DOG SHOWS AND SHOWING 71 



or a pugilist. It works for a time, but the end 

 is inevitable and always the same. 



A terrier is easy to get " fit," and the only 

 thing that may cause the exhibitor loss of sleep 

 is the condition of the wire coat. Wire coats 

 are there is no use fishing about for any excuse 

 wire coats are a bother. A great, big three- 

 quarters of the trouble is overcome, however, if 

 the dog has been carefully and regularly groomed. 

 Such a dog does not need much trimming, mainly 

 a little cleaning up about the head and legs. On 

 the other hand, one who has been neglected needs 

 the services of a skilled canine tonsorial artist to 

 put him down before the judge with a coat that 

 meets the requirements of the ring. 



The A. K. C. lets one pluck and pull with his 

 fingers, and brush and comb away as much as he 

 wishes, but the use of knives, razors, scissors, or 

 clippers is strictly tabooed. It is too bad that 

 the trimming of wire terriers is carried so far as 

 is the style to-day, for, even if legalized by the 

 A. K. C., it so alters a dog and so improves a 

 bad coat that it savors pretty strongly of faking. 

 There is, however, little chance of there being any 

 immediate reform, and to show successfully one 

 must obey the dictates of Mistress Fashion. 



A dog in perfect condition, with his coat 

 trimmed in the approved style, may yet fail to get 



