238 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM 



interested in the variety met together to see what could be 

 done in connection with the matter, the outcome being that 

 the Welsh Terrier Club was shortly afterwards founded, the 

 Kennel Club recognised the breed, and the terrier himself 

 began his career as a show dog. 



The specimens which were first shown were, as may be 

 imagined, not a very high-class-looking lot. Although the 

 breed had been kept pure, no care had been taken in the culture 

 of it, except that which was necessary to produce a sporting 

 game terrier, able to do its work. One can readily understand, 

 therefore, that such an entirely " fancy " point as a long 

 foreface and narrow, clean skull had never been thought 

 of for a moment, and it was in these particulars that the Welsh 

 Terrier at first failed, from a show point of view. Naturally 

 enough, good shoulders, sound hind-quarters, more than fair 

 legs and feet, and excellent jackets were to be found in abund- 

 ance, but as the body was almost invariably surmounted by a 

 very short and wedge-shaped head and jaw, often accompanied 

 with a pair of heavy, round ears, an undershot mouth, and a 

 light, full eye, it will be realised that the general appearance 

 of the dog was not prepossessing. . 



The Welsh Terrier to-day is very much improved beyond 

 what he was when first put on the bench. This improvement 

 has been brought about by careful and judicious breeding 

 from nothing but pure bred specimens. No outside aid has 

 been invoked at any rate in the production of any of the 

 best terriers and none has been required. It is a matter for 

 great congratulation that the breed has been kept pure 

 despite all temptation and exhortation. 



The Welsh Terrier breeds as true as steel ; you know 

 what you are going to get. Had popular clamour had its way 

 years ago, goodness only know what monstrosities would now 

 be being bred. 



The colour of the Welsh Terrier is, of course, against him 

 for working with a pack of hounds, especially in water. It 

 is only fair, however, to the breed to say that, barring this 



