CHAPTER XIV. 

 WHITE ENGLISH TERRIERS. 



THE difference in appearance between the white English Terrier and the Black-and-tan is 

 very slight, but the obstacles in the way of a breeder's success in the two breeds are very different. 

 In the former variety colour and markings have to be studied to a great degree, whilst in the 

 white English Terrier the correct shape and action of a Terrier are very hard to obtain. It is naturally 

 easier to breed a pure white dog from white parents than it is to breed correctly-marked and 

 well-tanned puppies from almost perfect black-and-tans. The latter, however, breed much nearer 

 the correct Terrier shape than do white English Terriers, and this is on account of the Italian 

 Greyhound taint which runs in so many strains. One authority expresses an opinion that all 

 white English Terriers show 'traces of an admixture of Italian Greyhound blood, but we cannot 

 allow this to be the case, having both owned and seen specimens which do not show any 

 symptoms of the cross. So little encouragement is, however, shown to breeders in their efforts 

 to improve the variety, that the classes which appear at our shows are naturally meagre ; but 

 we are of opinion that if better known this Terrier would quickly rival the Black-and-tan in 

 the estimation of the public. The intense brilliancy of their jackets contrasts so beautifully 

 with surrounding objects, and their temperaments are so vivacious and affectionate, that they 

 deserve to be more fully known and appreciated ; and this, we trust, will some day be the 

 case. 



Mr. White, of Clapham, first brought the breed into the qualified prominence it now enjoys, 

 as he was a large winner in these classes at the earlier shows. His dogs, however, would not 

 pass muster in the present day, as many leading Terrier points were conspicuous by their 

 absence, the Italian Greyhound apparently having been largely drawn upon in their production. 

 Midland-county breeders next turned their attention to the variety, and the late Mr. James 

 Hinks, of Worcester Street, Birmingham, showed and disposed of many first-class specimens. 

 The late Mr. James Martin, also of Salford, Manchester, was very successful with his Joe, 

 Gem, and Pink, but we always objected to them, the former especially, on account of the 

 Italian blood he showed. Mr. S. E. Shirley, M.P., the Rev. J. W. Mellor, and Mr. J. H. 

 Murchison, also showed some good ones years ago, as did Mr. Skidmore, of Nantwich, and Mr. 

 George Stables, of Manchester, the latter's Viper being a very first-rate specimen, though 

 possessed of a most savage temper. The latter dog not only did himself credit on the show 

 bench, but gained additional honour by begetting the famous bitch Sylph, who was in her 

 time the undoubted champion of this breed, and gained her breeder, Mr. Roocroft, many first 

 prizes. 



It is to the enterprise and judgment of the latter that we are indebted for the improvement 

 of the white English Terrier, and the name of James Roocroft, of Bolton, occupies a similar 

 position in this breed to that of the late Mr. Samuel Handley in Black-and-tans. Mr. Roocroff 

 writes as follows concerning his earlier recollections of the breed in his neighbourhood : 

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