3/0 
shade between the two extremes is now 
generally preferred. As to size, it should 
be about midway between that of the Aire- 
dale and the Fox-terrier, represented by a 
weight of from 22 to 27 |b. 
The two breeds just mentioned are, as 
a rule, superior to the Irish Terrier in front, 
mR. s. WILSON's CH. BOLTON WOODS MIXER. 
WINNER OF TWO THOUSAND PRIZES. 
legs, and feet, but in the direction of these 
points great improvements have recently 
been observable. The heads of our Irish 
Terriers have also been brought nearer to 
a level of perfection, chiselled to the desired 
degree of leanness, with the determined 
expression so characteristic of the breed, 
and with the length, squareness, and strength 
of muzzle which formerly were so difficult 
to find. This squareness of head and jaw 
is an important point to be considered when 
choosing an Irish Terrier. In the best 
specimens of the breed, the muzzle, skull, 
and neck, when seen in profile, exactly 
fit within an imaginary rectangular frame, 
thus :— 
differ in 
details of this terrier’s conformation, but 
Opinions regard to slight 
THE NEW BOOK OF THE DOG. 
the official description, issued by the 
Irish Terrier Club, supplies a guide upon 
which the uncertain novice may implicitly 
depend :— 
1. Head.—Long ; skull flat, and rather narrow 
between ears, getting slightly narrower towards 
the eye; free from wrinkles ; stop hardly visible 
except in profile. The jaw must be strong and 
muscular, but not too full in the cheek, and of a 
good punishing length. There should be a slight 
falling away below the eye, so as not to have a 
Greyhound appearance. Hair on face of same 
description as on body, but short (about a quarter 
of an inch long), in appearance almost smooth and 
straight ; a slight beard is the only longish hair 
(and it is only long in comparison with the rest) 
that is permissible, and this is characteristic. 
2. Teeth.—Should be strong and level. 
3. Lips.—Not so tight as a Bull-Terrier’s, but 
well-fitting, showing through the hair their black 
lining. 
4. Nose.—Must be black. 
5. Eyes—A dark hazel colour, small, not 
prominent, and full of life, fire, and intelligence. 
6. Ears.—Small and V-shaped, of moderate 
thickness, set well’on the head, and dropping for- 
ward closely to the cheek. The ear must be free 
of fringe, and the hair thereon shorter and darker 
in colour than the body. 
7. Neck.—Should be of a fair length, and 
gradually widening towards the shoulders, well 
carried, and free of throatiness. There is generally 
a slight sort of frill visible at each side of the neck, 
running nearly to the corner of the ear. 
8. Shoulders and Chest.—Shoulders must be 
fine, long, and sloping well into the back; the 
chest deep and muscular, but neither full nor 
wide. 
9. Back and Loin.—Body moderately long ; 
back should be strong and straight, with no appear- 
ance of slackness behind the shoulders ; the loin 
broad and. powerful, and slightly arched; ribs 
fairly sprung, rather deep than round, and well 
ribbed back. 
10. Hindquarters.—Should be strong and mus- 
cular, thighs powerful, hocks near ground, stifles 
moderately bent. 
11. Stern.—Generally docked ; should be free 
of fringe or feather, but well covered with rough 
hair, set on pretty high, carried gaily, but not over 
the back or curled. 
12, Feet and Legs.—Feet should be strong, 
tolerably round, and moderately small; toes 
arched, and neither turned out nor in; black toe 
nails most desirable. Legs moderately long, well 
set from the shoulders, perfectly straight, with 
plenty of bone and muscle; the elbows working 
freely clear of the sides; pasterns short and 
straight, hardly noticeable. Both fore and hind 
