CHAPTER XLI 

 THE SKYE, AND CLYDESDALE TERRIERS 



THAT the Skye Terrier should be called " the Heavenly 

 Breed " is a tribute to the favour in which he is held by his 

 admirers. Certainly when he is seen in perfection he is an 

 exceedingly beautiful dog. As certainly there is no breed 

 more affectionate, more faithful, or more lovable. Among his 

 characteristics are a long-enduring patience, a prompt obedi- 

 ence, and a deep-hearted tenderness, combined with fearless 

 courage. He is more sensitive to rebuke and punishment 

 than most dogs, and will nurse resentment to those who are 

 unjust to him ; not viciously, but with an almost human 

 plaintiveness which demands an immediate reconciliation. 

 He is staunch and firm as his native hills to those who are kind 

 to him, and for entering into battle with an enemy there is no 

 dog more recklessly daring and resolute. 



Visitors to dog shows are disposed to believe that the Skye 

 Terrier, with its well-groomed coat that falls in smooth cas- 

 cades down its sides, and its veil of thick hair that obscures 

 the tender softness of its dark and thoughtful eyes, is meant 

 only to look beautiful upon the bench or to recline in com- 

 fortable indolence on silken cushions. This is a mistake. 

 See a team of Skyes racing up a hillside after a fugitive rabbit, 

 tirelessly burrowing after a rat, or displaying their terrier 

 strategy around a fox's earth or an otter's holt, and you will 

 admit that they are meant for sport, and are demons at it. 

 Even their peculiarity of build is a proof that they are born 

 to follow vermin underground. They are long of body, with 

 short, strong legs, adapted for burrowing. With the Dach- 



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