312 British Dogs. 



and watchful in the house, and, although they are not a beautiful variety 

 of dog, or to be compared in symmetry with the fox terrier and some others, 

 they possess a most distinct and unmistakable character that separates 

 them, even to the eye of the least observant, from the ' ' common herd," and 

 their quaintness and great sagacity amply made up for lack of beauty. 



The following description of the general appearance and special points 

 of this dog were drawn up by Mr. W. Wardlaw Eeid and myself, from 

 the written opinions of members of the clubs and other old breeders and 

 fanciers. 



In forming an opinion of a dog's merits, the general appearance (by 

 which is meant the impression which a dog makes as a whole on the eye 

 of the judge) should be first considered. Secondly should be noticed 

 the dog's size, shape, and make, i.e., its proportions in the relation they 

 bear to each other ; no point should be so much in excess of the others 

 as to destroy the general symmetry, and cause the dog to appear deformed 

 or interfere with its usefulness in the occupations for which it is specially 

 adapted. Thirdly, the dog's style, carriage, gait, temperament, and each 

 of its other points should be considered separately. 



Point 1. General appearance. The general appearance of the Dandie 

 Dinmont terrier is that of a rough-coated, thick-set dog, very low on its 

 legs, and having a body very flexible and long in proportion to its 

 height; but broad, deep-chested, and compact. The head very large, 

 with broad and well-domed skull, covered with light coloured hair of a 

 softer and more silky texture than that on the body. This hairy scalp 

 very often gives the head an appearance of being disproportionate to the 

 body, when such is not actually the case. Jaws long and slightly taper- 

 ing to the nose, which must be large and always black ; covered with 

 shorter and slightly harder hair than on the body. Neck thick and 

 muscular ; shoulders low, and back slightly curved down behind them, 

 with a corresponding arch of the loins, which are broad and strong. 

 Ears pendulous, and bearing low. Legs short and very muscular. The 

 Dandie carries in his countenance the appearance of great determination, 

 strength, and activity, with a constant and vigilant eagerness to be busy. 

 In brief, he is an embodiment of docility, courage, strength, intelligence, 

 and alertness. 



Point 2. The head should be large, and rather heavy looking in 

 proportion to the dog's size. Skull broad between the ears, with a very 



