82 DOMESTICATED HUNTING-DOGS. 



dog is in the proportion of hight to length between the Skye and 

 English terrier rather nearer to the latter ; a long back is objected 

 to. As they are always shown in full dress, little more than out* 

 line of shape is looked for; the eye, except when the hair is .tied 

 up, is invisible ; the tail is shortened, and the ear is generally cut -, 

 when uncut it must be small, and is preferred when it drops 

 slightly at the tip, but this is a trival point, and sinks into insig- 

 nificance before coat and color ; the coat must be abundant ovei 

 the whole body, head, legs, and tail, and artificial means are used 

 to encourage its growth ; length and straightness, freedom from 

 curl and waviness, being sought for ; the body color should be clear, 

 soft, silvery blue, of course varying in shade , with this is preferred 

 a golden tan head, with darker tan about the ears, and rich tan 

 legs. The style in which the coat is arranged for exhibition is 

 beautifully shown in the sketch of Katie ; but that stage of perfec- 

 tion is not attained without much time, trouble, and patience 

 When the pups are born, they are black in color, as are pepper 

 Dandie Dinmonts and others ; at an early age the tip of the tail is 

 nipped off to the desired length, the ears, if cut at all, not until 

 the age of six to eight months , and before this the coat will be 

 changing color, getting gradually lighter. To prevent the hair 

 being scratched and broken, little or no meat is given. 



