THE IRISH TERRIEK. 6 1 



Size and Syvimeiry. — Weight, in show-condition, from i6 

 pounds to 24 pounds, — say i6 pounds to 22 pounds for 

 bitches, and 18 pounds to 24 pounds for dogs. The most 

 desirable weight is 2 2 pounds, or under, — which is a nice, 

 styhsh, and useful size. The dog must present an active, 

 lively, lithe and wiry appear*ance ; 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." 



Tc7npera7?ient. — 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, reckless 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 

 eajrned for the breed the proud epithet of the " Dare-devils." 

 When "off duty," they are characterized by a quiet, caress- 

 inviting appearance, and when one sees them endearingly, 

 timidly pushing their heads into their masters' hands, it is 

 difficult to realize 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 extraordi- 

 nary devotion to, and have been known to track their masters 

 almost incredible distances. 



