breeds to the shape of the badger, the weasel, and theotter, and so many animals which Nature has made long and low in orderthat they may inhabit earths and insinuate themselves into narrowpassages in the moorland cairns. 

There can be no question that these dogs, which are so typicallyHighland in character and appearance, as well as the Clydesdale, theScottish, the Dandie Dinmont, and the White Poltalloch terriers, areall the descendants of a purely native Scottish original. They are allinter-related; but which was the parent breed it is impossible todetermine. 

It is even difficult to discover which of the two distinct types ofthe Skye Terrier was the earlier--the variety whose ears stand alertlyerect or its near relative whose ears are pendulous. Perhaps it doesnot matter. The differences between the prick-eared Skye and thedrop-eared are so slight, and the characteristics which they have incommon are so many, that a dual classification was hardly necessary. The earliest descriptions and engravings of the breed present aterrier considerably smaller than the type of to-day, carrying afairly profuse, hard coat, with short legs, a body long in proportionto its height, and with ears that were neither erect nor drooping, butsemi-erect and capable of being raised to alertness in excitement. Itis the case that drop-eared puppies often occur in the litters ofprick-eared parents, and _vice versa_. 

As its name implies, this terrier had its early home in the mistyisland of Skye; which is not to say that it was not also to be foundin Lewis, Oronsay, Colonsay and others of the Hebrides, as well as onthe mainland of Scotland. Dr. Johnson, who visited these islands withBoswell in 1773, noticed these terriers and observed that otters andweasels were plentiful in Skye, that the foxes were numerous, and thatthey were _hunted by small dogs_. He was so accurate an observer thatone regrets he did not describe the Macleod's terriers and their work. They were at that time of many colours, varying from pure white tofawn and brown, blue-grey and black. The lighter coloured ones hadblack muzzles, ears, and tails. Their tails were carried more gailythan would be permitted by a modern judge of the breed. 

In those days the Highlander cared less for the appearance than he didfor the sporting proclivities of his dogs, whose business it was tooust the tod from the earth in which it had taken refuge; and for thispurpose certain qualities were imperative. First and foremost theterrier needed to be small, short of leg, long and lithe in body, withample face fringe to protect his eyes from injury, and possessed ofunlimited pluck and dash. 

The Skye Terrier of to-day does not answer to each and every one ofthese requirements. He is too big--decidedly he is too big--especiallyin regard to the head. A noble-looking skull, with large, well-feathered ears may be admirable as ornament, but would assuredlydebar its possessor from following into a fox's lair among theboulders. Then, again, his long coat would militate against theactivity necessary for his legitimate calling. 

It was not until about 1860 that the Skye Terrier attracted muchnotice among dog lovers south of the Border, but Queen Victoria'sadmiration of the breed, of which from 1842 onwards she always ownedfavourite specimens, and Sir Edwin Landseer's paintings in which theSkye was introduced, had already drawn public attention to thedecorative and useful qualities of this terrier. The breed wasincluded in the first volume of the Kennel Club Stud Book, and thebest among the early dogs were such as Mr. Pratt's Gillie andDunvegan, Mr. D. W. Fyfe's Novelty, Mr. John Bowman's Dandie, and Mr. Macdona's Rook. These were mostly of the drop-eared variety, and werebred small. 

About the year 1874, fierce and stormy disputes arose concerning thedistinctions of the Scottish breeds of terriers. The controversy wascontinued until 1879, when the Kennel Club was approached with theview to furnishing classes. The controversy was centred upon threetypes of Scottish terriers: those which claimed to be pure SkyeTerriers, a dog described briefly as Scotch, and a third, which for atime was miscalled the Aberdeen. To those who had studied thevarieties, the distinctions were clear; but the question at issuewas--to which of the three rightly belonged the title of ScottishTerrier? The dog which the Scots enthusiasts were trying to getestablished under this classification was the Cairn Terrier of theHighlands, known in some localities as the short-coated, working Skye, and in others as the Fox-terrier, or Tod-hunter. A sub-division ofthis breed was the more leggy "Aberdeen" variety. 

The present-day Skye is without doubt one of the most beautifulterriers in existence. He is a dog of medium size, with a weight notexceeding 25 lb. , and not less than 18 lb. He is long in proportion tohis height, with a very level back, a powerful jaw with perfectlyfitting teeth, a small hazel eye, and a long hard coat just reachingthe ground. In the prick-eared variety the ears are carried erect, with very fine ear feathering, and the face fringe is long and thick. The ear feathering and face fall are finer in quality than the coat, which is exceedingly hard and weather-resisting. And here it is wellto point out that the Skye has two distinct coats: the under coat, somewhat soft and woolly, and the upper, hard and rain-proof. Thisupper coat should be as straight as possible, without any tendency towave or curl. The tail is not very long, and should be nicelyfeathered, and in repose never raised above the level of the back. 

The same description applies to the drop-eared type, except that theears in repose, instead of being carried erect, fall evenly on eachside of the head. When, however, the dog is excited, the ears arepricked forward, in exactly the same fashion as those of the AiredaleTerrier. This is an important point, a houndy carriage of ear being adecided defect. The drop-eared variety is usually the heavier andlarger dog of the two; and for some reason does not show the qualityand breeding of its neighbour. Lately, however, there has evidentlybeen an effort made to improve the drop-eared type, with the resultthat some very excellent dogs have recently appeared at the importantshows. 

Probably Mr. James Pratt has devoted more time and attention to theSkye Terrier than any other now living fancier, though the names ofMr. Kidd and Mr. Todd are usually well known. Mr. Pratt's Skyes wereallied to the type of terrier claiming to be the original Skye of theHighlands. The head was not so large, the ears also were not soheavily feathered, as is the case in the Skye of to-day, and thecolours were very varied, ranging from every tint between black andwhite. 

In 1892 a great impetus was given to the breed by Mrs. Hughes, whosekennels at Wolverley were of overwhelmingly good quality. Mrs. Hugheswas quickly followed by such ardent and successful fanciers as SirClaud and Lady Alexander, of Ballochmyle, Mrs. Freeman, Miss BowyerSmyth, and Miss McCheane. Lately other prominent exhibitors haveforced their way into the front rank, among whom may be mentioned theCountess of Aberdeen, Mrs. Hugh Ripley, Mrs. Wilmer, Miss Whishaw, andMrs. Sandwith. Mrs. Hughes' Wolverley Duchess and Wolverley Jock wereexcellent types of what a prick-eared Skye should be. Excellent, too, were Mrs. Freeman's Alister, and Sir Claud Alexander's Young Rosebery, Olden Times, Abbess, and Wee Mac of Adel, Mrs. Wilmer's Jean, and Mr. Millar's Prince Donard. But the superlative Skye of the period, andprobably the best ever bred, is Wolverley Chummie, the winner ofthirty championships which are but the public acknowledgment of hisperfections. He is the property of Miss McCheane, who is also theowner of an almost equally good specimen of the other sex in FairfieldDiamond. Among the drop-eared Skyes of present celebrity may bementioned Mrs. Hugh Ripley's Perfection, Miss Whishaw's Piper Grey, and Lady Aberdeen's Cromar Kelpie. 

There are two clubs in England and one in Scotland instituted toprotect the interests of this breed, namely, the Skye Terrier Club ofEngland, the Skye and Clydesdale Club, and the Skye Terrier Club ofScotland. The Scottish Club's description is as follows:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Long, with powerful jaws and incisive teeth closing level, orupper just fitting over under. _Skull_: wide at front of brow, narrowing between the ears, and tapering gradually towards the muzzle, with little falling in between or behind the eyes. _Eyes_: hazel, medium size, close set. _Muzzle_: always black. EARS (PRICK ORPENDANT)--When _prick_, not large, erect at outer edges, and slantingtowards each other at inner, from peak to skull. When _pendant_, larger, hanging straight, lying flat, and close at front. BODY--Pre-eminently long and low. Shoulders broad, chest deep, ribswell sprung and oval shaped, giving a flattish appearance to thesides. Hind-quarters and flank full and well developed. Back level andslightly declining from the top of the hip joint to the shoulders. Theneck long and gently crested. TAIL--When _hanging_, the upper halfperpendicular, the under half thrown backward in a curve. When_raised_, a prolongation of the incline of the back, and not risinghigher nor curling up. LEGS--Short, straight, and muscular. No dewclaws, the feet large and pointing forward. COAT (DOUBLE)--An _under_, short, close, soft, and woolly. An _over_, long, averaging 5-1/2inches, hard, straight, flat, and free from crimp or curl. Hair onhead, shorter, softer, and veiling the forehead and eyes; on the ears, overhanging inside, falling down and mingling with the side locks, notheavily, but surrounding the ear like a fringe, and allowing its shapeto appear. Tail also gracefully feathered. COLOUR (ANY VARIETY)--Darkor light blue or grey, or fawn with black points. Shade of head andlegs approximating that of body. 

1. AVERAGE MEASUREMENTS: DOG--Height at shoulder, 9 inches. Length, back of skull to root of tail, 22-1/2 inches; muzzle to back of skull, 8-1/2 inches; root of tail to tip joint, 9 inches. Total length, 40inches. BITCH--Half an inch lower, and 2-1/2 inches shorter than dog, all points proportional; thus, body, 21 inches; head, 8 inches; andtail, 8-1/2 inches. Total, 37-1/2 inches. 

2. AVERAGE WEIGHT: DOG--18 lb. ; bitch, 16 lb. No dog should be over 20lb. , nor under 16 lb. ; and no bitch should be over 18 lb. , nor under14 lb. 

 * * * * *

Whereas the Scottish Club limits the approved length of coat to 5-1/2inches, the English Club gives a maximum of 9 inches. This is a fairlygood allowance, but many of the breed carry a much longer coat thanthis. It is not uncommon, indeed, to find a Skye with a covering of 12inches in length, which, even allowing for the round of the body, causes the hair to reach and often to trail upon the ground. 

The Clydesdale may be described as an anomaly. He stands as it wereupon a pedestal of his own; and unlike other Scotch terriers he isclassified as non-sporting. Perhaps his marvellously fine and silkycoat precludes him from the rough work of hunting after vermin, thoughit is certain his game-like instincts would naturally lead him to doso. Of all the Scottish dogs he is perhaps the smallest; his weightseldom exceeding 18 lb. He is thus described by the Skye Terrier Clubof Scotland:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE--A long, low, level dog, with heavily fringed erectears, and a long coat like the finest silk or spun glass, which hangsquite straight and evenly down each side, from a parting extendingfrom the nose to the root of the tail. HEAD--Fairly long, skull flatand very narrow between the ears, gradually widening towards the eyesand tapering very slightly to the nose, which must be black. The jawsstrong and the teeth level. EYES--Medium in size, dark in colour, notprominent, but having a sharp, terrier-like expression, eyelids black. EARS--Small, set very high on the top of the head, carried perfectlyerect, and covered with long silky hair, hanging in a heavy fringedown the sides of the head. BODY--Long, deep in chest, well ribbed up, the back being perfectly level. TAIL--Perfectly straight, carriedalmost level with the back, and heavily feathered. LEGS--As short andstraight as possible, well set under the body, and entirely coveredwith silky hair. Feet round and cat-like. COAT--As long and straightas possible, free from all trace of curl or waviness, very glossy andsilky in texture, with an entire absence of undercoat. COLOUR--A level, bright steel blue, extending from the back of the head to the root ofthe tail, and on no account intermingled with any fawn, light or darkhairs. The head, legs, and feet should be a clear, bright, golden tan, free from grey, sooty, or dark hairs. The tail should be very darkblue or black. 

 * * * * *

The Clydesdale Terrier is rare, at any rate as regards the show bench;there are never more than two or three at most exhibited south of theTweed, even when classes are provided at the big shows andchampionships offered, thus indicating that the breed is not a popularone; and amongst those kennels who do show there exists at the presenttime but one dog who can lay claim to the title of champion; thisunique specimen is the property of Sir Claud Alexander, Bart. , ofBallochmyle, and is known under the name of Wee Wattie. There are ofcourse several fanciers in Scotland, among whom may be mentioned Mr. G. Shaw, of Glasgow, who is the owner of several fine examples of thebreed, including beautiful San Toy and the equally beautiful Mozart. 

As with the Skye Terrier, it seems a matter of difficulty to produce aperfect Clydesdale, and until the breed is taken up with more energyit is improbable that first class dogs will make an appearance in theshow ring. A perfect Clydesdale should figure as one of the mostelegant of the terrier breed; his lovely silken coat, the golden brownhue of his face fringe, paws and legs, his well pricked and featheryear, and his generally smart appearance should combine to form apicture exciting general admiration. 

CHAPTER XLII

THE YORKSHIRE TERRIER

The most devout lover of this charming and beautiful terrier wouldfail if he were to attempt to claim for him the distinction of descentfrom antiquity. Bradford, and not Babylon, was his earliest home, andhe must be candidly acknowledged to be a very modern manufacturedvariety of the dog. Yet it is important to remember that it was inYorkshire that he was made--Yorkshire, where live the cleverestbreeders of dogs that the world has known. 

One can roughly reconstitute the process. What the Yorkshiremendesired to make for themselves was a pigmy, prick-eared terrier with along, silky, silvery grey and tan coat. They already possessed thefoundation in the old English Black and Tan wire-haired Terrier. Tolengthen the coat of this working breed they might very well have hadrecourse to a cross with the prick-eared Skye, and to eliminate thewiry texture of the hair a further cross with the Maltese dog wouldimpart softness and silkiness without reducing the length. Again, across with the Clydesdale, which was then assuming a fixed type, wouldbring the variety yet nearer to the ideal, and a return to the blackand tan would tend to conserve the desired colour. In all probabilitythe Dandie Dinmont had some share in the process. Evidence of originis often to be found more distinctly in puppies than in the maturedog, and it is to be noted that the puppies of both the Dandie and theYorkshire are born with decided black and tan colouring. 

The original broken-haired Yorkshire Terrier of thirty years ago wasoften called a Scottish Terrier, or even a Skye, and there are manypersons who still confound him with the Clydesdale, whom he somewhatclosely resembles. At the present time he is classified as a toy dogand exhibited almost solely as such. It is to be regretted that untilvery lately the terrier character was being gradually bred out of him, and that the perkiness, the exuberance and gameness which oncedistinguished him as the companion of the Yorkshire operative, was indanger of being sacrificed to the desire for diminutive size andinordinate length of coat. 

Perhaps it would be an error to blame the breeders of YorkshireTerriers for this departure from the original type as it appeared, say, about 1870. It is necessary to take into consideration theprobability that what is now called the old-fashioned working varietywas never regarded by the Yorkshiremen who made him as a complete andfinished achievement. It was possibly their idea at the very beginningto produce just such a diminutive dog as is now to be seen in itsperfection at exhibitions, glorying in its flowing tresses of steelblue silk and ruddy gold; and one must give them full credit for thepatience and care with which during the past forty years they havebeen steadily working to the fixed design of producing a dwarfed breedwhich should excel all other breeds in the length and silkiness of itsrobe. The extreme of cultivation in this particular quality wasreached some years ago by Mrs. Troughear, whose little dog Conqueror, weighing 5-1/2 lb. , had a beautiful enveloping mantle of the uniformlength of four-and-twenty inches. 

Doubtless all successful breeders and exhibitors of the YorkshireTerrier have their little secrets and their peculiar methods ofinducing the growth of hair. They regulate the diet with extremeparticularity, keeping the dog lean rather than fat, and giving himnothing that they would not themselves eat. Bread, mixed with greenvegetables, a little meat and gravy, or fresh fish, varied with milkpuddings and Spratt's "Toy Pet" biscuits, should be the staple food. Bones ought not to be given, as the act of gnawing them is apt to marthe beard and moustache. For the same reason it is well when possibleto serve the food from the fingers. But many owners use a sort of maskor hood of elastic material which they tie over the dog's head atmeal-times to hold back the long face-fall and whiskers, that wouldotherwise be smeared and sullied. Similarly as a protection for thecoat, when there is any skin irritation and an inclination to scratch, linen or cotton stockings are worn upon the hind feet. 

Many exhibitors pretend that they use no dressing, or very little, andthis only occasionally, for the jackets of their Yorkshire Terriers;but it is quite certain that continuous use of grease of some sort isnot only advisable but even necessary. Opinions differ as to which isthe best cosmetic, but Hairmero, the dressing prepared for the purposeby Miss D. Wilmer, of Yoxford, Suffolk, could not easily be improvedupon for this or any other long-coated breed. 

For the full display of their beauty, Yorkshire Terriers depend verymuch upon careful grooming. It is only by grooming that the silverycascade of hair down the dog's sides and the beautiful tan face-fallthat flows like a rain of gold from his head can be kept perfectlystraight and free from curl or wrinkle; and no grease or pomade, evenif their use were officially permitted, could impart to the coat theglistening sheen that is given by the dexterous application of thebrush. The gentle art of grooming is not to be taught by theory. Practice is the best teacher. But the novice may learn much byobserving the deft methods employed by an expert exhibitor. 

Mr. Peter Eden, of Manchester, is generally credited with being theactual inventor of the Yorkshire Terrier. He was certainly one of theearliest breeders and owners, and his celebrated Albert was only oneof the many admirable specimens with which he convinced the public ofthe charms of this variety of dog. He may have given the breed itsfirst impulse, but Mrs. M. A. Foster, of Bradford, was for many yearsthe head and centre of all that pertained to the Yorkshire Terrier, and it was undoubtedly she who raised the variety to its highest pointof perfection. Her dogs were invariably good in type. She neverexhibited a bad one, and her Huddersfield Ben, Toy Smart, Bright, Sandy, Ted, Bradford Hero, Bradford Marie, and Bradford Queen--thelast being a bitch weighing only 24 oz. --are remembered for theiruniform excellence. Of more recent examples that have approachedperfection may be mentioned Mrs. Walton's Ashton King, Queen, andBright, and her Mont Thabor Duchess. Mr. Mitchell's Westbrook Fred hasdeservedly won many honours, and Mr. Firmstone's Grand Duke and MyndDamaris, and Mrs. Sinclair's Mascus Superbus, stand high in theestimation of expert judges of the breed. Perhaps the most beautifulbitch ever shown was Waveless, the property of Mrs. R. Marshall, theowner of another admirable bitch in Little Picture. Mrs. W. Shaw's Ch. Sneinton Amethyst is also an admirable specimen. 

The standard of points laid down by the Yorkshire Terrier Club is asfollows:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE--That of a long-coated pet dog, the coat hangingquite straight and evenly down each side, a parting extending from thenose to the end of the tail. The animal should be very compact andneat, his carriage being very sprightly; bearing an air of importance. Although the frame is hidden beneath a mantle of hair, the generaloutline should be such as to suggest the existence of a vigorous andwell-proportioned body. HEAD--Should be rather small and flat, not tooprominent or round in the skull; rather broad at the muzzle, with aperfectly black nose; the hair on the muzzle very long, which shouldbe a rich, deep tan, not sooty or grey. Under the chin, long hair, about the same colour as on the crown of the head, which should be abright, golden tan, and not on any account intermingled with dark orsooty hairs. Hairs on the sides of the head should be very long, of afew shades deeper tan than that on the top of the head, especiallyabout the ear-roots. EYES--Medium in size, dark in colour, having asharp, intelligent expression, and placed so as to look directlyforward. They should not be prominent. The edges of the eyelids shouldbe dark. EARS--Small, V-shaped, and carried semi-erect, covered withshort hair; colour to be a deep rich tan. MOUTH--Good even mouth;teeth as sound as possible. A dog having lost a tooth or two, throughaccident or otherwise, is not to disqualify, providing the jaws areeven. BODY--Very compact, with a good loin, and level on the top ofthe back. COAT--The hair, as long and as straight as possible (notwavy), should be glossy, like silk (not woolly), extending from theback of the head to the root of the tail; colour, a bright steel blue, and on no account intermingled with fawn, light or dark hairs. All tanshould be darker at the roots than at the middle of the hairs, shadingoff to a still lighter tan at the tips. LEGS--Quite straight, shouldbe of a bright golden tan, well covered with hair, a few shadeslighter at the end than at the roots. FEET--As round as possible;toe-nails black. TAIL--Cut to medium length; with plenty of hair, darker blue than the rest of the body, especially at the end of thetail, which is carried slightly higher than the level of the back. WEIGHT--Divided into two classes; under 5 lb. And over 5 lb. To 12 lb. 

CHAPTER XLIII

THE POMERANIAN

Long before the Pomeranian dog was common in Great Britain, this breedwas to be met with in many parts of Europe, especially in Germany; andhe was known under different names, according to his size and thelocality in which he flourished. The title of Pomeranian is notadmitted by the Germans at all, who claim this as one of theirnational breeds, and give it the general name of the German Spitz. 

At Athens, in the Street of Tombs, there is a representation of alittle Spitz leaping up to the daughter of a family as she is takingleave of them, which bears the date equivalent to 56 B. C. , and in theBritish Museum there is an ancient bronze jar of Greek workmanship, upon which is engraved a group of winged horses at whose feet there isa small dog of undoubted Pomeranian type. The date is the secondcentury, B. C. 

It is now generally accepted that, wherever our Pomeranian originated, he is a Northern or Arctic breed. Evidence goes to show that hisnative land in prehistoric times was the land of the Samoyedes, in thenorth of Siberia, along the shores of the Arctic Ocean. The Samoyededog is being gradually introduced into England, and good specimens canbe frequently seen at the principal shows. The similarity between ourlarge white Pomeranian and the Samoyede is too great to be accidental. And we are drawn to the conclusion that in prehistoric times amigration of the Samoyedes was made from their native land intoPomerania, the most eastern province of Prussia bordering on theBaltic Sea, and that these people took with them their dogs, whichwere the progenitors of the present race of Pomeranian or Spitz. 

But in any case the Pomeranian dog, so called, has been a native ofvarious parts of Europe from very early times. His advent into Englandhas been of comparatively recent date, at least in any great numbers, so far as can be ascertained, since no ancient records exist on thisquestion. Gainsborough, however, painted the famous actress, Mrs. Robinson, with a large white Pomeranian sitting by her side. 

In Rees' _Encyclopedia_, published in 1816, a good picture of a whitePomeranian is given with a fairly truthful description. In this workhe is said to be "larger than the common sheep dog. " Rees gives hisname as _Canis Pomeranius_, from Linnaeus, and _Chien Loup_, fromBuffon. From these examples, therefore, we may infer that the largePomeranian, or Wolf Spitz, was already known in England towards theend of the eighteenth century at least. There are, however, nosystematic registers of Pomeranians prior to the year 1870. 

Even ten years later than this last date, so little was the breedappreciated that a well-known writer on dogs began an article on thePomeranian with the words "The Pomeranian is admittedly one of theleast interesting dogs in existence, and consequently his supportersare few and far between. "

The founders of the Kennel Club held their first dog show in 1870, andin that year only three Pomeranians were exhibited. For the nexttwenty years little or no permanent increase occurred in the numbersof Pomeranians entered at the chief dog show in England. The largestentry took place in 1881, when there were fifteen; but in 1890 therewas not a single Pomeranian shown. From this time, however, thenumbers rapidly increased. Commencing in 1891 with fourteen, increasing in 1901 to sixty, it culminated in 1905 with the recordnumber of one hundred and twenty-five. Such a rapid advance betweenthe years 1890 and 1905 is unprecedented in the history of dog shows, although it is right to add that this extraordinarily rapid rise intopopularity has since been equalled in the case of the now fashionablePekinese. 

This tendency to advancement in public favour was contemporaneous withthe formation of the Pomeranian Club of England, which was founded in1891, and through its fostering care the Pomeranian has reached aheight of popularity far in advance of that attained by any otherbreed of toy dog. One of the first acts of the club was to draw up astandard of points as follows:--

 * * * * *

APPEARANCE--The Pomeranian should be a compact, short coupled dog, well knit in frame. He should exhibit great intelligence in hisexpression, and activity and buoyancy in his deportment. HEAD ANDNOSE--Should be foxy in outline or wedge-shaped, the skull beingslightly flat, large in proportion to the muzzle, which should finishrather fine and free from lippiness. The teeth should be level, andshould on no account be undershot. The hair on the head and faceshould be smooth and short-coated. The nose should be black in white, orange and sable dogs; but in other colours may be self, but neverparti-colour or white. EARS--Should be small, not set too far apart, nor too low down, but carried perfectly erect like those of a fox, and, like the head, should be covered with short, soft hair. EYES--Should be medium in size, not full, nor set too wide apart, bright and dark in colour, showing great intelligence; in white, shaded sable, or orange dogs the rims round the eyes should be black. NECK AND BODY--The neck should be rather short, well set in. The backmust be short and the body compact, being well ribbed up and thebarrel well rounded. The chest must be fairly deep and not too wide, but in proportion to the size of the dog. LEGS--The fore-legs must bewell feathered, perfectly straight, of medium length, and not such aswould be termed "leggy" or "low" on leg, but in due proportion inlength and strength to a well-balanced frame. Must be fine in bone andfree in action. The hind-legs and thighs must be well feathered, neither contracted nor wide behind; the feet small and compact inshape. Shoulders should be clean, and well laid back. TAIL--The tailis one of the characteristics of the breed, and should be turned overthe back and carried flat and straight, being profusely covered withlong, harsh, spreading hair. COAT--There should be two coats, anundercoat and an overcoat; the one a soft fluffy undercoat, the othera long, perfectly straight coat, harsh in texture, covering the wholeof the body, being very abundant round the neck and fore part of theshoulders and chest where it should form a frill of profuse standingoff straight hair, extending over the shoulders. The hind-quartersshould be clad with long hair or feathering, from the top of the rumpto the hock. COLOUR--All whole colours are admissible, but they shouldbe free from white or shadings, and the whites must be quite free fromlemon or any other colour. A few white hairs in any of the selfcolours shall not necessarily disqualify. At present the wholecoloured dogs are:--White, black, brown (light or dark), blue (as paleas possible), orange (which should be as deep and even in colour aspossible), beaver, or cream. Dogs, other than white, with white footor feet, leg or legs, are decidedly objectionable and should bediscouraged, and cannot compete as whole coloured specimens. Inparti-coloured dogs the colours should be evenly distributed on thebody in patches; a dog with white or tan feet or chest would not be aparti-colour. Shaded sables should be shaded throughout with three ormore colours, the hairs to be as "uniformly shaded" as possible, withno patches of self colour. In mixed classes where whole coloured andparti-coloured Pomeranians compete together, the preference should, ifin other points they are equal, be given to the whole colouredspecimens. Where classification is not by colours the following isrecommended for adoption by show committees:--1. Not exceeding 7 lb. (Pomeranian Miniatures). 2. Exceeding 7 lb. (Pomeranians). 3. Pomeranians and Pomeranian Miniatures mixed. 

 * * * * *

The early type of a Pomeranian was that of a dog varying from 10 lb. Or 12 lb. Weight up to 20 lb. Weight, or even more, and some few ofabout 12 lb. And over are still to be met with; but the tendency amongpresent-day breeders is to get them as small as possible, so thatdiminutive specimens weighing less than 5 lb. Are now quite common, and always fetch higher prices than the heavier ones. The dividingweight, as arranged some ten years ago by the Pomeranian Club, is 8lb. , and the Kennel Club has recently divided the breed into twoclasses of Pomeranians and Pomeranians Miniature. 

As a rule the white specimens adhere more nearly to the primitivetype, and are generally over 8 lb. In weight, but through theexertions of many breeders, several are now to be seen under thislimit. 

The principal breeders of this colour in England to-day are MissHamilton of Rozelle, Miss Chell, Miss Lee-Roberts, Mrs. Pope, and Mrs. Goodall-Copestake. The first two whites to become full champions underKennel Club rules were Rob of Rozelle and Konig of Rozelle, bothbelonging to Miss Hamilton of Rozelle. 

More black Pomeranians have been bred in England than of any othercolour, and during the last fifteen years the number of good specimensthat have appeared at our great exhibitions has been legion. There donot seem to be so many really good ones to-day as heretofore; this isexplained, perhaps, by the fact that other colours are now receivingmore and more attention from breeders. A typical small black of to-dayis Billie Tee, the property of Mr. And Mrs. Stanley Mappin. He scalesonly 5-1/2 lb. , and is therefore, as to size and weight as well asshape, style, and smartness of action, a good type of a toy Pomeranian. He was bred by Mrs. Cates, and is the winner of over fifty prizes andmany specials. To enumerate all the first-class blacks during the lastthirty years would be impossible, but those which stand out first andforemost have been Black Boy, King Pippin, Kaffir Boy, BayswaterSwell, Kensington King, Marland King, Black Prince, Hatcham Nip, Walkley Queenie, Viva, Gateacre Zulu, Glympton King Edward, and BillieTee. 

The brown variety has for a long time been an especial favourite withthe public, and many good ones have been bred during the last tenyears. There are many different shades of browns, varying from a darkchocolate to a light beaver, but in all cases they should bewhole-coloured. 

An admirable example of the brown Pomeranians is the incomparable Ch. Tina. This beautiful little lady was bred by Mrs. Addis from BayswaterSwell ex Kitsey, and scaled a little under 5 lb. She won over everyPomeranian that competed against her, besides having been many timesplaced over all other dogs of any breed in open competition. 

The shaded sables are among the prettiest of all the various colourswhich Pomeranians may assume. They must be shaded throughout withthree or more colours, as uniformly as possible, with no patches ofself-colour. They are becoming very popular, and good specimens aremuch sought after at high prices. Mrs. Hall-Walker has been constantin her devotion to this variety for several years, and she possesses avery fine team in Champions Dainty Boy, Dainty Belle, Bibury Belle, and in Gateacre Sable Sue. Mrs. Vale Nicolas also has recently beenmost successful with shaded sables. Ch. Nanky Po, over 8 lb. , andChampions Sable Mite and Atom bear witness to this statement. Herlovely Mite is a typical example of a small Pomeranian of this colour. He was bred by Mr. Hirst, by Little Nipper ex Laurel Fluffie, andscales only 4-1/4 lb. Mention should also be made of Miss Ives' DragonFly, Mrs. Boutcher's Lady Wolfino, Miss Bland's Marland Topaz, Mr. Walter Winans' Morning Light, and Mr. Fowler's May Duchess. 

The blues, or smoke-coloured Pomeranians, have likewise theiradmirers, and among those who have taken up these as a speciality maybe mentioned Miss Ives, Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Loy, and Miss Ruby Cooke. 

Another colour which has attained of late years increasing popularityin England is orange. These should be self-coloured throughout, andlight shadings, though not disqualifying, should be discouraged. Theprincipal breeder of the orange Pomeranian to-day is Mr. W. Brown, ofRaleigh, Essex, who has probably more specimens in his kennels thanany other breeder of this colour. Tiny Boy, The Boy, and Orange Boyare his best, and all three are approved sires. Mrs. Hall-Walker is anadmirer of this colour, and her Gateacre Philander, Lupino, and OrangeGirl are great prize-winners. Miss Hamilton of Rozelle has for manyyears bred "oranges, " and has given to the Pomeranian Club, of whichshe is President, two challenge cups for Pomeranians of this colour. Mrs. Birch also is a lover of this hue, and possesses such good dogsas Rufus Rusticus and Cheriwinkle. 

There is still another variety which bears the name of parti-coloured. As the name implies, these dogs must be of more than one colour, andthe colours should be evenly distributed on the body in patches; forexample, a black dog with a white foot or leg or chest would not be aparti-colour. As a matter of fact, there have been bred in Englandvery few parti-coloured Pomeranians; they seem to be freaks which arerarely produced. It does not follow that by mating a black dog to awhite bitch, or _vice versa_, a parti-coloured will be necessarilyobtained; on the contrary, it is more likely that the litter willconsist of some whole-coloured blacks, and some whole-coloured whites. Miss Hamilton's Mafeking of Rozelle, and Mrs. Vale Nicolas's SheltonNovelty, are the two most prominent specimens at the present time, although Mrs. Harcourt-Clare's Magpie and Mr. Temple's Leyswood TomTit were perhaps better known some time ago. 

Among toy dogs this particular breed has enjoyed an unprecedentedpopularity; the growth in the public favour among all classes has beengradual and permanent during the last fifteen years, and there are nosigns that it is losing its hold on the love and affection of a largesection of the English people. His handsome appearance, his activity, and hardihood, his devotedness to his owner, his usefulness as ahousedog, and his many other admirable qualities will always make thePomeranian a favourite both in the cottage and in the palace. 

CHAPTER XLIV

THE KING CHARLES SPANIELS

In the fourth chapter of Macaulay's _History of England_ we read ofKing Charles II. That "he might be seen before the dew was off thegrass in St. James's Park, striding among the trees playing with hisSpaniels and flinging corn to his ducks, and these exhibitionsendeared him to the common people, who always like to see the greatunbend. "

Queen Elizabeth's physician, Dr. Caius, described these littleSpaniels as "delicate, neate, and pretty kind of dogges, called theSpaniel gentle or the comforter, " and further said: "These dogges arelittle, pretty, proper, and fyne, and sought for to satisfie thedelicatenesse of daintie dames and wanton women's wills, instrumentsof folly for them to play and dally withall, to tryfle away thetreasure of time, to withdraw their mindes from their commendableexercises. These puppies the smaller they be, the more pleasure theyprovoke as more meete playfellowes for minsing mistrisses to beare intheir bosoms, to keepe company withall in their chambers, to succourwith sleepe in bed, and nourishe with meate at board, to lie in theirlappes, and licke their lippes as they ryde in their waggons, and goodreason it should be so, for coursenesse with fynenesse hath nofellowship, but featnesse with neatnesse hath neighbourhood enough. "

There would appear to be much divergence of opinion as to the originof this breed, and the date of its first appearance in England, but itwas certainly acclimatised here as early as the reign of Henry VIII. , and it is generally thought that it is of Japanese origin, taken fromJapan to Spain by the early voyagers to the East, and thence importedinto England. The English Toy Spaniels of to-day, especially theBlenheim variety, are also said by some to be related to some sportingSpaniels which belonged to Queen Mary about the year 1555, and mighthave been brought over from Germany. Mary kept a pack of Spaniels forhunting purposes. 

There is another theory advanced, and with some reason that theEnglish Toy Spaniel of the present day derived its origin from theCocker Spaniel, as these larger dogs have the same colours andmarkings, black and tan, tricolour, and red and white. The Cocker alsooccasionally has the spot on the forehead which is a characteristic ofthe Blenheim. 

Be the origin of the King Charles Spaniel, and its advent in thiscountry, what it may, King Charles II. So much indulged and lovedthese little friends that they followed him hither and thither as theypleased, and seem to have been seldom separated from him. By him theywere loved and cherished, and brought into great popularity; in hiscompany they adorn canvas and ancient tapestries, and are reputed tohave been allowed free access at all times to Whitehall, HamptonCourt, and other royal palaces. 

There are now four recognised varieties of the English Toy Spaniel, or, more properly speaking, five, as the Marlborough Blenheims areconsidered a distinct type. The latter are said by some to be theoldest of the Toy Spaniels; by others to have been first brought overfrom Spain during the reign of Charles II. By John Churchill, firstDuke of Marlborough, from whose home, Blenheim Palace, the name wasderived, and has ever since been retained. 

If we may take the evidence of Vandyck, Watteau, Francois Boucher, andGreuze, in whose pictures they are so frequently introduced, all thetoy Spaniels of bygone days had much longer noses and smaller, flatterheads than those of the present time, and they had much longer ears, these in many instances dragging on the ground. 

The Marlborough Blenheim has retained several of the ancestral points. Although this variety is of the same family, and has the same name, asthe short-nosed Blenheim of the present day, there is a great deal ofdifference between the two types. The Marlborough is higher on thelegs, which need not be so fully feathered. He has a much longermuzzle and a flatter and more contracted skull. The Marlboroughpossesses many of the attributes of a sporting Spaniel; but so alsodoes the modern Blenheim, although perhaps in a lesser degree. He hasa very good scent. Mr. Rawdon B. Lee states that "the Blenheims ofMarlborough were excellent dogs to work the coverts for cock andpheasant, and that excepting in colour there is in reality not muchdifference in appearance between the older orange and white dogs (notas they are to-day, with their abnormally short noses, round skulls, and enormous eyes), and the liver and white Cockers which H. B. Chalondrew for Daniel's _Rural Sports_ in 1801. "

This will bear out the statement that the smaller type of Spaniel maybe descended from the Cockers. 

The ground colour of this dog is white, with chestnut encircling theears to the muzzle, the sides of the neck are chestnut, as are alsothe ears. There is a white blaze on the forehead, in the centre ofwhich should be a clear lozenge-shaped chestnut spot, called thebeauty spot, which by inbreeding with other varieties is fast beinglost. Chestnut markings are on the body and on the sides of thehind-legs. The coat should incline to be curly; the head must be flat, not broad, and the muzzle should be straight. The chestnut should beof a rich colour. 

The four varieties--the King Charles, Tricolour or (as he has beencalled) Charles I. Spaniel, the modern Blenheim, and the Ruby--haveall the same points, differing from one another in colour only, andthe following description of the points as determined by the ToySpaniel Club serves for all:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Should be well domed, and in good specimens is absolutelysemi-globular, sometimes even extending beyond the half-circle, andprojecting over the eyes, so as nearly to meet the upturned nose. EYES--The eyes are set wide apart, with the eyelids square to the lineof the face, not oblique or fox-like. The eyes themselves are large, and dark as possible, so as to be generally considered black, theirenormous pupils, which are absolutely of that colour, increasing thedescription. There is always a certain amount of weeping shown at theinner angles. This is owing to a defect in the lachrymal duct. STOP--The "stop" or hollow between the eyes is well marked, as in theBulldog, or even more so; some good specimens exhibit a hollow deepenough to bury a small marble. NOSE--The nose must be short and wellturned up between the eyes, and without any indication of artificialdisplacement afforded by a deviation to either side. The colour of theend should be black, and it should be both deep and wide with opennostrils. JAW--The muzzle must be square and deep, and the lower jawwide between the branches, leaving plenty of space for the tongue, andfor the attachment of the lower lips, which should completely concealthe teeth. It should also be turned up or "finished, " so as to allowof its meeting the end of the upper jaw turned up in a similar way, asabove described. EARS--The ears must be long, so as to approach theground. In an average-sized dog they measure twenty inches from tip totip, and some reach twenty-two inches, or even a trifle more. Theyshould be set low on the head, hang flat to the sides of the cheeks, and be heavily feathered. In this last respect the King Charles isexpected to exceed the Blenheim, and his ears occasionally extend totwenty-four inches. SIZE--The most desirable size is indicated by theaccepted weight of from 7 lb. To 10 lb. SHAPE--In compactness of shapethese Spaniels almost rival the Pug, but the length of coat addsgreatly to the apparent bulk, as the body, when the coat is wetted, looks small in comparison with that dog. Still, it ought to bedecidedly "cobby, " with strong, stout legs, short broad back and widechest. The symmetry of the King Charles is of importance, but it isseldom that there is any defect in this respect. COAT--The coat shouldbe long, silky, soft and wavy, but not curly. In the Blenheim thereshould be a profuse mane, extending well down in the front of thechest. The feather should be well displayed on the ears and feet, andin the latter case so thickly as to give the appearance of their beingwebbed. It is also carried well up the backs of the legs. In the Blackand Tan the feather on the ears is very long and profuse, exceedingthat of the Blenheim by an inch or more. The feather on the tail(which is cut to the length of three and a half to four inches) shouldbe silky, and from five to six inches in length, constituting a marked"flag" of a square shape, and not carried above the level of the back. COLOUR--The colour differs with the variety. The Black and Tan is arich glossy black and deep mahogany tan; tan spots over the eyes, andthe usual markings on the muzzle, chest, and legs are also required. The Ruby is a rich chestnut red, and is whole-coloured. The presenceof a _few_ white hairs _intermixed with the black_ on the chest of aBlack and Tan, or _intermixed with the red_ on the chest of a RubySpaniel, shall carry _weight against_ a dog, but shall not in itselfabsolutely disqualify; but a white patch on the chest or white onany other part of a Black and Tan or Ruby Spaniel shall be adisqualification. The Blenheim must on no account be whole-coloured, but should have a ground of pure pearly white, with bright richchestnut or ruby red markings evenly distributed in large patches. Theears and cheeks should be red, with a blaze of white extending fromthe nose up the forehead, and ending between the ears in a crescenticcurve. In the centre of this blaze at the top of the forehead thereshould be a clear "spot" of red, of the size of a sixpence. Tan tickson the fore-legs and on the white muzzle are desirable. The Tricolourshould in part have the tan of the Black and Tan, with markings likethe Blenheim in black instead of red on a pearly-white ground. Theears and under the tail should also be lined with tan. The Tricolourhas no "spot, " that beauty being peculiarly the property of theBlenheim. The All Red King Charles is known by the name of "RubySpaniel"; the colour of the nose is black. The points of the "Ruby"are the same as those of the "Black and Tan, " differing only incolour. 

 * * * * *

The King Charles variety used to consist of black and tan and blackand white Spaniels, and it is thought that by the inter-breeding ofthe two specimens the Tricolour was produced. The colour of the KingCharles now is a glossy black with rich mahogany tan spots over theeyes and on the cheeks. There should also be some tan on the legs andunder the tail. 

The Prince Charles, or Tricolour, should have a pearly-white groundwith glossy black markings evenly distributed over the body inpatches. The ears should be lined with tan; tan must also be seen overthe eyes, and some on the cheeks. Under the tail also tan must appear. 

The Blenheim must also have a pearly-white ground with bright richchestnut or ruby red markings evenly distributed in patches over thebody. The ears and cheeks must be red, and a white blaze shouldstretch from the nose to the forehead and thence in a curve betweenthe ears. In the middle of the forehead there should be, on the whiteblaze, a clear red spot about the size of a sixpence. This is calledthe "Blenheim spot, " which, as well as the profuse mane, adds greatlyto the beauty of this particular Toy Spaniel. Unfortunately, in alitter of Blenheims the spot is often wanting. 

The Ruby Spaniel is of one colour, a rich, unbroken red. The nose isblack. There are now some very beautiful specimens of Ruby Spaniels, but it is only within the last quarter of a century that this varietyhas existed. It seems to have originally appeared in a litter of KingCharles puppies, when it was looked upon as a freak of nature, takingfor its entire colour only the tan markings and losing the blackground. 

The different varieties of Toy Spaniels have been so much interbredthat a litter has been reputed to contain the four kinds, but thiswould be of very rare occurrence. The Blenheim is now often crossedwith the Tricolour, when the litter consist of puppies quite true tothe two types. The crossing of the King Charles with the Ruby is alsoattended with very good results, the tan markings on the King Charlesbecoming very bright and the colour of the Ruby also being improved. Neither of these specimens should be crossed with either the Blenheimor the Tricolour, as white must not appear in either the King Charlesor the Ruby Spaniel. 

It is regretted by some of the admirers of these dogs that custom hasordained that their tails should be docked. As portrayed in earlypictures of the King Charles and the Blenheim varieties, the tails arelong, well flagged, and inclined to curve gracefully over the back, and in none of the pictures of the supposed ancestors of our presentToy Spaniels--even so recent as those painted by Sir Edwin Landseer--dowe find an absence of the long tail. 

If left intact, the tail would take two or three years to attainperfection, but the same may be said of the dog generally, whichimproves very much with age, and is not at its best until it is threeyears old, and even then continues to improve. 

Although the Toy Spaniels are unquestionably true aristocrats bynature, birth, and breeding, and are most at home in a drawing-room oron a well-kept lawn, they are by no means deficient in sportingproclivities, and, in spite of their short noses, their scent is verykeen. They thoroughly enjoy a good scamper, and are all the better fornot being too much pampered. They are very good house-dogs, intelligentand affectionate, and have sympathetic, coaxing little ways. One pointin their favour is the fact that they are not noisy, and do not yapcontinually when strangers go into a room where they are, or at othertimes, as is the habit with some breeds of toy dogs. 

Those who have once had King Charles Spaniels as pets seldom care toreplace them by any other variety of dog, fearing lest they might notfind in another breed such engaging little friends and companions, "gentle" as of yore and also "comforters. "

Although these dogs need care, they possess great powers of endurance. They appreciate warmth and comfort, but do not thrive so well ineither extreme heat or intense cold. One thing to be avoided is thewetting of their feathered feet, or, should this happen, allowing themto remain so; and, as in the case of all dogs with long ears, theinterior of the ears should be carefully kept dry to avoid the risk ofcanker. 

In going back to a period long before the last century was half-waythrough, we find that a great number of these ornamental pets were inthe hands of working men living in the East End of London, and thecompetition among them to own the best was very keen. They heldminiature dog shows at small taverns, and paraded their dogs on thesanded floor of tap-rooms, their owners sitting around smoking longchurch-warden pipes. The value of good specimens in those early daysappears to have been from P5 to P250, which latter sum is said to havebeen refused by a comparatively poor man for a small black and tanwith very long ears, and a nose much too long for our present-dayfancy. Among the names of some old prominent breeders and exhibitorsmay be mentioned those of C. Aistrop, J. Garwood, J. A. Buggs, andMrs. Forder. 

It is interesting to note, on looking over a catalogue of the KennelClub Show, that in 1884 the classes for Toy Spaniels numbered five, with two championship prizes, one each for Blenheims and Black andTans, and the total entries were 19. At this date neither Tricoloursnor Rubies were recognised as a separate variety by the Kennel Club, and they had no place in the register of breeds until the year 1902. At the Kennel Club show in 1904 thirty-one classes were provided andeight challenge certificate prizes were given, the entries numbering109. 

The formation of the Toy Spaniel Club in 1885, and the impetusgiven to breeders and exhibitors by the numerous shows with goodclassification, have caused this beautiful breed to become morepopular year by year. Fifty years ago the owners might be almostcounted on the fingers of one's hands; now probably the days of theyear would hardly cover them. 

Among the most successful exhibitors of late years have been the Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison, the Hon. Mrs. Lytton, Mrs. Graves, Mrs. L. H. Thompson, Miss Young, Mrs. H. B. Looker, Mrs. Privette, Miss Hall, theMisses Clarkson and Grantham, Mrs. Dean, Mr. H. Taylor, Mrs. Bright, Mrs. Adamson, Miss Spofforth, Mrs. Hope Paterson, Mrs. Lydia Jenkins, and Miss E. Taylor. 

The novice fancier, desirous of breeding for profit, exhibition, orpleasure, when price is an object for consideration, is often betteradvised to purchase a healthy puppy from a breeder of repute ratherthan to be deluded with the notion that a good adult can be purchasedfor a few pounds, or to be carried away with the idea that a cheap, indifferently bred specimen will produce first-class stock. It takesyears to breed out bad points, but good blood will tell. 

When you are purchasing a bitch with the intention of breeding, manyinquiries should be made as to the stock from which she comes. Thiswill influence the selection of the sire to whom she is to be mated, and he should excel in the points in which she is deficient. It isabsolutely necessary to have perfectly healthy animals, and if thefemale be young, and small stock is desired, her mate should beseveral years her senior. A plain specimen of the right blood is quitelikely to produce good results to the breeder; for example, shouldthere be two female puppies in a well-bred litter, one remarkable aspromising to have all the requirements for a coming champion, theother large and plain, this latter should be selected for breedingpurposes as, being stronger, she will make a better and more usefulmother than her handsome sister, who should be kept for exhibition, orfor sale at a remunerative price. 

The modern craze for small specimens makes them quite unsuitable forprocreation. A brood bitch should not be less than 9 lb. In weight, and even heavier is preferable. A sire the same size will producesmall and far more typical stock than one of 5 lb. Or 6 lb. , as thetendency is to degenerate, especially in head points; but small sizecan be obtained by suitably selecting the parents. 

The early spring is the best season for breeding, as it gives thepuppies a start of at least six months in which to grow and get strongbefore the cold weather sets in, although, of course, they can be bredat any time, but autumn and winter puppies are more troublesome torear. It is always wise to administer occasionally, both to puppiesand adults, a dose of worm medicine, so as to give no chance tointernal parasites--the most troublesome ill with which the dog ownerhas to wrestle, causing even more mortality than the dreaded scourgeof distemper. 

The rules of hygiene cannot be overlooked, as upon them hangs thesuccess of the breeder; plenty of fresh air, light, and sunshine areas necessary as food. Puppies of this breed are essentially delicate, and must be kept free from cold and draughts, but they require libertyand freedom to develop and strengthen their limbs, otherwise they areliable to develop rickets. Their food should be of the best quality, and after the age of six months, nothing seems more suitable thanstale brown bred, cut up dice size, and moistened with good stockgravy, together with minced, lean, underdone roast beef, with theaddition, two or three times a week, of a little well-cooked greenvegetable, varied with rice or suet pudding and plain biscuits. Fishmay also be given occasionally. 

When only two or three dogs are kept, table scraps will generally besufficient, but the pernicious habit of feeding at all times, andgiving sweets, pastry, and rich dainties, is most harmful, and mustproduce disastrous results to the unfortunate animal. Two meals a dayat regular intervals are quite sufficient to keep these little pets inthe best condition, although puppies should be fed four times daily insmall quantities. After leaving the mother they will thrive better ifput on dry food, and a small portion of scraped or finely minced leanmeat given them every other day, alternately with a chopped hard-boiledegg and stale bread-crumbs. 

CHAPTER XLV

THE PEKINESE AND THE JAPANESE

Few of the many breeds of foreign dogs now established in England haveattained such a measure of popularity in so short a time as thePekinese. Of their early history little is known, beyond the fact thatat the looting of the Summer Palace of Pekin, in 1860, bronze effigiesof these dogs, known to be more than two thousand years old, werefound within the sacred precincts. The dogs were, and are to this day, jealously guarded under the supervision of the Chief Eunuch of theCourt, and few have ever found their way into the outer world. 

So far as the writer is aware, the history of the breed in Englanddates from the importation in 1860 of five dogs taken from the SummerPalace, where they had, no doubt, been forgotten on the flight of theCourt to the interior. Admiral Lord John Hay, who was present onactive service, gives a graphic account of the finding of these littledogs in a part of the garden frequented by an aunt of the Emperor, whohad committed suicide on the approach of the Allied Forces. Lord Johnand another naval officer, a cousin of the late Duchess of Richmond's, each secured two dogs; the fifth was taken by General Dunne, whopresented it to Queen Victoria. Lord John took pains to ascertain thatnone had found their way into the French camp, and he heard then thatthe others had all been removed to Jehal with the Court. It istherefore reasonable to suppose that these five were the only Palacedogs, or Sacred Temple dogs of Pekin, which reached England, and it isfrom the pair which lived to a respectable old age at Goodwood that somany of the breed now in England trace their descent. 

[Illustration: TOY DOGS 1. MISS STEVENS' TYPICAL JAPANESE PUPPY;2. MRS. VALE NICOLAS'S POMERANIAN CH. THE SABLE MITE _Photograph by T. Fall_; 3. MISS M. A. BLAND'S POMERANIAN CH. MARLAND KING _Photographby T. Fall_; 4. LADY HULTON'S BLENHEIM CH. JOY _Photograph byRussell_; 5. THE HON. MRS. LYTTON'S KING CHARLES CH. THE SERAPH]

Many years ago Mr. Alfred de Rothschild tried, through his agents inChina, to secure a specimen of the Palace dog for the writer, in orderto carry on the Goodwood strain, but without success, even after acorrespondence with Pekin which lasted more than two years; but wesucceeded in obtaining confirmation of what we had always understood:namely, that the Palace dogs are rigidly guarded, and that their theftis punishable by death. At the time of the Boxer Rebellion onlySpaniels, Pugs, and Poodles were found in the Imperial Palace when itwas occupied by the Allied Forces, the little dogs having once morepreceded the court in the flight to Si-gnanfu. 

The Duchess of Richmond occasionally gave away a dog to intimatefriends, such as the Dowager Lady Wharncliffe, Lady Dorothy Nevill, and others, but in those days the Pekinese was practically an unknownquantity, and it can therefore be more readily understood whatinterest was aroused about eleven years ago by the appearance of asmall dog, similar in size, colour, and general type to those socarefully cherished at Goodwood. This proved to be none other than thesince well-known sire Ah Cum, owned by Mrs. Douglas Murray, whosehusband, having extensive interests in China, had managed after manyyears to secure a true Palace dog, smuggled in a box of hay, placedinside a crate which contained Japanese deer!

Ah Cum was mated without delay to two Goodwood bitches, the resultbeing, in the first litters, Ch. Goodwood Lo and Goodwood Put-Sing. To these three sires, some of the bluest Pekinese blood is traceable, _vide_ Ch. Goodwood Chum, Ch. Chu-Erh of Alderbourne, Ch. Gia-Gia, Manchu Tao-Tai, Goodwood Ming, Marland Myth, and others. 

It must, however, be clearly admitted that since the popularity of thebreed has become established we unluckily see scores of Pekinese inthe show-ring who have lost all resemblance to the original type, andfor this the Pekinese Club is in some measure to blame. The originalpoints for the guidance of breeders and judges were drawn up by LadySamuelson, Mrs. Douglas Murray, and Lady Algernon Gordon-Lennox, whofixed the maximum size at 10 lb. --a very generous margin. Since thenthe club has amended the scale of points, no doubt in order to securea larger membership, and the maximum now stands at 18 lb. 

Is it therefore to be wondered at that confusion exists as to what isthe true type? At shows there should be two distinct classes; thePalace dog and the Pekin Spaniel, or any other name which would enablethe breeds to be kept distinct. 

The following is the scale of points as issued by the Pekinese Club:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Massive, broad skull, wide and flat between the ears (not domeshaped); wide between the eyes. NOSE--Black, broad, very short andflat. EYES--Large, dark, prominent, round, lustrous. STOP--Deep. EARS--Heart-shaped; not set too high; leather never long enough tocome below the muzzle; not carried erect, but rather drooping, longfeather. MUZZLE--Very short and broad; not underhung nor pointed;wrinkled. MANE--Profuse, extending beyond shoulder blades, formingruff or frill round front of neck. SHAPE OF BODY--Heavy in front;broad chest falling away lighter behind; lion-like; not too long inthe body. COAT AND FEATHER AND CONDITION--Long, with thick undercoat;straight and flat, not curly nor wavy; rather coarse but soft; featheron thighs, legs, tail and toes, long and profuse. COLOUR--All coloursallowable, red, fawn, black, black and tan, sable, brindle, white andparti-coloured. Black masks, and spectacles round the eyes, with linesto the ears, are desirable. LEGS--Short; fore-legs heavy, bowed out atelbows; hind-legs lighter, but firm and well shaped. FEET--Flat, notround; should stand well up on toes, not on ankles. TAIL--Curled andcarried well up on loins; long, profuse straight feather. SIZE--Beinga toy dog the smaller the better, provided type and points are notsacrificed. Anything over 18 lb. Should disqualify. When divided byweight, classes should be over 10 lb. , and under 10 lb. ACTION--Free, strong and high; crossing feet or throwing them out in running shouldnot take off marks; weakness of joints should be penalised. 

 * * * * *

Lady Algernon Gordon-Lennox has occasionally been criticised for heradvocacy of _whole-coloured_ specimens, but in support of thispreference it can be proved that the original pair brought toGoodwood, as well as Mrs. Murray's Ah Cum, were all of the goldenchestnut shade; and, as no brindled, parti-coloured, or black dog hasever been born at Goodwood or Broughton, we have some authority forlooking upon whole-colour as an important point. This view was in thefirst place confirmed by the late Chinese Ambassador in London, andfurther by Baron Speck von Sternberg, who was for many years Ministerat Pekin and had very special facilities for noting the points of thePalace dogs. 

In every case a black muzzle is indispensable, also black points tothe ears, with trousers, tail and feathering a somewhat lighter shadethan the body. There is considerable divergence of opinion as to thepenalisation of what, in other breeds, is known as a "Dudley" nose, but on this point there must be some difficulty at shows; in thePekinese the colour of the nose varies in a remarkable way, especiallyin the case of the bitches. For instance, a pinkish tinge was alwaysvisible on the nose of Goodwood Meh before the birth of her puppies;but it resumed its normal colour when the puppies were a few weeksold. As a representative type, Chu-Erh of Alderbourne resembles mostnearly the old Goodwood dogs. He has the same square, cobbyappearance, broad chest, bowed legs, profuse feather, and large, lustrous eyes--points which are frequently looked for in vainnowadays--and his breeder and owner may well be proud of him. 

The Pekinese differs from the Japanese dog in that it appears to befar stronger in constitution, and withstands the changes of theEnglish climate with much greater ease; in fact, they are as hardy, _under healthy conditions_, as any English breed, and the only serioustrouble seems to be the weakness which is developing in the eyes. Small abscesses frequently appear when the puppies are a few monthsold, and, although they may not affect the sight, they almostinevitably leave a bluish mark, while in some cases the eye itselfbecomes contracted. Whether this is one of the results of in-breedingit is difficult to say, and it would be of interest to know whetherthe same trouble is met with in China. 

The Pekinese bitches are excellent mothers, provided they are notinterfered with for the first few days. This was discovered atGoodwood years ago by the fact that, on two or three occasions, oneCelestial lady, who had been given greater attention than sheconsidered necessary, revenged herself by devouring her own family ofpuppies! One thing seems from experience to be especially advisable--asfar as can be arranged, to breed in the spring rather than autumn. Thepuppies need all the open air and exercise that is possible, and whererickety specimens are so frequently met with it is only natural that apuppy who starts life with the summer months ahead is more likely todevelop well than one born in the autumn. Great attention should bepaid with reference to the frequent--almost certain--presence ofworms, which trouble seems more prevalent with Pekinese than with anyother breed. Wherever possible, fish should be given as part of thedietary; some Pekinese devour it with relish; others will not touchit, but there is no doubt it is a useful item in the bill of fare. Bread well soaked in very strong stock, sheep's head, and liver arealways better as regular diet than meat, but in cases of debility alittle raw meat given once a day is most beneficial. 

It would not be fitting to close an article on Pekinese withoutbearing testimony to their extraordinarily attractive characteristics. They are intensely affectionate and faithful, and have somethingalmost cat-like in their domesticity. They display far more characterthan the so-called "toy dog" usually does, and for this reason it isall-important that pains should be taken to preserve the true type, ina recognition of the fact that quality is more essential than quantity. 

 * * * * *

As their breed-name implies, these tiny black and white, long-hairedlap dogs are reputed to be natives of the land of the chrysanthemum. The Japanese, who have treasured them for centuries, have the beliefthat they are not less ancient than the dogs of Malta. There seems tobe a probability, however, that the breed may claim to be Chinese justas surely as Japanese. The Hon. Mrs. McLaren Morrison, an authority onexotic dogs whose opinion must always be taken with respect, isinclined to the belief that they are related to the short-nosedSpaniels of Thibet; while other experts are equally of opinion thatthe variety is an offshoot from the Spaniels of Pekin. It is fairlycertain that they are indigenous to the Far East, whence we havederived so many of our small snub-nosed, large-eyed, and long-hairedpets. The Oriental peoples have always bred their lap dogs to smallsize, convenient for carrying in the sleeve. The "sleeve dog" and the"chin dog" are common and appropriate appellations in the East. 

The Japanese Spaniel was certainly known in England half a centuryago, and probably much earlier. Our seamen often brought them home aspresents for their sweethearts. These early imported specimens weregenerally of the larger kind, and if they were bred from--which isdoubtful--it was by crossing with the already long-established KingCharles or Blenheim Spaniels. Their colours were not invariably whiteand black. Many were white and red, or white with lemon-yellowpatches. The colouring other than white was usually about thelong-fringed ears and the crown of the head, with a line of whiterunning from the point of the snub black nose between the eyes as faras the occiput. This blaze up the face was commonly said to resemblethe body of a butterfly, whose closed wings were represented by thedog's expansive ears. 

The white and black colouring is now the most frequent. The pointsdesired are a broad and rounded skull, large in proportion to thedog's body; a wide, strong muzzle and a turned-up lower jaw. Greatlength of body is not good; the back should be short and level. Thelegs are by preference slender and much feathered, the feet large andwell separated. An important point is the coat. It should be abundant, particularly about the neck, where it forms a ruffle, and it oughtto be quite straight and very silky. The Japanese Spaniel isconstitutionally delicate, requiring considerable care in feeding. Afrequent--almost a daily--change of diet is to be recommended, andmanufactured foods are to be avoided. Rice usually agrees well; freshfish, sheep's head, tongue, chicken livers, milk or batter puddingsare also suitable; and occasionally give oatmeal porridge, alternatedwith a little scraped raw meat as an especial favour. For puppiesnewly weaned it is well to limit the supply of milk foods and to avoidred meat. Finely minced rabbit, or fish are better. 

Of the Japanese Spaniels which have recently been prominent incompetition, may be mentioned Miss Serena's Champion Fuji of Kobe, aremarkably beautiful bitch, who was under 5 lb. In weight, and who inher brief life gained six full championships. Mrs. Gregson's Ch. Toraof Braywick, a fine red and white dog, somewhat over 7 lb. , is also tobe remembered as a typical example of the breed, together with Kara, the smallest Jap ever exhibited or bred in this country, weighing only2-1/2 lb. When 2-1/2 years old; Lady Samuelson's Togo and O'Toyo ofBraywick, and Mrs. Hull's Ch. Daddy Jap. 

There has lately been a tendency to lay too much stress upondiminutive size in this variety of the dog, to the neglect ofwell-formed limbs and free movement; but on the whole it may bestated with confidence that the Japanese is prospering in England, thanks largely to the energetic work of the Japanese Chin Club, whichwas formed some three years ago to promote the best interests of thebreed. 

The following is the official standard issued by the Club:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Should be large for size of animal, very broad and with slightlyrounded skull. MUZZLE--Strong and wide; very short from eyes to nose;upper jaw should look slightly turned up between the eyes; lower jawshould be also turned up or finished so as to meet it, but should thelower jaw be slightly underhung it is not a blemish provided the teethare not shown in consequence. NOSE--Very short in the muzzle part. Theend or nose proper should be wide, with open nostrils, and must be thecolour of the dog's marking, _i. E. _, black in black-marked dogs, andred or deep flesh colour in red or lemon marked dogs. EYES--Large, dark, lustrous, rather prominent, and set wide apart. EARS--Small andV-shaped, nicely feathered, set wide apart and high on the head andcarried slightly forward. NECK--Should be short and moderately thick. BODY--Very compact and squarely built, with a short back, rather widechest, and of generally "cobby" shape. The body and legs should reallygo into a square, _i. E. _, the length of the dog should be about itsheight. LEGS--The bones of the legs should be small, giving them aslender appearance, and they should be well feathered. FEET--Small andshaped, somewhat long; the dog stands up on its toes somewhat. Iffeathered, the tufts should never increase the width of the foot, butonly its length a trifle. TAIL--Carried in a tight curl over the back. It should be profusely feathered so as to give the appearance of abeautiful "plume" on the animal's back. COAT--Profuse, long, straight, rather silky. It should be absolutely free from wave or curl, and notlie too flat, but have a tendency to stand out, especially at the neck, so as to give a thick mane or ruff, which with profuse feathering onthighs and tail gives a very showy appearance. COLOUR--Either blackand white or red and white, _i. E. _, parti-coloured. The term redincludes all shades, sable, brindle, lemon or orange, but the brighterand clearer the red the better. The white should be clear white, andthe colour, whether black or red, should be evenly distributed inpatches over the body, cheeks, and ears. HEIGHT AT SHOULDER--About teninches. WEIGHT--The size desirable is from 4 lb. To 9 lb. The smallersize is preferable if good shape. 

CHAPTER XLVI

THE MALTESE DOG AND THE PUG

No doubt has been cast upon the belief that the small, white, silky_Canis Melitaeus_ is the most ancient of all the lap dogs of theWestern world. It was a favourite in the time of Phidias; it was anespecial pet of the great ladies of Imperial Rome. It appears to havecome originally from the Adriatic island of Melita rather than fromthe Mediterranean Malta, although this supposition cannot be verified. There is, however, no question that it is of European origin, and thatthe breed, as we know it to-day, has altered exceedingly little intype and size since it was alluded to by Aristotle more than threehundred years before the Christian era. One may gather from variousreferences in literature, and from the evidence of art, that it washighly valued in ancient times. "When his favourite dog dies, " wroteTheophrastus in illustration of the vain man, "he deposits the remainsin a tomb, and erects a monument over the grave, with the inscription, 'Offspring of the stock of Malta. '"

The "offspring of the stock of Malta" were probably first importedinto England during the reign of Henry VIII. It is certain that theywere regarded as "meet playfellows for mincing mistresses" in thereign of Elizabeth, whose physician, Dr. Caius, alluded to them asbeing distinct from the Spaniel, "gentle or comforter. "

Early writers aver that it was customary when Maltese puppies wereborn to press or twist the nasal bone with the fingers "in order thatthey may seem more elegant in the sight of men"--a circumstance whichgoes to show that our forefathers were not averse to improvingartificially the points of their dogs. 

The snowy whiteness and soft, silky texture of its coat must alwayscause the Maltese dog to be admired; but the variety has never beencommonly kept in England--a fact which is, no doubt, due to thedifficulty of breeding it and to the trouble in keeping the dog's longjacket clean and free from tangle. Thirty or forty years ago it wasmore popular as a lap dog than it has ever been since, and in theearly days of dog shows many beautiful specimens were exhibited. Thispopularity was largely due to the efforts of Mr. R. Mandeville, ofSouthwark, who has been referred to as virtually the founder of themodern Maltese. His Fido and Lily were certainly the most perfectrepresentatives of the breed during the decade between 1860 and 1870, and at the shows held at Birmingham, Islington, the Crystal Palace, and Cremorne Gardens, this beautiful brace was unapproachable. 

It is a breed which to be kept in perfection requires more thanordinary attention, not only on account of its silky jacket, which ispeculiarly liable to become matted, and is difficult to keepabsolutely clean without frequent washing, but also on account of asomewhat delicate constitution, the Maltese being susceptible to coldsand chills. If affected by such causes, the eyes are often attacked, and the water running from them induces a brown stain to mar thebeauty of the face. Skin eruptions due to unwise feeding, or parasitesdue to uncleanliness, are quickly destructive to the silky coat, andconstant watchfulness is necessary to protect the dog from alloccasion for scratching. The diet is an important considerationalways, and a nice discernment is imperative in balancing theproportions of meat and vegetable. Too much meat is prone to heat theblood, while too little induces eczema. Scraps of bread and greenvegetables well mixed with gravy and finely-minced lean meat form thebest dietary for the principal meal of the day, and plenty of exerciseis imperative. 

The following is the standard description and points of the MalteseClub of London:--

 * * * * *

HEAD--Should not be too narrow, but should be of a Terrier shape, nottoo long, but not apple-headed. EARS--Should be long and wellfeathered, and hang close to the side of the head, the hair to be wellmingled with the coat at the shoulders. EYES--Should be a dark brown, with black eye rims and not too far apart. NOSE--Should be pure black. LEGS AND FEET--Legs should be short and straight, feet round, and thepads of the feet should be black. BODY AND SHAPE--Should be short andcobby, low to the ground, and the back should be straight from the topof the shoulders to the tail. TAIL AND CARRIAGE--Should be well archedover the back and well feathered. COAT, LENGTH AND TEXTURE--Should bea good length, the longer the better, of a silky texture, not in anyway woolly, and should be straight. COLOUR--It is desirable that theyshould be pure white, but slight lemon marks should not count againstthem. CONDITION AND APPEARANCE--Should be of a sharp Terrierappearance, with a lively action, the coat should not be stained, butshould be well groomed in every way. SIZE--The most approved weightsshould be from 4 lb. To 9 lb. , the smaller the better, but it isdesirable that they should not exceed 10 lb. 

 * * * * *

There seems to be no doubt that the fawn-coloured Pug enjoys theantiquity of descent that is attached to the Greyhound, the Maltesedog, and some few other venerable breeds. 

Although much has been written on the origin of these dogs, nothingauthentic has been discovered in connection with it. Statements haveappeared from time to time to the effect that the Pug was brought intothis country from Holland. In the early years of the last century itwas commonly styled the Dutch Pug. But this theory does not trace thehistory far enough back, and it should be remembered that at thatperiod the Dutch East India Company was in constant communication withthe Far East. Others declare that Muscovy was the original home of thebreed, a supposition for which there is no discernible foundation. Thestudy of canine history receives frequent enlightenment from the studyof the growth of commercial intercourse between nations, and the trendof events would lead one to the belief that the Pug had its origin inChina, particularly in view of the fact that it is with that countrythat most of the blunt-nosed toy dogs, with tails curled over theirbacks, are associated. 

The Pug was brought into prominence in Great Britain about sixty yearsago by Lady Willoughby de Eresby, of Grimthorpe, near Lincoln, and Mr. Morrison, of Walham Green, who each independently established a kennelof these dogs, with such success that eventually the fawn Pugs werespoken of as either the Willoughby or the Morrison Pugs. At thatperiod the black variety was not known. The Willoughby Pug was dullerin colour than the Morrison, which was of a brighter, ruddier hue, butthe two varieties have since been so much interbred that they are nowundistinguishable, and the fact that they were ever familiarlyrecognised as either Willoughbys or Morrisons is almost entirelyforgotten. A "fawn" Pug may now be either silver grey or apricot, andequally valuable. 

Whatever may have been the history of the Pug as regards its nativity, it had not been long introduced into England before it became apopular favourite as a pet, and it shared with the King CharlesSpaniel the affection of the great ladies of the land. The late QueenVictoria possessed one, of which she was very proud. The Pug has, however, now fallen from his high estate as a ladies' pet, and hisplace has been usurped by the Toy Pomeranian, the Pekinese, andJapanese, all of which are now more highly thought of in thedrawing-room or boudoir. But the Pug has an advantage over all thesedogs as, from the fact that he has a shorter coat, he is cleaner anddoes not require so much attention. 

It was not until the establishment of the Pug Dog Club in 1883 that afixed standard of points was drawn up for the guidance of judges whenawarding the prizes to Pugs. Later on the London and Provincial PugClub was formed, and standards of points were drawn up by thatsociety. These, however, have never been adhered to. The weight of adog or bitch, according to the standard, should be from 13 lb. To 17lb. , but there are very few dogs indeed that are winning prizes whocan draw the scale at the maximum weight. One of the most distinctivefeatures of a fawn Pug is the trace, which is a line of black runningalong the top of the back from the occiput to the tail. It is theexception to find a fawn Pug with any trace at all now. The muzzleshould be short, blunt, but not upfaced. Most of the winning Pugs ofthe present day are undershot at least half an inch, and consequentlymust be upfaced. Only one champion of the present day possesses alevel mouth. The toe-nails should be black according to the standard, but this point is ignored altogether. In fact, the standard, as drawnup by the Club, should be completely revised, for it is no true guide. The colour, which should be either silver or apricot fawn; themarkings on the head, which should show a thumb-mark or diamond on theforehead, together with the orthodox size, are not now taken intoconsideration, and the prizes are given to over-sized dogs with bigskulls that are patchy in colour, and the charming little Pugs whichwere once so highly prized are now the exception rather than the rule, while the large, lustrous eyes, so sympathetic in their expression, are seldom seen. 

The black Pug is a recent production. He was brought into notice in1886, when Lady Brassey exhibited some at the Maidstone Show. By whomhe was manufactured is not a matter of much importance, as with thefawn Pug in existence there was not much difficulty in crossing itwith the shortest-faced black dog of small size that could be found, and then back again to the fawn, and the thing was done. Fawn andblack Pugs are continually being bred together, and, as a rule, ifjudgment is used in the selection of suitable crosses, the puppies aresound in colour, whether fawn or black. In every respect exceptmarkings the black Pug should be built on the same lines as the fawn, and be a cobby little dog with short back and well-developedhind-quarters, wide in skull, with square and blunt muzzle andtightly-curled tail. 

CHAPTER XLVII

THE BRUSSELS GRIFFON

Away back in the 'seventies numbers of miners in Yorkshire and theMidlands are said to have possessed little wiry-coated andwiry-dispositioned red dogs, which accompanied their owners to work, being stowed away in pockets of overcoats until the dinner hour, whenthey were brought out to share their masters' meals, perchance chasinga casual rat in between times. Old men of to-day who remember theselittle "red tarriers" tell us that they were the originals of thepresent-day Brussels Griffons, and to the sporting propensities of theaforesaid miners is attributed the gameness which is such acharacteristic of their latter-day representatives. 

No one who is well acquainted with the Brussels Griffon would claimthat the breed dates back, like the Greyhound, to hoary antiquity, or, indeed, that it has any pretensions to have "come over with theConqueror. " The dog is not less worthy of admiration on that account. It is futile to inquire too closely into his ancestry; like Topsy, "hegrowed" and we must love him for himself alone. 

Even in the last fifteen years we can trace a certain advance in theevolution of the Brussels Griffon. When the breed was first introducedunder this name into this country, underjaw was accounted of little orno importance, whereas now a prominent chin is rightly recognised asbeing one of the most important physical characteristics of the race. Then, again, quite a few years ago a Griffon with a red pin-wire coatwas rarely met with, but now this point has been generally rectified, and every show specimen of any account whatever possesses themuch-desired covering. 

The first authentic importations of Brussels Griffons into thiscountry were made by Mrs. Kingscote, Miss Adela Gordon, Mrs. FrankPearce, and Fletcher, who at that time (_circa_ 1894) kept a dog-shopin Regent Street. Mrs. Handley Spicer soon followed, and it was at herhouse that, in 1896, the Griffon Bruxellois Club was first suggestedand then formed. The Brussels Griffon Club of London was a lateroffshoot of this club, and, like many children, would appear to bemore vigorous than its parent. Griffons soon made their appearance atshows and won many admirers, though it must be admitted that theirprogress up the ladder of popularity was not so rapid as might havebeen expected. The breed is especially attractive in the followingpoints: It is hardy, compact, portable, very intelligent, equallysmart and alert in appearance, affectionate, very companionable, and, above all, it possesses the special characteristic of wonderful eyes, ever changing in expression, and compared with which the eyes of manyother toy breeds appear as a glass bead to a fathomless lake. 

Griffons are hardy little dogs, though, like most others, they aremore susceptible to damp than to cold. While not greedy, like theTerrier tribe, they are usually good feeders and good doers, and nottiresomely dainty with regard to food, as is so often the case withToy Spaniels. It must be admitted that Griffons are not the easiest ofdogs to rear, particularly at weaning time. From five to eight weeksis always a critical period in the puppyhood of a Griffon, and it isnecessary to supersede their maternal nourishment with extremecaution. Farinaceous foods do not answer, and usually cause troublesooner or later. A small quantity of scraped raw beef--an eggspoonfulat four weeks, increasing to a teaspoonful at six--may be given once aday, and from four to five weeks two additional meals of warmmilk--goat's for preference--and not more than a tablespoonful at atime should be given. From five to six weeks the mother will remainwith the puppies at night only, and three milk meals may be givenduring the day, with one of scraped meat, at intervals of about fourhours, care being taken to give too little milk rather than too much. At six weeks the puppies may usually be taken entirely from themother, and at this time it is generally advisable to give a gentlevermifuge, such as Ruby. A very little German rusk may also be addedto the milk meals, which may be increased to one and a-halftablespoonfuls at a time, but it must always be remembered that, innine cases out of ten, trouble is caused by overfeeding rather thanunderfeeding, and until the rubicon of eight weeks has been passed, care and oversight should be unremitting. At eight weeks' old, Forceor brown breadcrumbs may be added to the morning milk, chopped meatmay be given instead of scraped at midday, the usual milk at tea-time, and a dry biscuit, such as Plasmon, for supper. At ten weeks old themilk at tea-time may be discontinued and the other meals increasedaccordingly, and very little further trouble need be feared, forGriffons very rarely suffer from teething troubles. 

Brussels Griffons are divided into three groups, according to theirappearance, and representatives of each group may be, and sometimesare, found in one and the same litter. First and foremost, both inimportance and in beauty, comes the Griffon Bruxellois, a cobby, compact little dog, with wiry red coat, large eyes, short nose, wellturned up, and sloping back, very prominent chin, and small ears. Secondly come the Griffons of any other colour, or, as they are termedin Brussels, Griffons Belges. These are very often Griffons of theusual colour, with a mismark of white or black, or occasionally theymay be grey or fawn. But the most approved colour, and certainly themost attractive, is black and tan. The third group of BrusselsGriffons is that termed "smooth, " or, in Brussels, GriffonsBrabancons. The smooth Griffon is identical with the rough in allpoints except for being short-haired. As is well known, smoothGriffons are most useful for breeding rough ones with the desired hardred coat, and many well-known show dogs with rough coats have beenbred from smooth ones: for example, Sparklets, Ch. Copthorne Lobster, Ch. Copthorne Treasure, Ch. Copthorne Talk-o'-the-Town, and CopthorneBlunderbuss. This and many other facts in connection with breedingGriffons will be learnt from experience, always the best teacher. 

The descriptive particulars of the Brussels Griffon are:--

 * * * * *

GENERAL APPEARANCE--A lady's little dog--intelligent, sprightly, robust, of compact appearance--reminding one of a cob, and captivatingthe attention by a quasi-human expression. HEAD--Rounded, furnishedwith somewhat hard, irregular hairs, longer round the eyes, on thenose and cheeks. EARS--Erect when cropped as in Belgium, semi-erectwhen uncropped. EYES--Very large, black, or nearly black; eyelidsedged with black, eyelashes long and black, eyebrows covered withhairs, leaving the eye they encircle perfectly uncovered. NOSE--Alwaysblack, short, surrounded with hair converging upward to meet thosewhich surround the eyes. Very pronounced stop. LIPS--Edged with black, furnished with a moustache. A little black in the moustache is not afault. CHIN--Prominent without showing the teeth, and edged with asmall beard. CHEST--Rather wide and deep. LEGS--As straight aspossible, of medium length. TAIL--Erect, and docked to two-thirds. COLOUR--In the Griffons Bruxellois, red; in the Griffons Belges, preferably black and tan, but also grey or fawn; in the PetitBrabancon, red or black and tan. TEXTURE OF COAT--Harsh and wiry, irregular, rather long and thick. In the Brabancon it is smooth andshort. WEIGHT--Light weight, 5 lb. Maximum; and heavy weight, 9 lb. Maximum. FAULTS--The faults to be avoided are light eyes, silky hairon the head, brown nails, teeth showing, a hanging tongue or a brownnose. 

[Illustration: TOY DOGS 1. MRS. GRESHAM'S PUG CH. GRINDLEY KING2. MRS. T. WHALEY'S BRUSSELS GRIFFON GLENARTNEY SPORT 3. PEKINESE CH. CHU-ERH OF ALDERBOURNE _Photograph by Russell_]

CHAPTER XLVIII

THE MINIATURE BREEDS

Except in the matter of size, the general appearance and qualificationsof the Miniature Black and Tan Terrier should be as nearly like thelarger breed as possible, for the standard of points applies to bothvarieties, excepting that erect, or what are commonly known as tulipears, of semi-erect carriage, are permissible in the miniatures. Theofficially recognised weight for the toy variety is given as "underseven pounds, " but none of the most prominent present-day winnersreach anything like that weight; some in fact are little more thanhalf of it, and the great majority are between 4 lb. And 5 lb. 

Probably the most popular specimens of the miniature Black and Tan atthe present time are Mr. Whaley's Glenartney Sport and Mr. Richmond'sMerry Atom. Merry Atom is only 4-1/2 lb. In weight, and he isbeautifully proportioned, with a fine, long head, a small, dark eye, small ears, and the true type of body. His markings of deep black andrich tan are good, and his coat is entirely free from the bare patcheswhich so often mar the appearance of these toys, giving the suggestionof delicacy. 

The Miniature Black and Tan is certainly not a robust dog, and he haslost much of the terrier boisterousness of character by reason ofbeing pampered and coddled; but it is a fallacy to suppose that he isnecessarily delicate. He requires to be kept warm, but exercise isbetter for him than eiderdown quilts and silken cushions, andjudicious feeding will protect him from the skin diseases to which heis believed to be liable. Under proper treatment he is no moredelicate than any other toy dog, and his engaging manners andcleanliness of habit ought to place him among the most favoured oflady's pets and lapdogs. It is to be hoped that the efforts now beingmade by the Black and Tan Terrier Club will be beneficial to theincreased popularity of this diminutive breed. 

For the technical description and scale of points the reader isreferred to the chapter on the larger variety of Black and Tan Terrier. 

 * * * * *

Of late years Toy Bull-terriers have fallen in popularity. This is apity, as their lilliputian self-assertion is most amusing. As petsthey are most affectionate, excellent as watch-dogs, clever atacquiring tricks, and always cheerful and companionable. They havegood noses and will hunt diligently; but wet weather or thickundergrowth will deter them, and they are too small to do serious harmto the best stocked game preserve. 

The most valuable Toy Bull-terriers are small and very light inweight, and these small dogs usually have "apple-heads. " Pony Queen, the former property of Sir Raymond Tyrwhitt Wilson, weighed under3 lb. , but the breed remains "toy" up to 15 lb. When you get a dogwith a long wedge-shaped head, the latter in competition with small"apple-headed" dogs always takes the prize, and a slightlycontradictory state of affairs arises from the fact that the small dogwith an imperfectly shaped head will sell for more money than a dogwith a perfectly shaped head which is larger. 

In drawing up a show schedule of classes for this breed it is perhapsbetter to limit the weight of competitors to 12 lb. The Bull-terrierClub put 15 lb. As the lowest weight allowed for the large breed, andit seems a pity to have an interregnum between the large and miniaturevariety; still, in the interests of the small valuable specimens, thisseems inevitable, and opportunist principles must be applied to doggymatters as to other business in this world. At present there is adiversity of opinion as to their points, but roughly they are a longflat head, wide between the eyes and tapering to the nose, whichshould be black. Ears erect and bat-like, straight legs and ratherdistinctive feet; some people say these are cat-like. 

Toy Bull-terriers ought to have an alert, gay appearance, coupled withrefinement, which requires a nice whip tail. The best colour is purewhite. A brindle spot is not amiss, and even a brindle dog isadmissible, but black marks are wrong. The coat ought to be close andstiff to the touch. Toy Bull-terriers are not delicate as a rule. Theyrequire warmth and plenty of exercise in all weathers. 

 * * * * *

The most elegant, graceful, and refined of all dogs are the tinyItalian Greyhounds. Their exquisitely delicate lines, their supplemovements and beautiful attitudes, their soft large eyes, theircharming colouring, their gentle and loving nature, and theirscrupulous cleanliness of habit--all these qualities justify theadmiration bestowed upon them as drawing-room pets. They are fragile, it is true--fragile as eggshell china--not to be handled roughly. Buttheir constitution is not necessarily delicate, and many have beenknown to live to extreme old age. Miss Mackenzie's Jack, one of themost beautiful of the breed ever known, lived to see his seventeenthbirthday, and even then was strong and healthy. Their fragility ismore apparent than real, and if they are not exposed to cold or damp, they require less pampering than they usually receive. This cause hasbeen a frequent source of constitutional weakness, and it wasdeplorably a fault in the Italian Greyhounds of half a century ago. 

One cannot be quite certain as to the derivation of the ItalianGreyhound. Its physical appearance naturally suggests a descent fromthe Gazehound of the ancients, with the added conjecture that it waspurposely dwarfed for the convenience of being nursed in the lap. Greek art presents many examples of a very small dog of Greyhoundtype, and there is a probability that the diminutive breed was afamiliar ornament in the atrium of most Roman villas. In Pompeii adwarfed Greyhound was certainly kept as a domestic pet, and there istherefore some justification for the belief that the Italian prefix isnot misplaced. 

In very early times the Italian Greyhound was appreciated. Vandyck, Kneller, and Watteau frequently introduced the graceful figures ofthese dogs as accessories in their portraits of the Court beauties oftheir times, and many such portraits may be noticed in the galleriesof Windsor Castle and Hampton Court. Mary, Queen of Scots is supposedto have been fond of the breed, as more surely were Charles I. AndQueen Anne. Some of the best of their kind were in the possession ofQueen Victoria at Windsor and Balmoral, where Sir Edwin Landseertransferred their graceful forms to canvas. 

Among the more prominent owners of the present time are the BaronessCampbell von Laurentz, whose Rosemead Laura and Una are of superlativemerit alike in outline, colour, style, length of head, and grace ofaction; Mrs. Florence Scarlett, whose Svelta, Saltarello, and Sola arealmost equally perfect; Mrs. Matthews, the owner of Ch. Signor, oursmallest and most elegant show dog; and Mr. Charlwood, who hasexhibited many admirable specimens, among them Sussex Queen and SussexPrincess. 

The Italian Greyhound Club of England has drawn up the followingstandard and scale of points:--

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GENERAL APPEARANCE--A miniature English Greyhound, more slender in allproportions, and of ideal elegance and grace in shape, symmetry, andaction. HEAD--Skull long, flat and narrow. Muzzle very fine. Nose darkin colour. Ears rose shaped, placed well back, soft and delicate, andshould touch or nearly touch behind the head. Eyes large, bright, andfull of expression. BODY--Neck long and gracefully arched. Shoulderslong and sloping. Back curved and drooping at the quarters. LEGS ANDFEET--Fore-legs straight, well set under the shoulder; fine pasterns;small delicate bone. Hind-legs, hocks well let down; thighs muscular. Feet long--hare foot. TAIL, COAT AND COLOUR--Tail rather long and withlow carriage. Skin fine and supple. Hair thin and glossy like satin. Preferably self-coloured. The colour most prized is golden fawn, butall shades of fawn--red, mouse, cream and white--are recognised. Blacks, brindles and pied are considered less desirable. ACTION--Highstepping and free. WEIGHT--Two classes, one of 8 lb. And under, theother over 8 lb. 

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The diminutive Shetland Sheepdog has many recommendations as a pet. Like the sturdy little Shetland pony, this dog has not been made smallby artificial selection. It is a Collie in miniature, no larger than aPomeranian, and it is perfectly hardy, wonderfully sagacious, anddecidedly beautiful. At first glance the dog might easily be mistakenfor a Belgian Butterfly dog, for its ears are somewhat large andupstanding, with a good amount of feather about them; but upon closeracquaintance the Collie shape and nature become more pronounced. 

The body is long and set low, on stout, short legs, which end inlong-shaped, feathered feet. The tail is a substantial brush, beautifully carried, and the coat is long and inclined to silkiness, with a considerable neck-frill. The usual weight is from six to tenpounds, the dog being of smaller size than the bitch. The prettiestare all white, or white with rich sable markings, but many are blackand tan or all black. The head is short and the face not so aquilineas that of the large Collie. The eyes are well proportioned to thesize of the head, and have a singularly soft round brightness, reminding one of the eye of a woodcock or a snipe. 

The Shetlanders use them with the sheep, and they are excellent littleworkers, intelligent and very active, and as hardy as terriers. Doglovers in search of novelty might do worse than take up thisattractive and certainly genuine breed. 

CHAPTER XLIX

PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT

Many people are deterred from keeping dogs by the belief that thehobby is expensive and that it entails a profitless amount of troubleand anxiety; but to the true dog-lover the anxiety and trouble are faroutbalanced by the pleasures of possession, and as to the expense, that is a matter which can be regulated at will. A luxuriouslyappointed kennel of valuable dogs, who are pampered into sickness, may, indeed, become a serious drain upon the owner's banking account, but if managed on business principles the occupation is capable ofyielding a very respectable income. One does not wish to seedog-keeping turned into a profession, and there seems to be somethingmean in making money by our pets; but the process of drafting isnecessary when the kennel is overstocked, and buying and selling areamong the interesting accessories of the game, second only to thepleasurable excitement of submitting one's favourites to the judgmentof the show-ring. The delights of breeding and rearing should be theirown reward, as they usually are, yet something more than merepin-money can be made by the alert amateur who possesses a kennel ofacknowledged merit, and who knows how to turn it to account. Achampion ought easily to earn his own living: some are a source ofhandsome revenue. 

Occasionally one hears of very high prices being paid for dogsacknowledged to be perfect specimens of their breed. For the St. Bernard Sir Belvidere sixteen hundred pounds were offered. Plinlimmonwas sold for a thousand, the same sum that was paid for the BulldogRodney Stone. For the Collies Southport Perfection and OrmskirkEmerald Mr. Megson paid a thousand sovereigns each. Size is nocriterion of a dog's market value; Mrs. Ashton Cross is said to haverefused two thousand pounds for her celebrated Pekinese Chu-Erh, andthere are many lap-dogs now living that could not be purchased forthat high price. These are sums which only a competent judge with along purse would dream of paying for an animal whose tenure of activelife can hardly be more than eight or ten years, and already the dog'svalue must have been attested by his success in competition. Itrequires an expert eye to perceive the potentialities of a puppy, andthere is always an element of speculative risk for both buyer andseller. Many a dog that has been sold for a song has grown to be afamous champion. At Cruft's show in 1905 the Bulldog Mahomet wasoffered for ten pounds. No one was bold enough to buy him, yeteighteen months afterwards he was sold and considered cheap at athousand. Uncertainty adds zest to a hobby that is in itself engaging. 

Thanks to the influence of the Kennel Club and the institution of dogshows, which have encouraged the improvement of distinct breeds, thereare fewer nondescript mongrels in our midst than there were ageneration or so ago. A fuller knowledge has done much to increase thepride which the British people take in their canine companions, andour present population of dogs has never been equalled for goodquality in any other age or any other land. 

The beginner cannot easily go wrong or be seriously cheated, but it iswell when making a first purchase to take the advice of an expert andto be very certain of the dog's pedigree, age, temper, and condition. The approved method of buying a dog is to select one advertised forsale in the weekly journals devoted to the dog. A better way still, ifa dog of distinguished pedigree is desired, is to apply direct to awell-known owner of the required breed, or to visit one of the greatannual shows, such as Cruft's, Manchester, The Ladies' KennelAssociation, The Kennel Club (Crystal Palace, in October), TheScottish Kennel Club, or Birmingham, and there choose the dog from thebenches, buying him at his catalogue price. 

In determining the choice of a breed it is to be remembered that someare better watchdogs than others, some more docile, some safer withchildren. The size of the breed should be relative to the accommodationavailable. To have a St. Bernard or a Great Dane galumphing about asmall house is an inconvenience, and sporting dogs which requireconstant exercise and freedom are not suited to the confined life of aBloomsbury flat. Nor are the long-haired breeds at their bestdraggling round in the wet, muddy streets of a city. For town life theclean-legged Terrier, the Bulldog, the Pug, and the Schipperke are tobe preferred. Bitches are cleaner in the house and more tractable thandogs. The idea that they are more trouble than dogs is a fallacy. Thedifficulty arises only twice in a twelvemonth for a few days, and ifyou are watchful there need be no misadventure. 

If only one dog, or two or three of the smaller kinds, be kept, thereis no imperative need for an outdoor kennel, although all dogs are thebetter for life in the open air. The house-dog may be fed withmeat-scraps from the kitchen served as an evening meal, with rodnim ora dry biscuit for breakfast. The duty of feeding him should be in thehands of one person only. When it is everybody's and nobody's duty heis apt to be neglected at one time and overfed at another. Regularityof feeding is one of the secrets of successful dog-keeping. It oughtalso to be one person's duty to see that he has frequent access to theyard or garden, that he gets plenty of clean drinking water, plenty ofoutdoor exercise, and a comfortable bed. 

For the toy and delicate breeds it is a good plan to have a dog-roomset apart, with a suitable cage or basket-kennel for each dog. 

Even delicate Toy dogs, however, ought not to be permanently lodgedwithin doors, and the dog-room is only complete when it has as anannexe a grass plot for playground and free exercise. Next towholesome and regular food, fresh air and sunshine are the primenecessaries of healthy condition. Weakness and disease come morefrequently from injudicious feeding and housing than from any othercause. Among the free and ownerless pariah dogs of the East diseaseis almost unknown. 

For the kennels of our British-bred dogs, perhaps a southern or asouth-western aspect is the best, but wherever it is placed the kennelmust be sufficiently sheltered from rain and wind, and it ought to beprovided with a covered run in which the inmates may have fullliberty. An awning of some kind is necessary. Trees afford goodshelter from the sun-rays, but they harbour moisture, and damp must beavoided at all costs. When only one outdoor dog is kept, a kennel canbe improvised out of a packing-case, supported on bricks above theground, with the entrance properly shielded from the weather. No dogshould be allowed to live in a kennel in which he cannot turn round atfull length. Properly constructed, portable, and well-ventilatedkennels for single dogs are not expensive and are greatly to bepreferred to any amateurish makeshift. A good one for a terrier neednot cost more than a pound. It is usually the single dog that suffersmost from imperfect accommodation. His kennel is generally too smallto admit of a good bed of straw, and if there is no railed-in runattached he must needs be chained up. The dog that is kept on thechain becomes dirty in his habits, unhappy, and savage. His chain isoften too short and is not provided with swivels to avert kinks. On asudden alarm, or on the appearance of a trespassing tabby, he willoften bound forward at the risk of dislocating his neck. Theyard-dog's chain ought always to be fitted with a stop link spring tocounteract the effect of the sudden jerk. The method may be employedwith advantage in the garden for several dogs, a separate rope beingused for each. Unfriendly dogs can thus be kept safely apart and stillbe to some extent at liberty. 

There is no obvious advantage in keeping a watch-dog on the chainrather than in an enclosed compound, unless he is expected to go for apossible burglar and attack him. A wire-netting enclosure can easilybe constructed at very little expense. For the more powerful dogs theuse of wrought-iron railings is advisable, and these can be procuredcheaply from Spratt's or Boulton and Paul's, fitted with gates andwith revolving troughs for feeding from the outside. 

Opinions differ as to the best material for the flooring of kennelsand the paving of runs. Asphalte is suitable for either in mildweather, but in summer it becomes uncomfortably hot for the feet, unless it is partly composed of cork. Concrete has its advantages ifthe surface can be kept dry. Flagstones are cold for winter, as alsoare tiles and bricks. For terriers, who enjoy burrowing, earth is thebest ground for the run, and it can be kept free from dirt and buriedbones by a rake over in the morning, while tufts of grass left roundthe margins supply the dogs' natural medicine. The movable sleepingbench must, of course, be of wood, raised a few inches above thefloor, with a ledge to keep in the straw or other bedding. Woodenfloors are open to the objection that they absorb the urine; but dogsshould be taught not to foul their nest, and in any case a frequentdisinfecting with a solution of Pearson's or Jeyes' fluid shouldobviate impurity, while fleas, which take refuge in the dust betweenthe planks, may be dismissed or kept away with a sprinkling ofparaffin. Whatever the flooring, scrupulous cleanliness in the kennelis a prime necessity, and the inner walls should be frequentlylimewashed. It is important, too, that no scraps of rejected food orbones should be left lying about to become putrid or to tempt thevisits of rats, which bring fleas. If the dogs do not finish theirfood when it is served to them, it should be removed until hungergives appetite for the next meal. 

Many breeders of the large and thick-coated varieties, such as St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, Old English Sheepdogs, and rough-hairedCollies, give their dogs nothing to lie upon but clean bare boards. The coat is itself a sufficient cushion, but in winter weather strawgives added warmth, and for short-haired dogs something soft, if it isonly a piece of carpet or a sack, is needed as a bed to protect thehocks from abrasion. 

With regard to feeding, this requires to be studied in relation to theparticular breed. One good meal a day, served by preference in theevening, is sufficient for the adult if a dry dog-cake or a handful ofrodnim be given for breakfast, and perhaps a large bone to gnaw at. Clean cold water must always be at hand in all weathers, and a drinkof milk coloured with tea is nourishing. Goat's milk is particularlysuitable for the dog: many owners keep goats on their premises to givea constant supply. It is a mistake to suppose, as many persons do, that meat diet provokes eczema and other skin troubles; the contraryis the case. The dog is by nature a carnivorous animal, and wholesomeflesh, either cooked or raw, should be his staple food. Horseflesh, which is frequently used in large establishments, is not so fully tobe relied upon as ordinary butcher meat. There is no serious objectionto bullocks' heads, sheeps' heads, bullocks' tripes and paunches and alittle liver given occasionally is an aperient food which most dogsenjoy. But when it can be afforded, wholesome butcher's meat iswithout question the proper food. Oatmeal porridge, rice, barley, linseed meal, and bone meal ought only to be regarded as occasionaladditions to the usual meat diet, and are not necessary when dog cakesare regularly supplied. Well-boiled green vegetables, such as cabbage, turnip-tops, and nettle-tops, are good mixed with the meat; potatoesare questionable. Of the various advertised dog foods, many of whichare excellent, the choice may be left to those who are fond ofexperiment, or who seek for convenient substitutes for theold-fashioned and wholesome diet of the household. Sickly dogs requireinvalid's treatment; but the best course is usually the simplest, and, given a sound constitution to begin with, any dog ought to thrive ifhe is only properly housed, carefully fed, and gets abundant exercise. 

CHAPTER L

BREEDING AND WHELPING

The modern practice of dog-breeding in Great Britain has reached acondition which may be esteemed as an art. At no other time, and in noother country, have the various canine types been kept more rigidlydistinct or brought to a higher level of perfection. Formerlydog-owners--apart from the keepers of packs of hounds--paid scantattention to the differentiation of breeds and the conservation oftype, and they considered it no serious breach of duty to ignore theprinciples of scientific selection, and thus contribute to themultiplication of mongrels. Discriminate breeding was rare, and if aBulldog should mate himself with a Greyhound, or a Spaniel with aTerrier, the alliance was regarded merely as an inconvenience. Socareless were owners in preventing the promiscuous mingling of alienbreeds that it is little short of surprising so many of our caninetypes have been preserved in their integrity. 

The elimination of the nondescript cur is no doubt largely due to thework of the homes for lost dogs that are instituted in most of ourgreat towns. Every year some 26, 000 homeless and ownerless canines arepicked up by the police in the streets of London, and during theforty-seven years which have elapsed since the Dogs' Home at Batterseawas established, upwards of 800, 000 dogs have passed through thebooks, a few to be reclaimed or bought, the great majority to be putto death. A very large proportion of these have been veritablemongrels, not worth the value of their licences--diseased and maimedcurs, or bitches in whelp, turned ruthlessly adrift to be consigned tothe oblivion of the lethal chamber, where the thoroughbred seldomfinds its way. And if as many as 500 undesirables are destroyed everyweek at one such institution, 'tis clear that the ill-bred mongrelmust soon altogether disappear. But the chief factor in the generalimprovement of our canine population is due to the steadily growingcare and pride which are bestowed upon the dog, and to the scientificskill with which he is being bred. 

Admitting that the dogs seen at our best contemporary shows aresuperlative examples of scientific selection, one has yet toacknowledge that the process of breeding for show points has itsdisadvantages, and that, in the sporting and pastoral varieties moreespecially, utility is apt to be sacrificed to ornament and type, andstamina to fancy qualities not always relative to the animal'scapacities as a worker. The standards of perfection and scales ofpoints laid down by the specialist clubs are usually admirable guidesto the uninitiated, but they are often unreasonably arbitrary in theirinsistence upon certain details of form--generally in the neighbourhoodof the head--while they leave the qualities of type and character tolook after themselves or to be totally ignored. 

It is necessary to assure the beginner in breeding that points areessentially of far less moment than type and a good constitution. Theone thing necessary in the cultivation of the dog is to bear in mindthe purpose for which he is supposed to be employed, and to aim atadapting or conserving his physique to the best fulfilment of thatpurpose, remembering that the Greyhound has tucked-up loins to giveelasticity and bend to the body in running, that a Terrier is keptsmall to enable him the better to enter an earth, that a Bulldog ismassive and undershot for encounters in the bullring, that theCollie's ears are erected to assist him in hearing sounds from afar, as those of the Bloodhound are pendant, the more readily to detectsounds coming to him along the ground while his head is bent to thetrail. Nature has been discriminate in her adaptations of animalforms; and the most perfect dog yet bred is the one which approachesnearest to Nature's wise intention. 

The foregoing chapters have given abundant examples of how the variousbreeds of the dog have been acquired, manufactured, improved, resuscitated, and retained. Broadly speaking, two methods have beenadopted: The method of introducing an outcross to impart new blood, new strength, new character; and the method of inbreeding to retain anapproved type. An outcross is introduced when the breed operated uponis declining in stamina or is in danger of extinction, or when somenew physical or mental quality is desired. New types and eccentricitiesare hardly wanted, however, and the extreme requirements of anoutcross may nowadays be achieved by the simple process of selectingindividuals from differing strains of the same breed, mating a bitchwhich lacks the required points with a dog in whose family they areprominently and consistently present. 

Inbreeding is the reverse of outcrossing. It is the practice of matinganimals closely related to each other, and it is, within limits, anentirely justifiable means of preserving and intensifying familycharacteristics. It is a law in zoology that an animal cannot transmita quality which it does not itself innately possess, or which none ofits progenitors has ever possessed. By mating a dog and a bitch of thesame family, therefore, you concentrate and enhance the uniforminheritable qualities into one line instead of two, and you reduce thenumber of possibly heterogeneous ancestors by exactly a half rightback to the very beginning. There is no surer way of maintaininguniformity of type, and an examination of the extended pedigree ofalmost any famous dog will show how commonly inbreeding is practised. Inbreeding is certainly advantageous when managed with judgment anddiscreet selection, but it has its disadvantages also, for it is to beremembered that faults and blemishes are inherited as well as merits, and that the faults have a way of asserting themselves with annoyingpersistency. Furthermore, breeding between animals closely allied inparentage is prone to lead to degeneracy, physical weakness, andmental stupidity, while impotence and sterility are frequentconcomitants, and none but experienced breeders should attempt sohazardous an experiment. Observation has proved that the union offather with daughter and mother with son is preferable to an alliancebetween brother and sister. Perhaps the best union is that betweencousins. For the preservation of general type, however, it ought to besufficient to keep to one strain and to select from that strainmembers who, while exhibiting similar characteristics, are notactually too closely allied in consanguinity. To move perpetually fromone strain to another is only to court an undesirable confusion oftype. 

In founding a kennel it is advisable to begin with the possession of abitch. As a companion the female is to be preferred to the male; sheis not less affectionate and faithful, and she is usually much cleanerin her habits in the house. If it is intended to breed by her, sheshould be very carefully chosen and proved to be free from any seriousfault or predisposition to disease. Not only should her writtenpedigree be scrupulously scrutinised, but her own constitution andthat of her parents on both sides should be minutely inquired into. 

A bitch comes into season for breeding twice in a year; the first timewhen she is reaching maturity, usually at the age of from seven to tenmonths. Her condition will readily be discerned by the fact of anincreased attentiveness of the opposite sex and the appearance of amucous discharge from the vagina. She should then be carefullyprotected from the gallantry of suitors. Dogs kept in the nearneighbourhood of a bitch on heat, who is not accessible to them, gooff their feed and suffer in condition. With most breeds it is unwiseto put a bitch to stud before she is eighteen months old, but Mr. Stubbs recommends that a Bull bitch should be allowed to breed at herfirst heat, while her body retains the flexibility of youth; and thereis no doubt that with regard to the Bulldog great mortality occurs inattempting to breed from maiden bitches exceeding three years old. Inalmost all breeds it is the case that the first three litters are thebest. It is accordingly important that a proper mating should beconsidered at the outset, and a prospective sire selected eitherthrough the medium of stud advertisements or by private arrangementwith the owner of the desired dog. For the payment of the requisitestud fee, varying from a guinea to ten or fifteen pounds, the servicesof the best dogs of the particular breed can usually be secured. It iscustomary for the bitch to be the visitor, and it is well that hervisit should extend to two or three days at the least. When possible aresponsible person should accompany her. 

If the stud dog is a frequenter of shows he can usually be dependedupon to be in sound physical condition. No dog who is not so can beexpected to win prizes. But it ought to be ascertained before handthat he is what is known as a good stock-getter. The fee is for hisservices, not for the result of them. Some owners of stud dogs willgrant two services, and this is often desirable, especially in thecase of a maiden bitch or of a stud dog that is over-wrought, as somany are. It is most important that both the mated animals should befree from worms and skin disorders. Fifty per cent. Of the casualtiesamong young puppies are due to one or other of the parents having beenin an unhealthy condition when mated. A winter whelping is notadvisable. It is best for puppies to be born in the spring or earlysummer, thus escaping the rigours of inclement weather. 

During the period of gestation the breeding bitch should have amplebut not violent exercise, with varied and wholesome food, includingsome preparation of bone meal; and at about the third week, whethershe seems to require it or not, she should be treated for worms. Atabout the sixtieth day she will begin to be uneasy and restless. Amild purgative should be given; usually salad oil is enough, but ifconstipation is apparent castor oil may be necessary. On thesixty-second day the whelps may be expected, and everything ought tobe in readiness for the event. 

A coarsely constituted bitch may be trusted to look after herself onthese occasions; no help is necessary, and one may come down in themorning to find her with her litter comfortably nestling at her side. But with the Toy breeds, and the breeds that have been reared inartificial conditions, difficult or protracted parturition isfrequent, and human assistance ought to be at hand in case of need. The owner of a valuable Bull bitch, for example, would never think ofleaving her to her own unaided devices. All undue interference, however, should be avoided, and it is absolutely necessary that theperson attending her should be one with whom she is fondly familiar. 

In anticipation of a possibly numerous litter, a foster-mother shouldbe arranged for beforehand. Comfortable quarters should be prepared ina quiet part of the house or kennels, warm, and free from draughts. Clean bedding of wheaten straw should be provided, but the bitchshould be allowed to make her nest in her own instinctive fashion. Lether have easy access to drinking water. She will probable refuse foodfor a few hours before her time, but a little concentrated nourishment, such as Brand's Essence or a drink of warm milk, should be offered toher. In further preparation for the confinement a basin of watercontaining antiseptic for washing in, towels, warm milk, a flask ofbrandy, a bottle of ergotine, and a pair of scissors are commoditieswhich may all be required in emergency. The ergot, which must be usedwith extreme caution and only when the labour pains have commenced, isinvaluable when parturition is protracted, and there is difficultstraining without result. Its effect is to contract the womb and expelthe contents. But when the puppies are expelled with ease it issuperfluous. For a bitch of 10 lb. In weight ten drops of the extractof ergot in a teaspoonful of water should be ample, given by themouth. The scissors are for severing the umbilical cord if the mothershould fail to do it in her own natural way. Sometimes a puppy may beenclosed within a membrane which the dam cannot readily open withtongue and teeth. If help is necessary it should be given tenderly andwith clean fingers. Occasionally a puppy may seem to be inert andlifeless, and after repeatedly licking it the bitch may relinquish alleffort at restoration and turn her attention to another that is beingborn. In such a circumstance the rejected little one may be discreetlyremoved, and a drop of brandy on the point of the finger smeared uponits tongue may revive animation, or it may be plunged up to the neckin warm water. The object should be to keep it warm and to make itbreathe. When the puppies are all born, their dam may be given a drinkof warm milk and then left alone to their toilet and to suckle them. If any should be dead, these ought to be disposed of. Curiosity inregard to the others should be temporarily repressed, and inspectionof them delayed until a more fitting opportunity. If any are then seento be malformed or to have cleft palates, these had better be removedand mercifully destroyed. 

It is the experience of many observers that the first whelps born in alitter are the strongest, largest, and healthiest. If the litter is alarge one, the last born may be noticeably puny, and this disparity insize may continue to maturity. The wise breeder will decide forhimself how many whelps should be left to the care of their dam. Thenumber should be relative to her health and constitution, and in anycase it is well not to give her so many that they will be a drain uponher. Those breeds of dogs that have been most highly developed by manand that appear to have the greatest amount of brain and intelligenceare generally the most prolific as to the number of puppies theyproduce. St. Bernards, Pointers, Setters are notable for the usualstrength of their families. St. Bernards have been known to produce asmany as eighteen whelps at a birth, and it is no uncommon thing forthem to produce from nine to twelve. A Pointer of Mr. Barclay Field'sproduced fifteen, and it is well known that Mr. Statter's SetterPhoebe produced twenty-one at a birth. Phoebe reared ten of theseherself, and almost every one of the family became celebrated. Itwould be straining the natural possibilities of any bitch to expecther to bring up eighteen puppies healthily. Half that number would taxher natural resources to the extreme. But Nature is extraordinarilyadaptive in tempering the wind to the shorn lamb, and a dam who givesbirth to a numerous litter ought not to have her family undulyreduced. It was good policy to allow Phoebe to have the rearing of asmany as ten out of her twenty-one. A bitch having twelve will bring upnine very well, one having nine will rear seven without help, and abitch having seven will bring up five better than four. 

Breeders of Toy-dogs often rear the overplus offspring by hand, withthe help of a Maw and Thompson feeding-bottle, peptonised milk, andone or more of the various advertised infants' foods or orphan puppyfoods. Others prefer to engage or prepare in advance a foster-mother. The foster-mother need not be of the same breed, but she should beapproximately of similar size, and her own family ought to be of thesame age as the one of which she is to take additional charge. One canusually be secured through advertisement in the canine press. Someowners do not object to taking one from a dogs' home, which is an easymethod, in consideration of the circumstance that by far the largernumber of "lost" dogs are bitches sent adrift because they are inwhelp. The chief risk in this course is that the unknown foster-mothermay be diseased or verminous or have contracted the seeds ofdistemper, or her milk may be populated with embryo worms. These aredangers to guard against. A cat makes an excellent foster-mother forToy-dog puppies. 

Worms ought not to be a necessary accompaniment of puppyhood, and ifthe sire and dam are properly attended to in advance they need not be. The writer has attended at the birth of puppies, not one of whom hasshown the remotest sign of having a worm, and the puppies have almostgalloped into healthy, happy maturity, protected from all the usualcanine ailments by constitutions impervious to disease. He has seenothers almost eaten away by worms. Great writhing knots of them havebeen ejected; they have been vomited; they have wriggled out of thenostrils; they have perforated the stomach and wrought such damagethat most of the puppies succumbed, and those that survived werepermanently deficient in stamina and liable to go wrong on the leastprovocating. The puppy that is free from worms starts life with agreat advantage. 

CHAPTER LI

SOME COMMON AILMENTS OF THE DOG AND THEIR TREATMENT

The experienced dog-owner has long ago realised that cleanliness, wholesome food, judicious exercise and a dry, comfortable andwell-ventilated kennel are the surest safeguards of health, and thatattention to these necessaries saves him an infinitude of trouble andanxiety by protecting his dogs from disease. On the first appearanceof illness in his kennels the wise dog-owner at once calls in theskill of a good veterinary surgeon, but there are some of the minorailments which he can deal with himself whilst he ought at least to beable to recognise the first symptoms of the dreaded Distemper and givefirst aid until the vet. Arrives to apply his remedies and giveprofessional advice. 

DISTEMPER. 

Although more than one hundred years have elapsed since this wasfirst imported to this country from France, a great amount ofmisunderstanding still prevails among a large section of dog-breedersregarding its true nature and origin. The fact is, the disease came tous with a bad name, for the French themselves deemed it incurable. Inthis country the old-fashioned plan of treatment was wont to be theusual rough remedies--emetics, purgatives, the seton, and the lancet. Failing in this, specifics of all sorts were eagerly sought for andtried, and are unfortunately still believed in to a very great extent. 

Distemper has a certain course to run, and in this disease Natureseems to attempt the elimination of the poison through the secretionsthrown out by the naso-pharyngeal mucous membrane. 

Our chief difficulty in the treatment of distemper lies in thecomplications thereof. We may, and often do, have the organs ofrespiration attacked; we have sometimes congestion of the liver, ormucous inflammation of the bile ducts, or some lesion of the brain ornervous structures, combined with epilepsy, convulsions, or chorea. Distemper is also often complicated with severe disease of the bowels, and at times with an affection of the eyes. 

_Causes_--Whether it be that the distemper virus, the poison seedlingof the disease, really originates in the kennel, or is the result ofcontact of one dog with another, or whether the poison floats to thekennel on the wings of the wind, or is carried there on a shoe or thepoint of a walking-stick, the following facts ought to be borne inmind: (1) Anything that debilitates the body or weakens the nervoussystem paves the way for the distemper poison; (2) the healthier thedog the more power does he possess to resist contagion; (3) when thedisease is epizootic, it can often be kept at bay by proper attentionto diet and exercise, frequent change of kennel straw, and perfectcleanliness; (4) the predisposing causes which have come moreimmediately under my notice are debility, cold, damp, starvation, filthy kennels, unwholesome food, impure air, and grief. 

_The Age at which Dogs take Distemper_--They may take distemper at anyage; the most common time of life is from the fifth till the eleventhor twelfth month. 

_Symptoms_--There is, first and foremost, a period of latency or ofincubation, in which there is more or less of dullness and loss ofappetite, and this glides gradually into a state of feverishness. Thefever may be ushered in with chills and shivering. The nose nowbecomes hot and dry, the dog is restless and thirsty, and theconjunctivae of the eyes will be found to be considerably injected. Sometimes the bowels are at first constipated, but they are moreusually irregular. Sneezing will also be frequent, and in some casescough, dry and husky at first. The temperature should be taken, and ifthere is a rise of two or three degrees the case should be treated asdistemper, and not as a common cold. 

At the commencement there is but little exudation from the eyes andnose, but as the disease advances this symptom will become moremarked, being clear at first. So, too, will another symptom which ispartially diagnostic of the malady, namely, increased heat of bodycombined with a rapid falling off in flesh, sometimes, indeed, proceeding quickly on to positive emaciation. 

As the disease creeps downwards and inwards along the air-passages, the chest gets more and more affected, the discharge of mucus and pusfrom the nostrils more abundant, and the cough loses its drycharacter, becoming moist. The discharge from the eyes is simply mucusand pus, but if not constantly dried away will gum the inflamed lidstogether, that from the nostrils is not only purulent, but often mixedwith dark blood. The appetite is now clean gone, and there is oftenvomiting and occasional attacks of diarrhoea. 

Now in mild cases we may look for some abatement of the symptoms aboutthe fourteenth day. The fever gets less, inflammation decreases in themucous passages, and appetite is restored as one of the first signs ofreturning health. More often, however, the disease becomes complicated. 

_Diagnosis_--The diagnostic symptoms are the severe catarrh, combinednot only with fever, but speedy emaciation. 

_Pneumonia_, as we might easily imagine, is a very likely complication, and a very dangerous one. There is great distress in breathing, theanimal panting rapidly. The countenance is anxious, the pulse smalland frequent, and the extremities cold. The animal would fain sit upon his haunches, or even seek to get out into the fresh air, butsickness, weakness, and prostration often forbid his movements. If theear or stethoscope be applied to the chest, the characteristic signsof pneumonia will be heard; these are sounds of moist crepitations, etc. 

_Bronchitis_ is probably the most common complication; in fact, it isalways present, except in very mild cases. The cough becomes moresevere, and often comes on in tearing paroxysms, causing sickness andvomiting. The breathing is short and frequent, the mouth hot andfilled with viscid saliva, while very often the bowels are constipated. If the liver becomes involved, we shall very soon have the jaundicedeye and the yellow skin. _Diarrhoea_ is another very commoncomplication. We have frequent purging and, maybe, sickness andvomiting. _Fits_ of a convulsive character are frequent concomitantsof distemper. _Epilepsy_ is sometimes seen, owing, no doubt, todegeneration of the nerve centres caused by blood-poisoning. There aremany other complications, and skin complaints are common after it. 

_Treatment_--This consists firstly in doing all in our power to guidethe specific catarrhal fever to a safe termination; and, secondly, inwatching for and combating complications. Whenever we see a young dogailing, losing appetite, exhibiting catarrhal symptoms, and gettingthin, with a rise in temperature, we should not lose an hour. If he bean indoor dog, find him a good bed in a clean, well-ventilatedapartment, free from lumber and free from dirt. If it be summer, haveall the windows out or opened; if winter, a little fire will benecessary, but have half the window opened at the same time; only takeprecautions against his lying in a draught. Fresh air in cases ofdistemper, and, indeed, in fevers of all kinds, cannot be too highlyextolled. 

The more rest the dog has the better; he must be kept free fromexcitement, and care must be taken to guard him against cold and wetwhen he goes out of doors to obey the calls of Nature. The mostperfect cleanliness must be enjoined, and disinfectants used, such aspermanganate of potash, carbolic acid, Pearson's, or Izal. If the sickdog, on the other hand, be one of a kennel of dogs, then quarantinemust be adopted. The hospital should be quite removed from thevicinity of all other dogs, and as soon as the animal is taken fromthe kennel the latter should be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected, and the other dogs kept warm and dry, well fed, and moderatelyexercised. 

_Food and Drink_--For the first three or four days let the food belight and easily digested. In order to induce the animal to take it, it should be as palatable as possible. For small dogs you cannot haveanything better than milk porridge. [1] At all events, the dog must, if possible, be induced to eat; he must not be "horned" unless therebe great emaciation; he must not over-eat, but what he gets must begood. As to drink, dogs usually prefer clean cold water, and we cannotdo harm by mixing therewith a little plain nitre. 

[1] Oatmeal porridge made with milk instead of water. 

_Medicine_--Begin by giving a simple dose of castor oil, just enoughand no more than will clear out the bowels by one or two motions. Drastic purgatives, and medicines such as mercury, jalap, aloes, andpodophyllyn, cannot be too highly condemned. For very small Toy dogs, such as Italian Greyhounds, Yorkshire Terriers, etc. , I should notrecommend even oil itself, but _manna_--one drachm to two drachmsdissolved in milk. By simply getting the bowels to act once or twice, we shall have done enough for the first day, and have only to makethe dog comfortable for the night. 

On the next day begin with a mixture such as the following: Solutionof acetate of ammonia, 30 drops to 120; sweet spirits of nitre, 15drops to 60; salicylate of soda, 2 grains to 10. Thrice daily in alittle camphor water. 

If the cough be very troublesome and the fever does not run very high, the following may be substituted for this on the second or third day:Syrup of squills, 10 drops to 60; tincture of henbane, 10 drops to 60;sweet spirits of nitre, 10 drops to 60, in camphor water. 

A few drops of dilute hydrochloric acid should be added to the dog'sdrink, and two teaspoonfuls (to a quart of water) of the chlorate ofpotash. This makes an excellent fever drink, especially if the dog canbe got to take decoction of barley--barley-water--instead of plaincold water, best made of Keen and Robinson's patent barley. 

If there be persistent sickness and vomiting, the medicine must bestopped for a time. Small boluses of ice frequently administered willdo much good, and doses of dilute prussic acid, from one to four dropsin a little water, will generally arrest the vomiting. 

If constipation be present, we must use no rough remedies to get ridof it. A little raw meat cut into small pieces--minced, in fact--or asmall portion of raw liver, may be given if there be little fever; ifthere be fever, we are to trust for a time to injections of plainsoap-and-water. Diarrhoea, although often a troublesome symptom, is, it must be remembered, a salutary one. Unless, therefore, it becomesexcessive, do not interfere; if it does, give the simple chalk mixturethree times a day, but no longer than is needful. 

The discharge from the mouth and nose is to be wiped away with a softrag--or, better still, some tow, which is afterwards to beburned--wetted with a weak solution of carbolic. The forehead, eyes, and nose may be fomented two or three times a day with moderately hotwater with great advantage. 

It is not judicious to wet a long-haired dog much, but a short-hairedone may have the chest and throat well fomented several times a day, and well rubbed dry afterwards. Heat applied to the chests oflong-haired dogs by means of a flat iron will also effect good. 

The following is an excellent tonic: Sulphate of quinine, 1/8 to 3grains; powdered rhubarb, 2 to 10 grains; extract of taraxacum, 3 to20 grains; make a bolus. Thrice daily. 

During convalescence good food, Virol, Spratts' invalid food andinvalid biscuit, moderate exercise, fresh air, and protection fromcold. These, with an occasional mild dose of castor oil or rhubarb, are to be our sheet-anchors. I find no better tonic than the tabletsof Phosferine. One quarter of a tablet thrice daily, rolled in tissuepaper, for a Toy dog, up to two tablets for a dog of Mastiff size. 

BRONCHITIS. 

Dogs that have been exposed to wet, or that have been put to lie in adamp or draughty kennel with insufficient food, are not less liablethan their masters to catch a severe cold, which, if not promptlyattended to, may extend downward to the lining membranes of bronchi orlungs. In such cases there is always symptoms more or less of fever, with fits of shivering and thirst, accompanied with dullness, a tiredappearance and loss of appetite. The breath is short, inspirationspainful, and there is a rattling of mucus in chest or throat. The mostprominent symptom, perhaps, is the frequent cough. It is at first dry, ringing, and evidently painful; in a few days, however, or sooner, itsoftens, and there is a discharge of frothy mucus with it, and, in thelatter stages, of pus and ropy mucus. 

_Treatment_--Keep the patient in a comfortable, well-ventilatedapartment, with free access in and out if the weather be dry. Let thebowels be freely acted upon to begin with, but no weakening dischargefrom the bowels must be kept up. After the bowels have been moved weshould commence the exhibition of small doses of tartar emetic withsquills and opium thrice a day. If the cough is very troublesome, givethis mixture: Tincture of squills, 5 drops to 30; paregoric, 10 dropsto 60; tartar emetic, one-sixteenth of a grain to 1 grain; syrup andwater a sufficiency. Thrice daily. 

We may give a full dose of opium every night. In mild cases carbonateof ammonia may be tried; it often does good, the dose being from twograins to ten in camphor water, or even plain water. 

The chronic form of bronchitis will always yield, if the dog is young, to careful feeding, moderate exercise, and the exhibition of cod-liveroil with a mild iron tonic. The exercise, however, must be moderate, and the dog kept from the water. A few drops to a teaspoonful ofparegoric, given at night, will do good, and the bowels should be keptregular, and a simple laxative pill given now and then. 

DIARRHOEA, or looseness of the bowels, or purging, is a very common disease amongdogs of all ages and breeds. It is, nevertheless, more common amongpuppies about three or four months old, and among dogs who havereached the age of from seven to ten years. It is often symptomatic ofother ailments. 

_Causes_--Very numerous. In weakly dogs exposure alone will produceit. The weather, too, has no doubt much to do with the production ofdiarrhoea. In most kennels it is more common in the months of July andAugust, although it often comes on in the very dead of winter. Puppies, if overfed, will often be seized with this troublesome complaint. Ahealthy puppy hardly ever knows when it has had enough, and it will, moreover, stuff itself with all sorts of garbage; acidity of thestomach follows, with vomiting of the ingesta, and diarrhoea succeeds, brought on by the acrid condition of the chyme, which finds its wayinto the duodenum. This stuff would in itself act as a purgative, butit does more, it abnormally excites the secretions of the wholealimentary canal, and a sort of sub-acute mucous inflammation is setup. The liver; too, becomes mixed up with the mischief, throws out asuperabundance of bile, and thus aids in keeping up the diarrhoea. 

Among other causes, we find the eating of indigestible food, drinkingfoul or tainted water, too much green food, raw paunches, foul kennels, and damp, draughty kennels. 

_Symptoms_--The purging is, of course, the principal symptom, and thestools are either quite liquid or semi-fluid, bilious-looking, dirty-brown or clay-coloured, or mixed with slimy mucus. In some casesthey resemble dirty water. Sometimes, as already said, a little bloodwill be found in the dejection, owing to congestion of the mucousmembrane from liver obstruction. In case there be blood in the stools, a careful examination is always necessary in order to ascertain thereal state of the patient. Blood, it must be remembered, might comefrom piles or polypi, or it might be dysenteric, and proceed fromulceration of the rectum and colon. In the simplest form of diarrhoea, unless the disease continues for a long time, there will not be muchwasting, and the appetite will generally remain good but capricious. 

In bilious diarrhoea, with large brown fluid stools and complete lossof appetite, there is much thirst, and in a few days the dog getsrather thin, although nothing like so rapidly as in the emaciation ofdistemper. 

_The Treatment_ will, it need hardly be said, depend upon the cause, but as it is generally caused by the presence in the intestine of someirritating matter, we can hardly err by administering a small dose ofcastor oil, combining with it, if there be much pain--which you cantell by the animal's countenance--from 5 to 20 or 30 drops of laudanum, or of the solution of the muriate of morphia. This in itself willoften suffice to cut short an attack. The oil is preferable to rhubarb, but the latter may be tried--the simple, not the compound powder--dosefrom 10 grains to 2 drachms in bolus. 

It the diarrhoea should continue next day, proceed cautiously--rememberthere is no great hurry, and a sudden check to diarrhoea is at timesdangerous--to administer dog doses of the aromatic chalk and opiumpowder, or give the following medicine three times a day: Compoundpowdered catechu, 1 grain to 10; powdered chalk with opium, 3 grainsto 30. Mix. If the diarrhoea still continues, good may accrue from atrial of the following mixture: Laudanum, 5 to 30 drops; dilutesulphuric acid, 2 to 15 drops; in camphor water. 

This after every liquid motion, or, if the motions may not be observed, three times a day. If blood should appear in the stools give thefollowing: Kino powder, 1 to 10 grains; powder ipecac. , 1/4 to 3grains; powdered opium 1/2 to 2 grains. This may be made into a boluswith any simple extract, and given three times a day. 

The food is of importance. The diet should be changed; the foodrequires to be of a non-stimulating kind, no meat being allowed, butmilk and bread, sago, or arrowroot or rice, etc. The drink either purewater, with a pinch or two of chlorate and nitrate of potash in it, orpatent barley-water if the dog will take it. 

The bed must be warm and clean, and free from draughts, and, in allcases of diarrhoea, one cannot be too particular with the cleanlinessand disinfection of the kennels. 

CONSTIPATION, more commonly called costiveness, is also a very common complaint. Itoften occurs in the progress of other diseases, but is just as often aseparate ailment. 

Perhaps no complaint to which our canine friends are liable is lessunderstood by the non-professional dog doctor and by dog ownersthemselves. Often caused by weakness in the coats of the intestine. _The exhibition of purgatives can only have a temporary effect inrelieving the symptoms_, and is certain to be followed by reaction, and consequently by further debility. Want of exercise and bath commoncause. 

Youatt was never more correct in his life than when he said: "Manydogs have a dry constipated habit, often greatly increased by thebones on which they are fed. This favours the disposition to mange, etc. It produces indigestion, encourages worms, blackens the teeth, and causes fetid breath. "

_Symptoms_--The stools are hard, usually in large round balls, anddefecation is accomplished with great difficulty, the animal oftenhaving to try several times before he succeeds in effecting the act, and this only after the most acute suffering. The faeces are generallycovered with white mucus, showing the heat and semi-dry condition ofthe gut. The stool is sometimes so dry as to fall to pieces like somuch oatmeal. 

There is generally also a deficiency of bile in the motions, and, inaddition to simple costiveness, we have more or less loss of appetite, with a too pale tongue, dullness, and sleepiness, with slight rednessof the conjunctiva. Sometimes constipation alternates with diarrhoea, the food being improperly commingled with the gastric and other juices, ferments, spoils, and becomes, instead of healthy blood-producingchyme, an irritant purgative. 

_Treatment_--Hygienic treatment more than medicinal. Mild doses ofcastor oil, compound rhubarb pill, or olive oil, may at first benecessary. Sometimes an enema will be required if the medicine willnot act. 

Plenty of exercise and a swim daily (with a good run after the swim), or instead of the swim a bucket bath--water thrown over the dog. 

Give oatmeal, rather than flour or fine bread, as the staple of hisdiet, but a goodly allowance of meat is to be given as well, withcabbage or boiled liver, or even a portion of raw liver. Fresh air andexercise in the fields. You may give a bolus before dinner, such asthe following: Compound rhubarb pill, 1 to 5 grains; quinine, 1/8 to2 grains; extract of taraxacum, 2 to 10 grains. Mix. 

FITS. 

Whatever be the cause, they are very alarming. In puppies they arecalled Convulsions, and resemble epileptic fits. Keep the dog veryquiet, but use little force, simply enough to keep him from hurtinghimself. Keep out of the sun, or in a darkened room. When he canswallow give from 2 to 20 grains (according to size) of bromide ofpotassium in a little camphor water thrice daily for a few days. Onlymilk food. Keep quiet. 

SKIN DISEASES. 

In the whole range of dog ailments included in the term caninepathology there are none more bothersome to treat successfully normore difficult to diagnose than those of the skin. There are noneeither that afford the quack or patent-nostrum monger a larger fieldfor the practice of his fiendish gifts. If I were to be asked thequestions, "Why do dogs suffer so much from skin complaints?" and "Whydoes it appear to be so difficult to treat them?" I should answer thefirst thus: Through the neglect of their owners, from want ofcleanliness, from injudicious feeding, from bad kennelling, and frompermitting their favourites such free intercourse with other membersof the canine fraternity. Overcrowding is another and distinct sourceof skin troubles. 

My answer to the second question is that the layman too often treatsthe trouble in the skin as if it were the disease itself, whereas itis, generally, merely a symptom thereof. Examples: To plastermedicated oils or ointments all over the skin of a dog suffering fromconstitutional eczema is about as sensible as would be the paintingwhite of the yellow skin in jaundice in order to cure the disorderedliver. 

But even those contagious diseases that are caused by skin germs oranimalcules will not be wholly cured by any applications whatever. Constitutional remedies should go hand in hand with these. And, indeed, so great is the defensive power of strong, pure blood, rich in itswhite corpuscles or leucocytes, that I believe I could cure even theworst forms of mange by internal remedies, good food, and tonics, etc. , without the aid of any dressing whatever except pure cold water. 

In treating of skin diseases it is usual to divide them into threesections: (1) The non-contagious, (2) the contagious, and (3) ailmentscaused by external parasites. 

(1) The Non-Contagious. --(a) Erythema. --This is a redness, with slightinflammation of the skin, the deeper tissues underneath not beinginvolved. _Examples_--That seen between the wrinkles of well-bred Pugs, Mastiffs, or Bulldogs, or inside the thighs of Greyhounds, etc. If theskin breaks there may be discharges of pus, and if the case is notcured the skin may thicken and crack, and the dog make matters worsewith his tongue. 

_Treatment_--Review and correct the methods of feeding. A dog shouldbe neither too gross nor too lean. Exercise, perfect cleanliness, theearly morning sluice-down with cold water, and a quassia tonic. He mayneed a laxative as well. 

_Locally_--Dusting with oxide of zinc or the violet powder of thenurseries, a lotion of lead, or arnica. Fomentation, followed by coldwater, and, when dry, dusting as above. A weak solution of boracicacid (any chemist) will sometimes do good. 

(b) Prurigo. --Itching all over, with or without scurf. Sometimesthickening. 

_Treatment_--Regulation of diet, green vegetables, fruit if he willtake it, brushing and grooming, but never roughly. Try for worms andfor fleas. 

(c) Eczema. --The name is not a happy one as applied to the usualitching skin disease of dogs. Eczema proper is an eruption in whichthe formed matter dries off into scales or scabs, and dog eczema, so-called, is as often as not a species of lichen. Then, of course, itis often accompanied with vermin, nearly always with dirt, and it isirritated out of all character by the biting and scratching of the doghimself. 

_Treatment_--Must be both constitutional and local. Attend to theorgans of digestion. Give a moderate dose of opening medicine, toclear away offending matter. This simple aperient may be repeatedoccasionally, say once a week, and if diarrhoea be present it may bechecked by the addition of a little morphia or dilute sulphuric acid. Cream of tartar with sulphur is an excellent derivative, being bothdiuretic and diaphoretic, but it must not be given in doses largeenough to purge. At the same time we may give thrice daily a tonicpill like the following:--

Sulphate of quinine, 1/8 to 3 grains; sulphate of iron, 1/2 grain to 5grains; extract of hyoscyamus, 1/8 to 3 grains; extract of taraxacumand glycerine enough to make a pill. 

_Locally_--Perfect cleanliness. Cooling lotions patted on to the soreplaces. Spratts' Cure. (N. B. --I know what every remedy contains, or Ishould not recommend it. ) Benzoated zinc ointment after the lotion hasdried in. Wash carefully once a week, using the ointment when skin isdry, or the lotion to allay irritation. 

(2) Contagious Skin Diseases. --These are usually called mange properand follicular mange, or scabies. I want to say a word on the latterfirst. It depends upon a microscopic animalcule called the _Acarusfolliculorum_. The trouble begins by the formation of patches, fromwhich the hair falls off, and on which may be noticed a few pimples. Scabs form, the patches extend, or come out on other parts of the body, head, legs, belly, or sides. Skin becomes red in white-haired dogs. Odour of this trouble very offensive. More _pain_ than itching seemsto be the symptomatic rule. Whole body may become affected. 

_Treatment_--Dress the affected parts twice a week with thefollowing:--

Creosote, 2 drachms; linseed oil, 7 ounces; solution of potash, 1ounce. First mix the creosote and oil, then add the solution and shake. Better to shave the hair off around the patches. Kennels must be keptclean with garden soap and hot water, and all bedding burned after use. From three months to six will be needed to cure bad cases. 

Mange Proper is also caused by a parasite or acarus, called the_Sarcops canus_. Unlike eczema, this mange is spread from dog to dogby touch or intercommunication, just as one person catches the itchfrom another. 

_The Symptoms_--At first these may escape attention, but there arevesicles which the dog scratches and breaks, and thus the diseasespreads. The hair gets matted and falls off. Regions of the body mostcommonly affected, head, chest, back, rump, and extremities. There maynot be much constitutional disturbance from the actual injury to theskin, but from his suffering so much from the irritation and the wantof rest the health suffers. 

_Treatment_--Avoid the use of so-called disinfectants. Most of thosesold as such are simply deodorisers, and, applied to the skin, areuseless. Nor are they of much use in cleaning the kennels. Nothingsuits better for woodwork than, first, carbolic wash, and then athorough scrubbing with hot water and garden soap. 

Some ointment must be used to the skin, and as I am writing for laymenonly I feel chary in recommending such strong ones as the green iodideof mercury. If you do use it mix it with twice its bulk of thecompound sulphur ointment. Do over only a part or two at a time. Thedog to be washed after three days. But the compound sulphur ointmentitself is a splendid application, and it is not dangerous. 

(3) Skin Complaints from Vermin. --The treatment is obvious--get rid ofthe cause. 

_As their diagnosis is so difficult, whenever the dog-owner is indoubt, make certain by treating the dog not only by local applicationsbut constitutionally as well_. In addition to good diet, perfectcleanliness of coat, kennel, and all surroundings, and the applicationof the ointment or oil, let the dog have all the fresh air possible, and exercise, but never over-exciting or too fatiguing. Then a courseof arsenic seldom fails to do good. 

I do not believe in beginning the exhibition of arsenic too soon. Iprefer paying my first attentions to the digestive organs and state ofthe bowels. The form of exhibition which I have found suit as well asany is the _tasteless Liquor arsenicalis_. It is easily administered. It ought to be given mixed with the food, as it ought to enter theblood with the chyle from the diet. It ought, day by day, to begradually, not hurriedly, increased. Symptoms of loathing of food andredness of conjunctiva call for the cessation of its use for two orthree days at least, when it is to be recommended at the same size ofdose given when left off. 

There are two things which assist the arsenic, at least to go wellwith it; they are, iron in some form and Virol. The latter will beneeded when there is much loss of flesh. A simple pill of sulphate ofiron and extract of liquorice may be used. Dose of _Liquor arsenicalis_from 1 to 6 drops _ter die_ to commence with, gradually increased to 5to 20 drops. 

Dandruff. --A scaly or scurfy condition of the skin, with more or lessof irritation. It is really a shedding of the scaly epidermis broughton by injudicious feeding or want of exercise as a primary cause. Thedog, in cases of this kind, needs cooling medicines, such as smalldoses of the nitrate and chlorates of potash, perhaps less food. Bowels to be seen to by giving plenty of green food, with a morsel ofsheep's melt or raw liver occasionally. Wash about once in three weeks, a very little borax in the last water, say a drachm to a gallon. Usemild soap. Never use a very hard brush or sharp comb. Tar soap(Wright's) may be tried. 

PARASITES--INTERNAL. 

WORMS. 

We have, roughly speaking, two kinds of worms to treat in the dog:(1) the round, and (2) the tape. 

(1) _Round-worms_--They are in shape and size not unlike the gardenworm, but harder, pale, and pointed. 

_Symptoms_--Sometimes these are alarming, for the worm itself isoccasionally seized with the mania for foreign travel, and finds itsway into the throat or nostrils, causing the dog to become perfectlyfurious, and inducing such pain and agony that it may seem charity toend its life. The worms may also crawl into the stomach, and give riseto great irritation, but are usually dislodged therefrom by theviolence accompanying the act of vomiting. 

Their usual habitat, however, is the small intestines, where theyoccasion great distress to their host. The appetite is always depravedand voracious. At times there is colic, with sickness and perhapsvomiting, and the bowels are alternately constipated or loose. Thecoat is harsh and staring, there usually is short, dry cough fromreflex irritation of the bronchial mucous membrane, a bad-smellingbreath and emaciation or at least considerable poverty of flesh. 

The disease is most common in puppies and in young dogs. The appearanceof the ascaris in the dog's stools is, of course, _the_ diagnosticsymptom. 

_Treatment_--I have cured many cases with santonin and areca-nutpowder (betel-nut), dose 10 grains to 2 drachms; or turpentine, dosefrom 10 drops to 1-1/2 drachms, beaten up with yolk of egg. 

But areca-nut does better for tape-worm, so we cannot do better thantrust to pure santonin. The dose is from 1 grain for a Toy up to 6grains for a Mastiff. Mix it with a little butter, and stick it wellback in the roof of the dog's mouth. He must have fasted previouslyfor twelve hours, and had a dose of castor oil the day before. In fouror five hours after he has swallowed the santonin, let him have a doseof either olive oil or decoction of aloes. Dose, 2 drachms to 2 ouncesor more. Repeat the treatment in five days. Spratts' cure may besafely depended on for worms. [1]

[1] Many dog owners swear by the preparation called Ruby, which can berecommended as a cure for worms. --Ed. 

The perfect cleanliness of the kennel is of paramount importance. 

The animal's general health requires looking after, and he may bebrought once more into good condition by proper food and a course ofvegetable tonics. If wanted in show condition we have Plasmon to fallback upon, and Burroughs and Wellcome's extract of malt. 

There is a round-worm which at times infests the dog's bladder, andmay cause occlusion of the urethra; a whip-worm inhabiting the caecum;another may occupy a position in the mucous membrane of the stomach;some infest the blood, and others the eye. 

(2) _Tape-worms_--There are several kinds, but the treatment is thesame in all cases. The commonest in the country is the Cucumerine. 

This is a tape-worm of about fifteen inches in average length, although I have taken them from Newfoundland pups fully thirty incheslong. It is a semi-transparent entozoon; each segment is long comparedto its breadth, and narrowed at both ends. Each joint has, whendetached, an independent sexual existence. 

The dog often becomes infested with this parasite from eating sheeps'brains, and dogs thus afflicted and allowed to roam at pleasure overfields and hills where sheep are fed sow the seeds of gid in ourflocks to any extent. We know too well the great use of Collie dogs tothe shepherd or grazier to advise that dogs should not be employed asassistants, but surely it would be to their owners' advantage to seethat they were kept in a state of health and cleanliness. 

_Treatment_--We ought to endeavour to prevent as well as to cure. Weshould never allow our dogs to eat the entrails of hares or rabbits. Never allow them to be fed on raw sheep's intestines, nor the brainsof sheep. Never permit them to lounge around butchers' shops, nor eatoffal of any kind. Let their food be well cooked, and their skins andkennels kept scrupulously clean. Dogs that are used for sheep andcattle ought, twice a year at least, to go under treatment for theexpulsion of worms, whether they are infested or not; an anthelminticwould make sure, and could hardly hurt them. 

For the expulsion of tape-worms we depend mostly on areca-nut. Inorder that the tape-worm should receive the full benefit of the remedy, we order a dose of castor oil the day before in the morning, andrecommend no food to be given that day except beef-tea or mutton broth. The bowels are thus empty next morning, so that the parasite cannotshelter itself anywhere, and is therefore sure to be acted on. 

Infusion of cusco is sometimes used as an anthelmintic, so is wormwood, and the liquid extract of male fern, and in America spigelia root andpumpkin seeds. 

The best tonic to give in cases of worms is the extract of quassia. 

Extract of quassia, 1 to 10 grains; extract of hyoscyamus, 1/2 to 5grains. To make one pill. Thrice daily. 

PARASITES. --EXTERNAL. 

FLEAS. 

Washing with Spratts' medicated soap. Extra clean kennels. Dustingwith Keating, and afterwards washing. This may not kill the fleas, butit drives them off. Take the dog on the grass while dusting, and beginalong the spine. Never do it in the house. 

TICKS. 

I have noticed these disagreeable bloodsuckers only on the heads andbodies of sporting or Collie dogs, who had been boring for some timethrough coverts and thickets. They soon make themselves visible, asthe body swells up with the blood they suck until they resemble smallsoft warts about as big as a pea. They belong to the natural family, _Ixodiadae_. 

_Treatment_--If not very numerous they should be cut off, and the parttouched with a little turps. The sulphuret of calcium will also killthem, so will the more dangerous white precipitate, or even a strongsolution of carbolic acid, which must be used sparingly, however. 

LICE. 

The lice are hatched from nits, which we find clinging in rows, andvery tenaciously too, to the hairs. The insects themselves are moredifficult to find, but they are on puppies sometimes in thousands. Todestroy them I have tried several plans. Oil is very effectual, andhas safety to recommend it. Common sweet oil is as good a cure as any, and you may add a little oil of anise and some sublimed sulphur, whichwill increase the effect. Quassia water may be used to damp the coat. The matted portions of a long-haired dog's coat must be cut off withscissors, for there the lice often lurk. The oil dressing will notkill the nits, so that vinegar must be used. After a few days thedressing must be repeated, and so on three or four times. To do anygood, the whole of the dog's coat must be drenched in oil, and the dogwashed with good dog soap and warm water twelve hours afterwards. 

CHAPTER LII

THE DOG AND THE LAW

PRIVILEGES OF FIRST BITE

It is popularly, but rather erroneously, supposed that _every_ dog isentitled to one bite. Perhaps it would be more accurate to state thatevery dog may with impunity have one snap or one intended bite, butonly dogs of hitherto irreproachable character are permitted thehonour of a genuine tasteful bite. 

Once a dog, however, has displayed dangerous propensities, even thoughhe has never had the satisfaction of effecting an actual bite, andonce his owner or the person who harbours him becomes aware of theseevil inclinations (scienter) either of his own knowledge or by notice, the Law looks upon such dog as a dangerous beast which the owner keepsat his peril. 

The onus of proof is on the victim to show that the owner had previousknowledge of the animal's ferocity, though in reality very littleevidence of scienter is as a rule required, and notice need notnecessarily be given directly to the owner, but to any person who hascharge of the dog. 

The person attacked has yet another remedy. He can, if he is able, kill the dog before it can bite him, but he is not justified inshooting the animal as it runs away, even _after_ being bitten. 

By 28 and 29 Vict. , c. 60, the owner of a dog which attacks sheep orcattle--and cattle includes horses--is responsible for all damage, andthere is no necessity to prove previous evil propensities. This Act iswholly repealed by the Act called the Dogs' Act, 1906, which came intoforce on January 1st, 1907, but the new Act re-enacts the sectionhaving reference to damage to cattle, and says that in such cases itis not necessary for the persons claiming damages to show a previousmischievous propensity in the dog or the owner's knowledge of suchprevious propensity or to show that the injury was attributable toneglect on the part of the owner; the word "cattle" includes horses, asses, sheep, goats, and swine. 

The Law looks upon fighting between dogs as a natural and necessaryincident in the career of every member of the canine race, and givesno redress to the owner of the vanquished animal, provided the fightwas a fair one, and the contestants appear to consider it so. Theowner, however, of a peaceably disposed dog which is attacked andinjured, or killed, by one savage and unrestrained, has a right ofaction against the owner of the latter. The owner of the peaceablydisposed animal may justifiably kill the savage brute in order to savehis dog, but he must run the risk of being able to prove that this wasthe only means of putting a stop to the fight. 

LICENCES

Every dog owner must annually take out a licence for each dog hekeeps. The licence, which is obtainable at all post-offices at thecost of 7s. 6d. , is dated to run from the hour it is taken out untilthe following 31st December. The person in whose custody or upon whosepremises the dog is found will be deemed its owner until provedotherwise. 

The owners of certain dogs for certain purposes are, however, exemptedfrom taking out licences, viz. : (1) Dogs under the age of six months;(2) hounds under twelve months old neither used nor hunted with thepack, provided that the Master has taken out proper licences for allhounds entered in the pack; (3) one dog kept and used by a blindperson solely for his or her guidance; (4) dogs kept and used solelyfor the purpose of tending sheep or cattle or in the exercise of theoccupation or calling of a shepherd. 

MUZZLING REGULATIONS

Under the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Acts, 1878-1894, localauthorities (_i. E. _, county, borough, or district councils) wereempowered to issue orders regulating the muzzling of dogs in publicplaces and the keeping of dogs under control (otherwise than bymuzzling). Offenders under these Acts are liable to a fine notexceeding P20. 

The Statute 57 and 58 Vict. , c. 57, gives the Board of Agriculturepower to make orders for muzzling dogs, keeping them under control, and the detention and disposal of stray dogs; and section 2 of theDogs Act, 1906 (known by some as the Curfew Bell Act), says that theDiseases of Animals Act, 1894, shall have effect:

(a) For prescribing and regulating the wearing by dogs while in ahighway or in a place of public resort of a collar with the name andaddress of the owner inscribed on the collar or on a plate or badgeattached thereto:

(b) With a view to the prevention of worrying of cattle for preventingdogs or any class of dogs from straying during all or any of the hoursbetween sunset and sunrise. 

STRAY DOGS

The Dogs Act, 1906, has some important sections dealing with seizureof stray dogs, and enacts that where a police officer has reason tobelieve that any dog found in a highway or place of public resort is astray dog, he may seize and retain it until the owner has claimed itand paid all expenses incurred by reason of its detention. If the dogso seized wears a collar on which is the address of any person, or ifthe owner of the dog is known, then the chief officer of police orsome person authorised by him in that behalf shall serve on eithersuch person a notice in writing stating that the dog has been seized, and will be sold or destroyed if not claimed within seven clear daysof the service of the notice. 

Failing the owner putting in an appearance and paying all expenses ofdetention within the seven clear days, then the chief officer ofpolice or any person authorised by him may cause the dog to be sold, or destroyed in a manner to cause as little pain as possible. Thepolice must keep a proper register of all dogs seized, and every suchregister shall be open to inspection at all reasonable times by anymember of the public on payment of a fee of one shilling, and thepolice may transfer such dog to any establishment for the reception ofstray dogs, but only if there is a proper register kept at suchestablishment open to inspection by the public on payment of a fee notexceeding one shilling. 

Another section enacts that any person who takes possession of a straydog shall forthwith either return the dog to its owner or give noticein writing to the chief officer of police of the district where thedog was found, containing a description of the dog and stating theplace where the dog was found, and the place where he is beingdetained, and any person failing to comply with the provisions of thissection shall be liable on conviction under the Summary JurisdictionActs to a fine not exceeding forty shillings. 

IMPORTATION OF DOGS

The power of making Orders dealing with the importation of dogs isvested in the Board of Agriculture, who have absolute authority in thematter. 

The initial step to be taken by a person wishing to import any doginto Great Britain from any other country excepting Ireland, theChannel Islands, and the Isle of Man, is that he must fill up anapplication form to the said Board, which he has previously obtainedfrom them, in which he applies for a licence to land the dog under theconditions imposed by the Board, which he undertakes to obey. 

On the form he has to give a full description of the dog, the name andaddress of the owner, the proposed port of landing, and the approximatedate of landing, and further from lists which he will receive from theBoard he must select the carrying agents he proposes should superintendthe movement of the dog from the port of landing to the place ofdetention, and also the premises of a veterinary surgeon on which heproposes the dog shall be detained and isolated as required by theOrder. An imported dog must be landed and taken to its place ofdetention in a suitable box, hamper, crate or other receptacle, and asa general rule has to remain entirely isolated for a period of sixmonths. 

MOTOR CARS AND DOGS

Unquestionably the greatest enemy that the dog possesses at thepresent time is the motor car. 

Presuming the owner of the dog is fortunate enough to know whose carit was that ran over his dog, and to have some evidence of excessiveor unreasonable speed or other negligence on the part of the cardriver at the time of the accident, he will find the law ever ready toassist him. A dog has every bit as much right to the high road as amotor car. Efforts have been made on the part of motor owners to getthe Courts to hold that dogs on a high road are only under propercontrol if on a "lead, " and that if they are not on a "lead" the ownerof them is guilty of negligence in allowing his dog to stroll about, and therefore is not entitled to recover: such efforts have not beensuccessful. Even supposing a Court to hold that the fact of a dogbeing loose in this way or unaccompanied was evidence of negligenceagainst his owner this would by no means defeat his owner's claim, forthe law is, that though a plaintiff may have been negligent in somesuch way as this, yet if the defendant could, by the exercise ofreasonable care, have avoided the accident, the plaintiff can stillrecover. There are several cases that decide this valuable principle. 

INDEX

Airedale Terrier Assyrian Sculpture and Dog --Mastiff

Basset-Hound Beagle Bedlington Terrier Bible, Dog in The Black and Tan Terrier Blenheim Spaniel Bloodhound Borzoi Breeding: Bulldog Newfoundland Borzoi Dachshund Smooth Fox-Terrier Dandie Dinmont King Charles Spaniel General Notes Bronchitis Brussels Griffon Bulldog --Miniature --French Bull-terrier ----Toy

Chow Chow Clumber Spaniel Clydesdale Terrier Cocker Spaniel Collie Constipation Coursing

Dachshund Dalmatian Dandie Dinmont Deerhound Diarrhoea Distemper

English Terrier, White English Water Spaniel Egypt, Dog in

Feeding Field Spaniel First Bite, Privileges of Fits Fleas Fox as progenitor of the Dog Foxhound Fox-terrier, Smooth --Wire-hair

Great Dane Greeks, Dogs and Ancient Greyhound --Italian

Harrier

Importation if Dogs Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Italian Greyhound

Jackal as progenitor of Dog Japanese Spaniel

Kennels and their management King Charles Spaniel

Labrador, The Law, Dog and the Licences

Maltese Dog Manchester Terrier --Miniature Mange Mastiff, Assyrian --English Miniature Breeds: Bulldog French Bulldog Poodle Pomeranian Black and Tan Terrier Toy Bull-terrier Italian Greyhound Shetland Sheepdog Motor Cars and Dogs Muzzling Regulations

Newfoundland

Origin of the Dog Otterhound

Pekinese Phoenicians, and Dogs Pointer Pomeranian Poodle --Toy White Primitive Man and Dog Pug Puppies, Treatment of: Mastiff Bulldog Newfoundland Great Dane Old English Sheepdog Poodle Borzoi Dachshund King Charles Spaniel Pekinese Brussels Griffon General Notes

Retriever, Flat-Coated --Curly Rome, Dogs and Ancient

Samoyede Schipperke Scottish Terrier Setter, English --Irish --Black and Tan Sheepdog, Old English Shetland Sheepdog Skin Diseases Skye Terrier Spaniel Family, The Spaniel, Irish Water --English --Clumber --Sussex --Field --English Springer --Welsh Springer --Cocker --King Charles Springer, English --Welsh St. Bernard Stray Dogs Sussex Spaniel

Terrier, Old Working --White English --Black and Tan --Bull- --Smooth Fox- --Wire-hair Fox- --Airedale --Bedlington --Irish --Welsh --Scottish --West Highland White --Dandie Dinmont --Skye, and Clydesdale --Yorkshire

Toy Dogs: Pomeranian Poodle, White King Charles Spaniel Pekinese and Japanese Maltese and Pug Brussels Griffon Miniature Black and Tan, Bull-terrier, Italian Greyhound and Shetland Sheepdog

Waterloo Cup Welsh Terrier West Highland White Terrier Whippet Wolf as progenitor of Dog Wolfhound, Irish --Russian (Borzoi) Worm, Treatment for

Yorkshire Terrier