50 THE DOG IN HEALTH. 



for a fray with his own species, and he does not always 

 stop to consider whether he is a match for his antagonist ; 

 but in any case he is slow to give up once he begins. 



In jaws he is rather stronger than the fox-terrier. A 

 reaction has taken place against cutting the ears of this 

 breed, but the tail is still docked. This latter operation, 

 when done at a very early age, as it usually is, causes 

 very little pain. In most points the standard is similar to 

 that for the fox-terrier, but the Irish dog is larger. 



Coat. Somewhat like that of the wire-haired fox- 

 terrier, but its true quality must be learned by feel. It 

 should not be shaggy, but straight and flat. 



Color. Whole-colored ; bright red preferred, wheat- 

 en, yellow, and gray next ; brindle disqualifying. A lit- 

 tle white on chest not so objectionable as on feet. 



Weight. Sixteen to twenty-four pounds, bitches, as 

 in all breeds, being rather smaller. 



Black-and-tan Terrier. Formerly a white terrier iden- 

 tical in shape, etc., to this was much valued. This 

 breed is now, however, rarely seen at shows in any 

 numbers (p. 88). 



The black-and-tan terrier, on account of cleanly habits, 

 a skin free from smell, neatness, size, color, etc., is well 

 adapted to be a house dog ; but his aversion to stran- 

 gers, generally manifested by a shrill, unpleasant voice, is 

 no small drawback, though by no means confined to this 

 breed. He is not so generally popular as the fox-terrier, 

 not being so hardy and perhaps because of the cropping 

 of the ears, which is not always done so as to render 

 them presentable. They do not bear cold as well as most 

 of the terriers. Nevertheless, he is a good vermin dog, 



