The Dandie Dinmont Terrier. 311 



coat, the colour of a claw, the evidence for or against purity, of a light spot 

 on the palate or some such triviality. But the club formed some 

 years ago for the special purpose of taking this breed under its fostering 

 wing have, by deciding on a standard of excellence, from which there are 

 few or no dissidents, except on minor and verbal matters, earned the 

 thanks of all lovers of the breed, and whether so publicly stated or 

 not, Dandies have been virtually judged by that standard at all late 

 shows ; and although this cannot fortunately, I think ensure identity 

 of opinion, it does ensure general concurrence on essential points, 

 and has told and will continue to tell on the improved general 

 character of the classes of these dogs at our shows ; and I think, when 

 " Idstone " publishes another edition of his book, he will see the need for 

 altering his opinion as therein expressed, that "the points of the Dandie 

 are an open question, and I doubt if any 'authorities' can settle it." 

 So much has the public discussion of the breed and the action of the 

 club done that it has become an impossibility for two public judges at 

 our largest shows to write, as Mr. Charles Collins and Mr. Matthias 

 Smith did ten years ago, that " the Dandie Dinmonts north of the Tweed 

 are long-backed to strange deformity, legs shorter than any other breed 

 (not excepting the dachshund of Germany), faces as long as crocodiles and 

 jaws as strong, small pig-like eyes, ears small and erect (one may fall 

 over at the tip), coat not very long, but hard and erect as bristles from 

 top to toe. This is a Dandie." Well might Mr. Bradshaw Smith write 

 of this effusion, " such a description of this beautiful animal is enough 

 to mak auld Dandie Dinmont himsel loup oot o' his grave." 



Had Mr. Collins' s description not been written seriously, but as a 

 caricature, it would have been excellent. 



The character of the Dandie as a vermin dog is first rate ; ho is plucky, 

 keen, and resolute, and at the same time easier kept under command 

 than some other breeds ; and the graphic terms in which Scott, in " Guy 

 Mannering," speaks of him in this capacity still holds good, for, when 

 " regularly entered, first wi' rattans, then wi' stots or weasels, and then 

 wi' the tods and brocks, they fear naething that ever cam' wi' a hairy 

 skin on't." They also, when trained, make excellent rabbiters, and can 

 stand any amount of fatigue, although not so lissome on very rough 

 ground as lighter and more leggy terriers. 



As companion and house dogs I like them very much. They are quick 



