464 BRITISH DOGS 



coats sufficiently long to kink or curl, that were woolly in texture, 

 while they varied in weight from between i61b. to 4olb. This 

 can readily be understood when it is remembered that there were 

 no shows or other inducements to improve the breed. So long 

 as Pat would catch a rabbit, retrieve a wounded bird, watch the 

 house at night, and give any intruding tyke (be he little or big) 

 a rough ten minutes if required, he answered all practical 

 purposes for his owner. 



Irish Terriers were first exhibited at Dublin in 1873, and the 

 breed's subsequent successful career is almost wholly due to the 

 zeal and energy of the pioneers, Messrs. Morton, Erwin, Ridgway, 

 Montgomery, Jamison, Corbie Smith, Dr. Marks, Dr. Carey (the 

 present Hon. Sec. of the Irish Terrier Club), Mr. G. R. Krehl, 

 Mr. W. Graham, and a few others. These gentlemen had the 

 uphill part of the business to do in bringing the breed to the 

 front. Many were the ideas and opinions at that date as to what 

 was a typical Irish Terrier. Consequently at shows where the breed 

 was represented, one saw a very mixed lot. And the judging, 

 too, was most erratic. First one dog would get the premier award, 

 then another, and eventually both were headed by a specimen 

 that had no right to be in the class. This naturally caused the 

 greatest dissatisfaction to exhibitors, and finally in 1879 resulted 

 in a club being formed, and a description of the breed drawn up. 

 Later on specialist judges were appointed, and this did wonders 

 in healing the breach brought about by previous bad judging, and 

 cemented the bonds of friendship between the English and the 

 Irish contingents. 



From that time the popularity of the breed was assured, and 

 was not long in reaching its zenith. Having a standard to breed 

 to, the merest novice had a guide, and a direct incentive to try 

 his luck, and at the present time the chance of a really good 

 dog af any show being left in the cold is reduced to a minimum. 

 The Irish Terrier has not had the benefit of a pretty face and 

 genteel appearance to help him, but has won his way to the fore 

 on sterling merit. 



It is pleasing to record that our beloved King Edward VII., 

 who, as every one knows, is one of the finest sportsmen in the 

 world, has added an Irish Terrier to his famous kennels. This 

 augurs well for the breed, and as an Englishman is nothing if not 

 fashionable and patriotic, we may in the near future reasonably 

 expect to find many more of his Majesty's loyal subjects going 

 in for a " Dare-devil." 



Mr. Vero Shaw in his book says that at Belfast, in June, 1878, 

 Mr. Despard's Tanner (afterwards first, Birmingham), took first, 

 second going to old Sport, and third to Mr. W. Graham's Sporter. 

 In bitches Kate was first and Moya Doolan second. At New- 



