The Irish Terrier. 229 



appears on chest and feet ; it is more objectionable 

 on the latter than on the chest, as a speck of white 

 on chest is frequently to be seen in all self-coloured 

 breeds. 



" Size and Symmetry. Weight in show condition, 

 from i61b. to 2/j.lb. say, i61b. to 22lb. for bitches 

 and i81b. to 24lb. for dogs. The most desirable 

 weight is 22lb. or under, which is a nice, stylish, and 

 useful size. The dog must present an active, lively, 

 lithe, and wiry appearance ; lots of substance, at 

 the same time free of clumsiness, as speed and 

 endurance, as well as power, are very essential. 

 They must be neither ' cloddy ' nor ' cobby/ but 

 should be framed on the ' lines of speed,' showing a 

 graceful ' racing outline.' 



" Temperament. Dogs that are very game are 

 usually surly or snappish. The Irish terrier, as a 

 breed, is an exception, being remarkably good- 

 tempered, notably so with mankind, it being 

 admitted, however, that he is, perhaps, a little too 

 ready to resent interference on the part of other 

 dogs. There is a heedless, reckless pluck about the 

 Irish terrier which is characteristic, and, coupled 

 with the headlong dash, blind to all consequences, 

 with which he rushes at his adversary, has earned 

 for the breed the proud epithet of ' The Dare- 

 Devils.' When ' off duty ' they are characterised 



