THE SKYE TERRIER, 
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 
413 
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. 
BRED BY MR. A. TODD. 
