THE SKYE TERRIER. 



413 



cross, and entirely to avoid relationship 

 near or remote in the dogs mated together. 

 This constant inbreeding, although often 

 productive of beautiful specimens, not 

 seldom results in a weakness of constitution 

 and want of stamina very damaging to the 

 ultimate well-being of the breed. It is 

 necessary to ascertain that the dam as well 

 as the sire is as good a one as possible ; 

 because although a first class sire is an 

 undoubted desideratum, yet good results 

 cannot be sure unless the dam also possesses 

 fine quality. Size is an important considera- 

 tion. There is no doubt that Skyes are 

 bigger and weightier than was formerly 

 deemed correct. Club points in this respect 

 are ignored, and small dogs can seldom 

 compete with success with the larger speci- 

 mens. Equality in size, equal symmetry in 

 form, and similarity in colouring in sire and 

 dam are necessary in mating, but it is to 

 be remembered that a small bitch mated to 

 a large dog may produce large pups, and 

 that similarity in colour does not ensure 



offspring resembling the parents in this 

 respect. Mr. Pratt often produced white 

 pups by the mating of a black sire and dam, 

 and silver, fawn and black may all appear 

 in the same litter. When choosing a sire, 

 select one whom you have reason to believe 

 is in sound health, and who has already sired 

 good progeny, and always obtain the services 

 of a dog who is the possessor of a nice hard 

 coat, a long head, and fine ear feathering. 

 If he is a prick-eared one, see that his 

 ears are set tight. Note that he has a 

 well-shaped body and a level back, with 

 plenty of bone substance, and that his jaws 

 and teeth are of good type and quality. 



In selecting a puppy from the nest you 

 are safe in choosing the biggest, ugliest, and 

 least formed of the crew ; but at six months 

 old pups may be chosen with greater 

 certainty. The Skye is a late furnisher, 

 and it is sometimes a couple of years or 

 more before he attains his full proportions 

 and reveals the qualities which go to the 

 making of a champion. 



MRS. WILMER'S ROB ROY OF YOXFORD 



BY YOUNG PRINCE LOTHIAN NELLIE. 



BED BY MR. A. TODD. 



