THE YORKSHIRE TERRIER. 



455 



prominent breeds; and we do not hesitate to say that it 

 would benefit the show, as well as the exhibitor, if man- 

 agers would divide the classes by weight (under five 

 pounds and over five pounds, as established by standard), 

 and also by sex; but we must condemn the practice of 

 providing puppy classes, if for no other reason than the 

 liability of the puppies contracting distemper, and thus 

 serving as agents through which it may be distributed pro- 

 miscuously. Furthermore, the Yorkshire Terrier does not 

 mature in coat and color until three to four years old, and it 

 must be obvious to all that a first-prize puppy may be 

 thoroughly unfit for show when matured; and the honor of 

 winning such a prize can therefore be of but little practical 

 benefit to the owner. 



