THE SKYE TEKKIEK. 483 



many instances, spoiled by his being made, from puppy- 

 hood, a pampered house-pet, and his coat and constitution 

 likewise suffer from warm quarters, overfeeding, and lack 

 of proper exercise. 



He is deservedly popular among gamekeepers through- 

 out both England and Scotland, and equally so about the 

 stables or in the laborer's cottage. And for work, and on 

 country rambles, or by his fireside, the squire can have no 

 better companion than this friendly, cheerful, little fellow. 

 He is particularly well adapted for a town house, and, on 

 the whole, is all around the most companionable of small 

 dogs, and especially for ladies. 



It may appear to some, especially to those who admire 

 the unquestionable merits of other breeds, that I have been 

 showing the Skye through rose-colored glasses; but I am 

 speaking from experience. I have owned, at one time or 

 another, Terriers of about all the breeds, and none of my 

 old friends are forgotten. As I write, I can see, in fancy, 

 a row of little wistful faces white ones and red ones, blue, 

 tan, and grizzle, stretching away back to my school-boy 

 days; and apart from all feelings for particular individuals, 

 I can truly say that the Skye has proved himself to be, to 

 me, the best, and I am glad to have an opportunity, such 

 as this, of paying him the tribute he deserves. 



The history of the Skye Terrier in America commences, as 

 does that of the majority of our breeds of dogs, with the 

 institution by the Westminster Kennel Club of their first 

 annual bench show, in 1877. Previous to that time, almost 

 any blue, rough -coated Terrier was called, in this country, a 

 Skye, and at the first few shows the exhibits were generally 

 pretty much all of the nondescript order; but the winners 

 were nearly all of the right stamp, and the dog-loving public 

 soon learned, in a general way, what a Skye should really 

 look like. 



Among the first exhibitors were Mr. W. P. Sanderson, 

 of Philadelphia, who showed Donald, and Mr. Robert 

 McLelland, of New York, with Tom. Later, came Mr. 

 Robert Sewell, of Tarrytown, with Tatters and others. 



