Useful Companions of Man, 79 



and grey, brindle disqualifying. White sometimes appears 

 on chest and feet ; it is more objectionable on the latter 

 than on the chest, as a speck of white on chest is fre- 

 quently to be seen in all self-coloured breeds. Size and 

 Symmetry: Weight in show condition, from 16 lbs. to 

 24 lbs. — say 16 lbs. to 24 lbs. for bitches, and 18 lbs. to 

 24 lbs. for dogs. The most desirable weight is 22 lbs. or 

 under, which is a nice styhsh 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." Tempera}Jie?it : 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, listless 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 

 by a quiet, caress-inviting appearance, and when one 

 sees them endearingly, timidly pushing their heads in 

 their master's hands it is difficult to realise that on 

 occasion, at the "set on," they can prove they have the 

 courage of a lion, and will fight on to the last breath in 

 their bodies. They develop an extraordinary devotion 

 to, and have been known to track their masters almost 

 incredible distances. 



Disqualification. — BJ-indled in colour, nose cherry or 

 flesh coloured ; white anywhere is highly objectionable. 

 A grizzly appearance about the muzzle at four and five 

 years old is not considered to be detrimental. 



The "V^elsli Terrier. — This dog has been known for 

 several generations as a distinct breed, and his peculiar 

 adaptation for rabbiting, getting foxes out of the rocks, 



