THE SKYE TERRIER. 99 



1 



backer to induce the British public to take him up, and Mr. 

 Gordon Murray's backbone was not stiff enough, if we may judge 

 from the results. Anyhow, I shall ignore his definitions alto- 

 gether, and describe the two breeds without any bias towards 

 his " Mogstads," " Drynocks," or " Camusennaries," by which out- 

 landish names he distinguished his breeds. 



(A) THE SMOOTH SKYE TERRIER. 



Taking first the smooth Skye terrier, we may distinguish him 

 from all other British dogs by his great length as compared with 

 his height, which distinction he shares with the dachshund, and 

 the now extinct turnspit. Each of these breeds when extended 

 should measure from tip of nose to tip of tail 3 J times the height, 

 though of course many well-bred animals fall short of propor- 

 tion in this respect. In his native island he is said to be very 

 useful for vermin, but in this country he is only used as a lady's 

 pet, being mild in temper, very clean in his habits, and as free 

 from skin-smell as a long-haired dog can possibly be, there being, 

 indeed, few dogs, whether rough or smooth, superior to him in 

 this respect. It is, however, very difficult to keep his coat from 

 matting, and the trouble attending it has been a great drawback 

 to his general introduction as a drawing-room pet. 



It is often alleged that the Skye terrier originated from a cross 

 with a poodle belonging to a French vessel wrecked on the island. 

 I confess I have no great faith in any history, but in " doggy " 

 chronicles none whatever unless chapter and verse can be given. 



Points of the drop-eared Skye terrier : — 





VALUE 





VALCJ5 



Head, . 



15 



Coat, length, 



IO 



Ears and eyes, 



10 



„ texture, 



IO 



Length of body and neok, 



15 



Colour, 



5 



Legs and feet, 



10 



Symmetry, . 



15 



Carriage of tail, . 



10 









Total, 



