46 THE DOG IN HEALTH. 



aged by a specialty club, it can be readily understood that 

 they have been bred to great perfection, or, at all events, 

 very near the proposed standards. It is somewhat other- 

 wise in America, where this group, with the exception of 

 the fox-terrier, can not be considered as very popular. 

 But of .late certain varieties, especially Irish and Scot- 

 tish terriers, have made great advances in popular favor. 

 Both breeds are hardy and courageous. 



Since terriers, distinct as they are in details of form 

 and character, have a great deal in common, it will be Avell 

 to consider what may be termed terrier type. 



As every breed or group of dogs must, as we have be- 

 fore said, be judged in reference to the work it is sup- 

 posed to be able to perform, so with this one. The ter- 

 rier is essentially a vermin (" varmint ") dog — i. e., he is 

 adapted to drive out, secure, or actually kill such animals 

 chiefly as are injurious to man — as rats, foxes, etc. Such a 

 dog must evidently be active, fast for his size, courageous, 

 with powerful jaws and teeth, and at least not large. 



Terrier character is very decided and readily recog- 

 nized. The terrier must be a wiry, muscular little animal, 

 ever on the look-out and ever ready to tackle vermin, and, 

 if need be, to carry on the contest to the death ; and if he 

 looks this from nose to tail he has terrier character, as the 

 term character is understood by breeders. 



The bodily form is characterized as follows : Flat, 

 more or less wedge-shaped head, with strong jaws and 

 teeth, neat ears, dark, small, usually deep-set eyes. Teeth 

 must be level ; to be overshot or the reverse is a great fault 

 in a terrier, as it indicates weakness where, above all, he 

 should be strong — i. e., in holding- and killing-power. 



