The terrier family is a large one in all its ramifications, and the
embryo dog lover, wishing to possess one of this variety will have a
wide field to go over. The terrier should have more action than the toy
varieties and if it is possible, a place should be provided where he
can romp out of doors for at least two or three hours a day. If that is
not feasible, then he must be taken to some park or open place where
he can run and exercise, for a terrier that is kept confined is as
entirely out of his environment as a fish would be out of water.
[Illustration: KEARN’S LORD KITCHENER.]
Among the many breeds of terriers, there are a number which enjoy equal
popularity. The _Boston Terrier_ is the great American product; he
is strictly an evolution of this country and has grown in popularity
in keeping with his qualities. The Boston is a clean, well-knit dog
of trappy appearance, with a short head that is a mean between the
bulldog and the terrier expression, if such a thing can be. He comes
in various weights up to twenty five pounds, and, as a matter of
fact, one finds them going as high as thirty and thirty-five, for
the Boston is a mixture and does not always throw true to type. The
present accepted dictum is, however, that the maximum weight should be
twenty-five pounds. At dog shows the weights are divided by classes
under fifteen pounds, fifteen pounds and under twenty, twenty pounds
and not exceeding twenty-five. The demand for the smaller weights seems
greatest, but one finds more uniformity in the medium weights--that
is, from fifteen to twenty pounds. The Boston terrier may be good
for no practical purposes, but he is alert and will prove to be a
fair guardian of the home. The appeal with this dog is his absolute
trimness, his clean cut appearance, and his short coat. For people
living in flats he is one of the most desirable dogs. In purchasing
one of this breed it is well to see the dog before paying the money.
While there are unscrupulous dealers of all breeds, it seems that more
irresponsible people have taken up the sale of this breed than any
other. I do not mean by this that there are not a large number of very
responsible breeders, but it is the dealer--the vendor of dogs--whose
word cannot always be taken at face value, therefore, in buying any
breed, see that you are obtaining what you are paying for, and in
buying a Boston, be sure of it from every angle.
[Illustration: THE SMOOTH-COATED FOX TERRIER, CH. SABINE RECRUIT.]
_Fox Terriers_, both wire-haired and smooth, are also very popular in
this country, the former probably more so at the present time than
the latter, although the smooth is much more easily kept, is just as
keen and alert, makes a varmint dog the equal of any, and as a house
companion has many advantages over his wire-haired cousin; the latter
is a beautiful dog when his coat is kept just right, but if not, he is
an abomination. Incidentally it may be said that it is both a science
and an art to keep the coats of any of the broken-haired varieties of
terriers in good order.
[Illustration: THE WIRE-HAIRED FOX TERRIER, CH. PRIDE’S HILL TWEAK ’EM.]
In temperamental characteristics there is little difference, if any,
between the smooth and the wire-haired varieties, and if the dog is
to be kept in the house mostly, perhaps the former would prove more
satisfactory. Prices of both of these varieties have been soaring here
of late, but this refers only to the show specimens. It is always
possible to procure a “waster” either because he does not conform to
the show standard in the finer points, is oversize, or for some other
reason. The fox terrier, as in fact practically all terriers, except
the toy varieties and possibly Bostons, are men’s dogs, and they can
furnish considerable sport if they are trained on various kinds of
“varmints.” In this connection it might be said that they take to this
class of work very readily, as they have been specifically bred for
this purpose since the earliest days.
[Illustration: THE IRISH TERRIER, CELTIC DEMON.]
The _Irish Terrier_, is a wire-coated dog, usually brick red or wheaten
in color. He is a handsome dog, but like the wire-haired fox terrier,
his coat must be kept right. For gameness, there are few terriers his
equal and he has been rightly named “Daredevil.” The Irish terrier
is a trifle larger in size than the fox terrier. He has all of that
varminty look, that fiery eye and alert expression, indicative of the
dog of quick action, and furthermore, he is a most intelligent animal
and makes one of the best dogs for the home that may be imagined. Since
the rise in popularity of some of the other smaller terrier breeds, the
Irish has fallen somewhat in the estimation of the fanciers, but those
who have bred him for years and have a specimen or two about would not
part with the fiery Irishman for all of the other terriers combined.
The Irish terrier answers in many respects the call for an all-purpose
dog, except that he is not so large as the Airedale and therefore
could not hold his own in fighting big game, though for his inches, no
better dog ever lived, and I have, on one or two occasions, seen Irish
terriers in bear packs which proved to be just as valuable as some of
the larger breeds; they were certainly just as game, and being very
quick and shifty, they could do considerable damage and still come away
uninjured, where a larger dog might suffer the consequences of his
temerity. The Irish terrier is essentially the dog for those who do not
care to keep an Airedale, but want one as game and as fearless as any
dog that lives.
Still another breed that comes between the small terriers and the
Airedale is the _Welsh Terrier_. A dog that in many points resembles
the Airedale, particularly in texture and color of coat, although the
head is of somewhat different formation. Welsh terriers never became
common in this country. Possibly because of the rapid rise of the
Airedale and partly because he was not exploited like some of the other
breeds. For the person wanting but one dog, however, the Welsh terrier
is an excellent companion, a good watch dog with all the terrier
proclivities, such as going to earth for game, and just as keen on rats
and other small furred animals as the other varieties.
To the uninitiated the Welsh terrier is a miniature Airedale. In height
he should be about sixteen inches, but should not have the appearance
of being leggy, nor on the other hand, of standing too low on the leg.
The markings--that is, color and coat, are similar to the Airedale;
black or grizzle saddle, with tan head, legs and underbody. Like in
Airedales, the rich deep tan and jet black bodies are most admired. His
average weight should be about twenty-two pounds, though a pound one
way or the other is not a handicap. While white is not desirable, a
small spot on the breast or toes does not disqualify.
A dog that attracted quite a bit of attention at the New York show
of 1922, was the _Kerry Blue Terrier_. There were only half a dozen
specimens of the breed shown and as far as this country is concerned,
it is a new variety, although it is said that it is one of the oldest
of Irish breeds. The dog is essentially an Irish terrier in a blue-gray
wire coat. It is said that the modern brick colored or wheaten Irish
terrier is descended from the Kerry blue and that by generations of
selection in breeding the red coats were finally obtained, but it seems
that fashion is again going back to the original colors and that is how
it transpires that the Kerry blues are coming into vogue. This terrier
has all the good qualities of the more modern reds. To the dog lover
wishing to own a dog that is somewhat out of the ordinary, the Kerry
blue will appeal, though owing to the present scarcity, it is quite
likely that prices will run high.
[Illustration: THE WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER, MOROVA.]
A very desirable small terrier which came into vogue twelve or fifteen
years ago, is the _West Highland White Terrier_, one of the border
varieties said to be of ancient origin, but brought to his present
perfection by scientific breeding and selection. The general appearance
of the West Highland white terrier, as we know the breed today, is that
of a small, game, hardy-looking terrier, possessed of considerable self
esteem, and like all good terriers, has that “varminty” appearance that
is such a distinguishing mark of this group of dogs. He is a stockily
built animal, showing strength from every angle, short legs, deep in
the chest, with ribs extending well to the powerful loin; very strong
in quarters and in fact, with all of his strength, he impresses one
as having considerable activity, which he really has, for there is no
quicker and more nimble terrier on four feet than the West Highlander
when it comes to a fight with rats or other “varmints,” even much
larger.
The color of the West Highlander is pure white; any other color, the
creamy or grey shade, is objectionable. The coat is also very important
and fanciers of the breed are more particular about this feature than
any other. As a matter of fact, a coat that meets with the perfection
that the standard calls for, is rare indeed. We hear much of the
so-called double-coat, but in this breed it is demanded. The outer coat
consists of harsh hair, about two inches long and absolutely free from
curl. The under coat, which resembles fur, is short, soft and close.
It is a real weather-resisting jacket such as we want on Airedales and
various other wire-coated terriers, but which is found so seldom, even
in this variety.
The West Highlander weighs from twelve to eighteen pounds; bitches
usually ranging from the minimum figure to sixteen pounds, while
the dogs average about two pounds more to the maximum weight. In
height they measure from eight to twelve inches at the shoulder. For
the prospective owner, who does not object to white dogs nor to the
long coat, the West Highlander white terrier will make an excellent
companion, though his comparative scarcity will probably keep the
prices at a high figure for some time to come.
A near relative to the West Highlander is the _Cairn Terrier_, a dog
of similar size and characteristics of the other Scottish varieties.
The dog is not very popular at this date, but being a newly cultivated,
though an old breed, the prices are still prohibitive. In all
essentials, however, the Cairn terrier will fill the same place as any
of the small terriers.
[Illustration: THE SCOTTISH TERRIER, CH. THE LAIRD.]
The ever popular _Scottish Terrier_, or Scottie, as he is more
affectionately called, is virtually one of the near relatives of
the two breeds just described. He has been long and slow in coming
to his own in this country, but having once attained a foothold in
America he is likely to retain his place when many of the creations of
faddists are forgotten. He has been becoming more popular every year
as a show dog, though he never will attain the popularity accorded
some of the other terrier breeds. What is more significant, however,
he is rapidly making himself more and more endeared to the one-dog
owner. As a companion about the premises, the house or the stables, the
Scottie is par excellence. A first class vermin dog, an alert watchman
and game to the core, the Scottie will indeed fill the requirements of
anyone wishing to own one small dog, for size and all other conditions
must sometimes be taken into consideration.
The general appearance of the Scottie is that of a sharp, bright,
active dog. His expression is his distinguishing mark, for he is
always on the qui vive, ready, as it were, “for something to turn
up.” The head is carried well up. He appears to be higher on the leg
than he really is; this is due to his short, wiry coat, which is
like bristles, and about two inches long all over the body. He has a
compact appearance, nevertheless, his legs seem to be endowed with
almost an abnormal amount of bone. His back is short, his ribs well
sprung, his loin and quarters well filled up and in every essential,
he is powerfully put together. He carries his ears erect and they are
always alert. His eyes are small and of a very dark hazel color, his
tail, which is never docked, is about seven inches long and is carried
with a slight upward bend, which under excitement is apt to be carried
still more gaily. In height he should be from nine to twelve inches
and in weight the maximum is twenty pounds. Dogs going over that are
considered too large. Of recent years this breed has been becoming
more popular in all parts of the country and at the present time good
specimens may be bought at a very reasonable figure; that is, puppies
at weaning age, or a little later. Naturally, more matured dogs, with
the earmarks of becoming bench show flyers would still command a price
that the average one-dog owner would not care to pay for a mere home
companion. The breed is very intelligent and easily broken to all the
natural pursuits of the terrier.
[Illustration: THE SEALYHAM TERRIER, BARBERRYHILL GIN RICKEY.]
The _Sealyham Terrier_ is another breed that has come into popularity
recently, and with an active club here in America to foster it, it has
made rapid strides during the past four or five years. In the eyes of
the tyro he is a short-legged, over-weighted wire-haired fox terrier,
although the standard emphasizes the fact that he should not resemble
the latter breed either in character, expression or shape and such
resemblance “should be heavily penalized.” As a matter of fact, in head
properties there is nothing to indicate the fox terrier in a Sealyham
of correct type. His head is of a different formation. The skull is
wide between the ears and as the dog is describes as being the ideal
combination of the Dandie Dinmont and the bull terrier of twenty pounds
in weight, this skull formation is supposed to be the mien between the
two. It is slightly domed and rounded, with practically no stop and a
slight indentation running down between the brows. The jaws are long,
powerful and level, much wider and heavier than in the fox terrier. The
nose is black and the nostrils wide apart. The ears are of medium size
and set low, carried closely against the cheek, which characteristic
is insisted upon since a forward ear carriage would resemble a fox
terrier too much. The coat is dense and wiry; longer than that in
which the wire-haired fox terrier is usually shown, and it should be
especially profuse on head, neck and throat. The body is compact and
the tail is docked and must be carried gaily. The color should be a
white ground although patches of lemon, tan, brindle or badger-pied
markings are permissible on head and ears, though black spots are
objectionable and while they do not absolutely disqualify, dogs with
such markings should be severely penalized. The size of the dogs
should be from nine to twelve inches and bitches slightly less. Weight
in this breed is not any particular criterion and very frequently a
ten-inch dog may be so compactly and sturdily built that he might weigh
twenty-four pounds, while a larger one of rangier type could easily
go considerably less. The Sealyham’s sphere is similar to that of the
other short-legged terrier breeds; indeed, there are so many dogs of
similar characteristics that the question has frequently been asked,
“Why is a Sealyham?”
[Illustration: THE DANDY DINMONT TERRIER, CH. BLACKET, JR.]
The _Dandie Dinmont_ antedates the Sealyham by many years and is a dog
which became famous in literature. It will be remembered by those who
read Walter Scott that the hero for which the breed was named is Dandie
Dinmont, one of the noted personages in “Guy Mannering.” The quaint
character is well drawn in this novel of Sir Walter, but his dogs,
Mustard and Pepper, and Old Mustard and Old Pepper, etc., are even more
minutely described. No doubt at that time this type of terrier was
quite common in the border country, but it remained for dog fanciers to
fix the name upon this particular variety.
The size of the Dandie is eight to eleven inches at the shoulder and
the length of the dog measuring from the top of the shoulder to the
root of the tail should not be more than twice the dog’s height,
preferably one or two inches less. Weight ranges from fourteen to
twenty-four pounds, but the ideal weight is about eighteen pounds.
These weights are estimated for dogs that are in good working
condition. The color is mustard and pepper and it was because of these
uniform and pronounced colors that the quaint farmer in Scott’s novel
could not get away from the names; all of them, as previously said,
were Mustards and Peppers, either young or old. The pepper in the
present-day Dandie Dinmont ranges from dark bluish to a silvery grey,
but the intermediate shades are preferred. The Mustards vary from
reddish brown to a pale fawn, the head being a creamy white. Nearly all
specimens have a patch of white on the breast.
The coat is the important point, and characterizes the Dandie Dinmont.
The hair should be about two inches long; that from the skull to the
root of the tail, a mixture of hard and soft hair, which gives a crisp
feel to the hand, but the hard hair should not be wiry as in most
broken-haired terriers; the coat is in every sense of the word what
is called piley. The hair on the under part of the body is softer and
lighter in color than on top. The skin on the under body should accord
with the color of the dog.
The Dandie Dinmont is an odd looking creature, but game to the core and
a vermin dog. He is also an excellent watch dog and does not hesitate
to attack an intruder who might presume to trespass upon his master’s
domain. To those who want a rather out of the ordinary looking dog
the Dandie Dinmont will be the answer, for he will not only attract
attention, but also fill every requirement.
The _Bedlington_ is coated very much like the Dandie Dinmont, but
stands up higher on the leg. He is described as the smartest, the
largest and the gamest of the English terriers, but this was before the
advent of the Airedale. His height is from fifteen to sixteen inches
at shoulder, his back is slightly arched, while the dogs average in
weight about twenty-four pounds, the bitches going slightly less. The
origin of this dog is said to be in crosses in which the Dandie Dinmont
and probably the otter hound might have figured. In this respect he
approaches the Airedale in his early history. The Bedlington never
became popular in this country and as a matter of fact, even in England
he is not found in great numbers.
[Illustration: WAR CHIEF OF DAVISHILL.]
The _Airedale_ is the largest of the terrier varieties. Indeed, he is
such a large dog that he does not really belong in that class, for
while possessing most of all the other terrier attributes, he does not
go to earth for his quarry and this, in the strictest sense is what
all terriers are supposed to do. Be that as it may, the Airedale has
become the most popular of allround dogs, not only here in America, but
in every part of the world. Whether or not too much “refinement” in
breeding this dog for bench show purposes will eventually ruin him for
the allround utility dog that he is, still remains a mooted question,
but one thing is quite certain; he has found a place in the hearts of
sportsmen and this class will always breed types which will retain
their usefulness, hence the history of this breed here in America may
eventually parallel that of the English setter, in that there are two
types--one for actual use, the other for show only. It seems assured,
however, that the useful Airedale and the fined-down show dog are
growing wider apart each year. The reader who is especially interested
in the Airedale, is referred to my previous book, “The Airedale for
Work and Show.”
The _Bull Terrier_, a smooth coated white dog, makes an attractive
animal for the premises. He may not be so certain as a companion for
children unless brought up in their company from puppyhood, but he is a
good vermin dog and also a watchful guardian of the home. A pure bred
white bull terrier without the admixture of bulldog blood like one
finds so many among the brindled varieties, commands a good price, but
he is worth the money. Because of his pure white color he may not be so
easily kept immaculately clean, but having a short coat, he is easily
washed and in his case frequent bathing can do little or no harm, which
cannot be said of a number of breeds.