234 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



red. White sometimes appears on chest and feet ; it is more ob 

 jectionable on the latter than on the chest, as a speck of white on chest 

 is frequently to be seen in all self-coloured breeds. Size and Symmetry 

 The most desirable weight in show condition is, for a dog 24 lb., and 

 for a bitch 22 lb. 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 or cobby, but should be framed on the lines of 

 speed, showing a graceful racing outline. Temperament 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 earned for the breed the proud 

 epithet of " The Dare-Devils." When " off-duty " they are char- 

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

 them endearingly, timidly pushing their heads into their masters' hands, 

 it is difficult to realise that on occasions, at the " set on/' they can 

 prove they have the courage of a lion, and will fight unto the last 

 breath In their bodies. They develop an extraordinary devotion to 

 and have been known to track their masters almost incredible 

 distances. 



It is difficult to refer to particular Irish Terriers of to-day 

 without making invidious distinctions. There are so many 

 excellent examples of the breed that a list even of those who 

 have gained championship honours would be formidable. 

 But one would hardly hesitate to head the list with the name 

 of Paymaster, a dog of rare and almost superlative quality 

 and true Irish Terrier character. Paymaster is the property 

 of Miss Lilian Paull, of Weston-super-Mare, who bred him 

 from her beautiful bitch Erasmic from Breda Muddler, the sire 

 of many of the best. Side by side with Paymaster, Mr. F. 

 Clifton's Mile End Barrister might be placed. It would need 

 a council of perfection, indeed, to decide which is the better 

 dog of the two. Very high in the list, also, would come Mr. 

 Henry Ridley's Redeemer and Mr. Breakell's Killarney Sport. 

 And among bitches one would name certainly Mr. Gregg's 

 Belfast Erin, Mr. Clifton's Charwoman, Mr. Everill's Erminie, 

 and Mr. J. S. McComb's Beeston Betty. These are but half 

 a dozen, but they represent the highest level of excellence 



