FLAT-COATED RETRIEVER CH. "RIGHT AWAY" S. E. SHIRLEY OWNER.FLAT-COATED RETRIEVER CH. "RIGHT AWAY" S. E. SHIRLEY OWNER.
The Retriever.—This breed is practically divided into two varieties, one called The Flat, Smooth, or Wavy-coated, and the other the Curly; both, as a rule, are black, but as far as my experience of them goes, more specimens "other than black" are seen amongst "the Curlies" than the others, but I think, undoubtedly, blacks, of either variety, are the handsomest. Both breeds have been brought to a great point of perfection.In the Flat-coated, Mr. S. E. Shirley and Colonel Cornwall-Legh, andin the Curly-coated, Earl Melville and Mr. S. Darbey, can show teams to make a sportsman "tear his hair;" often and often, one of these varieties has taken the coveted prize for the "best sporting dog in the show," and they are remarkable amongst the many charming breeds of sporting dogs bred and established in this country, for their very "matching character," so that, a high bred lot of either variety have a wonderful family likeness, and on the many occasions when I have had to take part inmaking the awards for the sporting and non-sporting teams, it has been a great pleasure to me to see grouped together, in different parts of an immense ring, teams of the various breeds, often containing the best known specimens of them, quite priceless, and which no money could buy, but most interesting to the lovers of beautiful, and in many cases, perfect specimens of animals.
Show Points of Wavy, Flat, or Smooth Retrievers.—Headlong and skull fairly wide; ears small and lying close to head; eyes brown or hazel and showing great intelligence; jaws long, and sufficiently strong to carry a Hare; muzzle fairly large, with full open nostrils; teeth level and sound; neck fairly long; chest deep and somewhat narrow; shoulders clean and strong, set obliquely; ribs deep, and well sprung; body long, with muscular loins; forelegs straight and strong; quarters muscular; stifles fairly bent; feet sound, and well arched; coat long, and straight, and of good quality; black, without any trace of white, is the fashionable colour, but classes for "other than black," are sometimes well filled. White and liver coloured specimens are sometimes met with, but seldom shown.General appearanceis that of a strong, upstanding, intelligent dog, of a decidedly sporting character, but quite prepared to take on any class of work required of him as a "general utility dog."
CURLY RETRIEVER CH. "TIVERTON BEST LAD" S. DARBEY OWNER.CURLY RETRIEVER CH. "TIVERTON BEST LAD" S. DARBEY OWNER.
The Curly-coated Retriever.—There has been much discussion as to the origin of this variety, which, likethat of its "Flatcoated" comrade, does not go back, it is thought, before the commencement of this century. Some think the old "water dog" we see depicted in the sporting pictures of our ancestors (and which looked like a cross of indifferent Poodle, with an inferior old English sheep dog, without much of the good points of either variety!), others claim the Irish Water Spaniel, and others again, the Poodle, to have been one of its parents in a cross with the Labrador dog, in the same way as its flat-coated cousin is supposed to have been produced by a cross between a Setter and a Labrador dog. I do not propose to enter into this controversy at all, personally I have had more to do with the Irish Water Spaniels (of which my brothers and I have had a great many amongst us since we were lads), and Poodles, of which I have had a good many and handled and judged hundreds, and I think I can see traces of the Irish Water Spanielandthe Poodle in the modern Curly-coated Retriever, but more of the former than the latter. I think, undoubtedly, the Curlies are the hardest to breed approaching perfection, but they are wonderfully "fetching," when up to the mark. The absence of curl, too much hair on face, and the openness of coat, are the faults I most often notice, and some fail in the tail not being as it should be, covered from root to end with small, tight curls, as on body. The sort of curls on the body may be described as like those on a nigger's head.
The Points for Show of the Curly Retrieverare not much at variance with those for the Flat-coated. Butthe latter is often the larger dog. The head, should be not so wide, with strong jaws, and muzzle more inclined to be snipey; the coat, a perfect mass of short, tight curls on the body, legs and tail, but only short, smooth hair on the face—the stern, quite straight and carried without any curve in it, substantial at root, lessening in size by degrees to its point.
Dogs Used in Sport(Continued)
sporting spaniels—basset hounds—dachshounds
A goodmany I have known, make much and think highly of some of the breeds of Spaniels. These are noted for their affectionate disposition and docility. The least often seen, and therefore not much known, are theIrish and the English Water Spaniels. The former should be dark liver coloured, covered with curls, except on the tail, which should be nearly bare of hair, and on the head a considerable tuft of hair, called the top-knot, hanging down over the eyes and face, so as to almost hide the former. There is something very comical, and quite "Hibernian," about the look of this breed, and they always appear to be open for any amount of fun, but they are also grand workers, and for duck-shooting, and retrieving in general, they are above the average in achievements, as they are above most of their fellows in size.The English Varietyis also a capital all-round useful dog, generally roan or dark coloured in ground, with sometimes spots or markings on head and body, also covered with curls, and looks best with tail moderately docked. He gives you the idea of a "business dog," and is very lively and ready for work of almost any sporting kind, and canstand a deal of it. Another of the family I am very partial to and have sometimes met with and kept as a companion, is the Clumber. I think this is the most aristocratic-looking of the sporting varieties of the breed, and should be a creamy white, with patches of lemon or light orange-tan, about the head and body. Either the tactics of the sportsmen of the present day are too rapid, or for some other cause, but there certainly are not so many of the breed to be seen now as there were some fifteen or twenty years since, but I am glad to see the present Duke of Newcastle is keeping up the breed at Clumber, where it is supposed to have been originally produced, and that there are still a few kennels in the country, where they are breeding some of these beautiful dogs, for I contend that a Clumber, in good form and well-groomed (when his coat will have quite a bloom on it), is one of the handsomest dogs a sportsman can wish to accompany him, and although his build and formation are not suited for a high rate of speed, he can get over a good deal of ground in the course of the day, and render some useful service to his owner and his friends. In that celebrated book, "The Master of the Game," preserved in the British Museum, and attributed to a royal author, being supposed to be written by a son of King Edward III. (who died in 1402), the Spaniel is spoken of as "Saynolfe," no doubt a term intended for "Spaynolfe," and is described as one of the hounds used for hawking, and called a Spaynel, "because the nature of him cometh from Spain, notwithstanding they are to be found in other countries," and such hounds, theauthor declares, have many good customs and evil. He insists that a good hound for hawking should have a large head and body, and that he should be of a "fair hewe," white or tawne, and not too "jough," that is, hairy or rough, but, his tail should be "rough," or feathered; he goes on to describe the proper temperament, as a sportsman of the present age would speak of a modern Clumber, leaving out one of its greatest merits, itssilence, or muteness, in work, however excited, so much to be desired. A great deal of sport may be had over a brace of Clumbers, which are as much as a sportsman can do with, particularly with a Retriever to look after the "killed and wounded."
I have also, occasionally, seen a specimen of the Sussex Spaniel, which are rare dogs for work, made a house pet of. They should be rich copper colour, and are very showy and distinguished looking in appearance, strong and muscular in build, more active than you would give them credit for, by their looks, and possessed of much intelligence and affection for their friends, good guards, and well able to take their own parts in any row, seldom coming off worst, even with larger antagonists. They have been brought to great perfection of late years. I should say there are some as good as any ever seen, to be met with at the present day, and especially at the well known Bridford Kennels in Devon. I think they are rather growing in public favour, to the reverse being the case; I often see what I may call "theField Spanielproper," the old glossy black, kept as a companion; the very long backed, and short-legged type, now in favour, don't strike one asbeing able to stand so much hard work, in the covers, as the more old fashioned sort, but they are, many of them, very beautiful dogs, and of high quality, and, what is also of importance to breeders, they command very high prices. I heard of an instance, not very long since, when a buyer was found for five or six specimens of the Black Field Spaniel, at £1,100, and another gave £400 for a single dog. I know all the three parties, that is, the seller and the two buyers, in these transactions, and believe them to bebonâ fideand true, in substance and fact, so that Spaniel breeding evidentlycanbe made to pay. Although I sometimes see some of the old liver and white, roan, blue and black Spaniels about, I certainly think they are not so popular as they were some years since. As a rule they are tractable, good tempered, "born sportsmen," particularly fond of a ramble amongst country lanes and hedgerows, and capital companions for all, attaching themselves readily to ladies and children, and making themselves "at home" as members of the household, though always ready for their own proper work, outside, when called upon.
CLUMBER-SPANIEL, "SANDRINGHAM-BUSTLER". H. R. H. PRINCE of WALES. OWNER.CLUMBER-SPANIEL, "SANDRINGHAM-BUSTLER". H. R. H. PRINCE of WALES. OWNER.
Sporting Spaniel Points.—I will here give the show points of the several Sporting Spaniels, commencing with theClumber. The points of this breed are as follows:—He should be long, low, and heavy, weight varies, but averages about forty to forty-five pounds. Colour, white, of a creamy shade, with orange or lemon markings; actual liver colour, or the very pale lemon, once made a point of, are now objected to by somebreeders of the present day. Height should not be over eighteen or twenty inches. Legs, both short and strong, in fact, so much so that, with his deep, well-coated body, he shows little "daylight" below him, as he stands or walks. Head, large, long, coloured to a line under the eyes, and showing a "blaze" up the face. Eyes, rather small for size of head, sunken, pensive, and thoughtful. Nose, dark flesh, or liver, coloured. Ears, large and much feathered, below, where the fleshy part of the ear ends. Neck, long, strong, and muscular. Back, straight and long. Chest, wide, also the shoulders, and substantial, likewise the forearm, which is very heavy for his size. Hocks, and hind quarters, large, bony, and very muscular. Loins, not arched, but straight. Ribs, round and prominent, back-ribs, in particular, very deep. Stern, set on low, looks best "docked," as is usually the case, with a little hair hanging at the fag end. Coat should be not too full in quantity, but very straight, silky, shining, and soft, in texture. The appearance and general character being that of a high class, dignified specimen of the sporting dog, well able to do all that can be reasonably required of him, but with no idea of being dictated to, hurried, or "put out of the way," by any one.
IRISH WATER SPANIEL. CH. "SHAUN". COL. THE HON. W. LE POER TRENCH. OWNER.IRISH WATER SPANIEL. CH. "SHAUN". COL. THE HON. W. LE POER TRENCH. OWNER.
The Irish Water Spaniel.—The head of the Irish Water Spaniel is rather large, forehead prominent, face perfectly smooth from eyes down, ears from twenty-four to twenty-six inches long from end to end; head should be crowned with a well-defined top-knot, not straggling across, like the common Water Dog, butcoming down in a peak on the forehead. The body should be covered with small, crisp curls, which often become draggled in the moulting season; the tail, should be round and "rat-like," without feather, rather short than the reverse, and as stiff as a ramrod. Colour, pure puce-shaded liver, without any white. Height, about from twenty-two to twenty-two and a half inches, seldom more when pure bred.
English Water Spaniel.—The following description of this breed, which is a very great favourite of mine, and I regret to say seems to be growing more scarce, year by year, is from the pen of my old friend, Mr. A. W. Langdale, who was counted an authority on Spaniels generally:—"Young breeders and judges should have before them this fact, thatColourshould be a secondary matter with the English Water Spaniel, and the latter should never pass over a liver and white dog, in favour of a whole coloured liver, provided the liver and white is a well-made specimen of his breed. The weight, again, should not exceed forty pounds, and his height nineteen inches, his ears may be fairly long, and covered all over with curl; also the body, not the close curl of his Irish brother, but one somewhat looser, and more straggly; his head is broad and long, with piercing eyes, his legs are well feathered behind, as well as in front, and there is no doubt that the feather, which in a ticked dog, comes out from each and every liver spot in front of the forelegs, has much to do with his power of endurance in water. They may be called 'natural retrievers,' as no dog is easier taught."
SUSSEX-SPANIEL CH. "BRIDFORD GIDDIE". MOSES WOOLLAND, OWNER.SUSSEX-SPANIEL CH. "BRIDFORD GIDDIE". MOSES WOOLLAND, OWNER.
The Sussex Spaniel.—He should be of a deep golden liver colour, and should weigh about thirty-four pounds. His head should be long and heavy, his eye large, and languishing, his forehead projecting over the eye, the muzzle square, the lips rather pendulous, his mouth large, and his underjaw rather recedes from the upper jaw. His ears should be large and well furnished with silky hair, they should be small, or narrow, where they spring from the head, and large, or lobe shaped, at the base; they should be set low down, and hang close to the cheeks. The nostrils should be large, the nose large and liver-coloured. The neck should be strong and muscular, with the crest a little arched. The chest, should be wide, the shoulders well thrown back, the body, long, and round. The legs should be short and strong, well flewed to the foot, before and behind. The feet, which are nearly always good in a Spaniel, should be round, well arched, and abundantly furnished with feather. The loin should be very strong, the back ribs very deep and round; the tail, docked to about nine inches, and well-feathered, should be set low, and have a downward action. The proper carriage of the tail marks the Spaniel's purity, as much as anything. The coat should be waved, not curled, and as already said, of a golden liver colour.
BLACK-SPANIEL. CH. "BRIDFORD-BRILLIANT". M. WOOLLAND. OWNER.BLACK-SPANIEL. CH. "BRIDFORD-BRILLIANT". M. WOOLLAND. OWNER.
The Black Spaniel.—The following description of the points required in this popular variety, are laid down by my friend, Mr. T. Jacobs, of Newton Abbot, who is, as far as I know, about the most successful breeder and exhibitor of them, during the last twenty-five years, he says:—"My standard is as follows: Pleasing temper I always look to first, never breed from a bad tempered sporting dog, every sportsman knows what a nuisance they are. A long body, short legs, with plenty of bone and feather, a perfectly smooth, satin-like coat, with no inclination to wave, or curl, moderately long. Ears, covered with long, silky hair, not ringlets, well set, low down, and hung close to the cheeks, small, or narrow, where they spring from the head, and large and lobe shaped, at the base, well furnished with hair on the inside leather. A long head, not 'snipey,' or heavy, like the Clumber; dark, pleasing eye, a yellow eye indicates bad temper, and should be avoided. Level mouth, not 'pig-jawed,' or under hung, but I prefer the former fault to the latter, which prevails, I am sorry to see, in some of our present show dogs. Breeders should avoid them as stock dogs. A long neck, slightly arched, well clothed with muscle. Strong across the loins. Ribs well sprung, and barrel-shaped. Belly, well clothed with long hair and not tucked up, like the Greyhound, a common fault. Broad chest, well clothed with muscle and feather. Feet, round and cat-like, with a plentiful supply of hair between the toes. Many have argued with me, that mating black with liver colour, would throw the black puppies rusty, or bad black, but, being a pigeon breeder for many years, and knowing that by mating duns and blacks, you procure a better black than by breeding two blacks together, I thought if this held good with Pigeons, why should it not do with dogs? I therefore mated my Spaniels, as before described, the result is,I have never seen one bad black, and have bred more than a dozen litters in that way."
COCKER SPANIEL CH. "TED OBO" J. FARROW OWNER.COCKER SPANIEL CH. "TED OBO" J. FARROW OWNER.
Some Other Sporting Spaniels.—The heads of small Spaniels should resemble those of small Setters, and have no tuft on them. The ears should be moderately long, and lie close to the cheek. Very short ears indicate a cross. The legs should be strong, well feathered and short; the feet round; and each toe should be protected with hair, a plentiful supply of which on, and between the toes, is important. The chest should be rather broad. The elbows, not so oblique as in the Setter. The body, should be long, and somewhat round, and barrel-like, with less depth of the fore rib than in the Setter. The tail, should come out on a line with the backbone. The colours may be almost anything, black, black and white, liver, liver and white, lemon, lemon and white, roan, blue, or grey mottled.
SMOOTH BASSET HOUND CH. "LOUIS LE BEAU" Mrs M. TOTTIE OWNER.SMOOTH BASSET HOUND CH. "LOUIS LE BEAU" MrsM. TOTTIE OWNER.
Bassets.—Amongst those breeds which have been taken up a good deal as pets and companions in comparatively recent years, have beenthe Bassets, bothSmoothandRough-coated. This breed, which has been in fewer hands than most, also enjoys the advantage of royal patronage, both their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, being successful breeders and exhibitors of them. They are heavy looking, usually hound marked, in colour, that is, white with black and light brown, and hound-tanned markings on body, which is very long shaped on short, strong legs,large, pendulous ears and head, and in expression much like what we used to see in pictures of the "old English Hound." They have a high-class and distinguished look about them, and give you the impression of character and breeding. They have not been used extensively for sporting purposes in this country, to my knowledge.
DACHSHUND CH. "WISEACRE". E. S. WOODIWISS, OWNER.DACHSHUND CH. "WISEACRE". E. S. WOODIWISS, OWNER.
Dachshunds.—Another of the breeds I have seen kept as pets, is theDachshund, or Badger Dog, as the name implies. I think they are rarely, or ever, used for Badgers in this country, and for the safety of the greater part of those I have seen here, I think it is much better that is so, as any one familiar with the Badger, or the "old Gentleman in Grey," as he is frequently called, will know that he is a formidable opponent to tackle, muscular, active, low to the ground, with a very tough, harsh coat, and long, powerful jaws, and weighing from over twenty to over thirty pounds, so that it requires activity, strength and indomitable pluck for a small dog to attempt to overcome such an animal, possessing so many natural advantages. I think Dachshunds are not so generally kept as pets as they were some years since, but my experience of them is favourable, having found them amiable and docile in disposition, cleanly in habits, and bright and lively in temperament. They are very long, and low, in build, head and ears hound shaped, forelegs curved with an outward turn, to facilitate digging operations, tail carried rather gaily, coat fine in texture, skin loose, colours most in favour, rich chestnut red, black and tan, chocolate, and other shades of brown,and of late, what is called "dappled," which seems to be a ground of one shade of brown, splashed with irregular blotches of another darker shade of same colour. Of course there are constantly springing up new patrons and patronesses for all kinds of dogs, but I have noticed that almost every one of the persons who were the most enthusiastic supporters, and breeders of Dachshunds, when they were first brought forward, many years since, have now ceased to keep them, although they nearly all keep some other breeds, so that, as in my own case, I think it is not one of the varieties which takes a lasting hold on its votaries, whether from the fact that it is essentially one of the foreign made breeds, and the effect of the strong preference, which now prevails for the encouragement of everything of British and Colonial origin and manufacture, I do not know, but I can call to mind at least ten of the largest breeders of Dachshunds in this country, who, I believe, have not at present one specimen amongst the lot.
ROUGH BASSET. "BEAUTY" H. R. H. PRINCE of WALES, OWNER.ROUGH BASSET. "BEAUTY" H. R. H. PRINCE of WALES, OWNER.
Points of the Basset Hound.—The following description of the points desired in this breed by my friend, the late lamented Sir Everett Millais, Bart., who was quite an enthusiast in his support of it, may be interesting to those of my readers who admire (and who, that has seen them, can fail to do so?) these very beautiful dogs:—"The Basset, for its size, has perhaps more bone than nearly any other dog. The skull, should be peaked, like that of the Bloodhound, with the same dignity, and expression; nose, black, and wellflewed. For the size of the Hound, I think the teeth are extremely small. However, as they are not intended to destroy life, perhaps this is the reason. The ears, should hang, like the Bloodhounds, and are like the softest velvet. The eyes are deep brown, and brimful of affection and intelligence. They are pretty deeply set, and should show a considerable 'haw.' A Basset, is one of those Hounds, incapable of having a 'wicked eye.' The neck, is long, but of great power, and in the Basset à jambes torses, the flews extend very nearly down to the chest. The chest, is more expansive in the Basset, than even in the Bull Dog, and should, in the Basset à jambes torses, be not more than two inches from the ground. In the case of the Basset à jambes demi-torses, and jambes droites, being generally lighter, their chests do not of course come so low. The shoulders, are of great power and terminate in the crooked feet of the Basset, which appear to be a mass of joints. The back and ribs, are strong, and the former of great length, the stern, is gaily carried, like that of Hounds in general, and when the Hound is on the scent of game, this portion of his body gets extremely animated, and tells me, in my own Hounds, when they have struck a fresh, or cold, scent, and I even know when the foremost Hound will give tongue! The hindquarters, are very strong and muscular, the muscles standing rigidly out, down to the hocks. The skin, is soft in the smooth haired dogs, and like that of any other Hound, but in the rough variety, it is identical with that of the Otter Hound. Colour, of course, is a matter of fancy, although I infinitely prefer the 'tricolour,' which has a tan head, and black and white body."
Points of the Dachshund.—The following are set down by my friend, Mr. A. O. Mudie, so well-known as a successful breeder, exhibitor and judge of this quaint-looking breed, and who has had a long experience amongst them:—Head, long and narrow, peak well developed. Jaw, strong, and level. Ears, set on low, long, broad, and soft. Chest, deep, and narrow; breastbone prominent. Forelegs, very short, and strong in bone, well-crooked, but standing equally on all parts of the foot. Skin, thick, and supple. Coat, short and strong. Loins, well arched, strong and muscular. Any colour. Long, low, and graceful, and not cloddy."
Dogs Used in Sport(Continued)
greyhounds—scottish deerhounds—irish wolfhounds—borzois—whippets
WHIPPET GREYHOUND CH. "REAL JAM." S. WOODIWISS OWNER.WHIPPET GREYHOUND CH. "REAL JAM." S. WOODIWISS OWNER.
Greyhounds.—This is certainly, whether quite in his present form and appearance or not, one of the most ancient breeds, and believed to have been kept by our forefathers in the earliest part of the Christian era. It is said to have been introduced into this country in the days of Elfric, Duke of Mercia, and manuscript paintings exist of a Saxon chief, his huntsman and a brace of Greyhounds in the ninth century. Although not generally credited with much more intelligence than to view a hare and run after it until he catches it, or it gets away, I mention later on in this book, some tales of his sagacity which I believe are well authenticated, and will now give a detailed description of the breed:—
Points of the Greyhound.—Head, narrow and fine, with sufficient muscle; nose should be straight (not curved, many, otherwise good, are spoiled by "Roman noses"); nasal sinuses not developed; eyes full and bright, full of life; semi-erect, small, well shaped ears; neck long, slightly curved; chest capacious, plenty of "lung power," deep rather than wide; shoulders deep,narrow at top, like racehorses' shoulders in their position; forelegs straight, well set on, well muscled; forearms, long, strong and muscular; feet compact, and not too long; well arched ribs; wide, large and muscular hips; long, strong, slightly arched back; hocks and knees placed low; coat glossy as satin (many good "performers" however, have been the reverse of this); Colours: white, red, brindle, blue and white, fawn, black, red and fawn, etc., quite a matter of taste. It is thought, by some people, that more great winners have been produced from the blacks, and black and whites, than from any other colours. As far as show winners are concerned, and I have had scores of the breed before me, I am inclined to think brindles, blacks and fawns have been the most often the winning colours.
DEERHOUND, CH. "SELWOOD DHOURAN". R. HOOD WRIGHT, OWNER.DEERHOUND, CH. "SELWOOD DHOURAN". R. HOOD WRIGHT, OWNER.
The Scotch Deerhound.—Although I have often seen these graceful animals (as we know was the case with Sir Walter Scott), made inmates of the house, there is a rugged, moorland, and, withal, business-like look about them which gives you the idea they would be more at home in the open air, on the heather, or the mountain side, for choice, than in the most luxurious house dwelling. It is some time since I had any of them, but I was very partial to the breed, and used to exhibit for some time, and well remember the grace and activity often displayed by some of my specimens. I always go and have a look at them at the shows. I am not quite convinced they are making much progress, just now, although undoubtedly there are good specimens. There are so many new breeds being broughtout and "pushed" forward, some of the older ones are apt to be neglected.
The Points of Scotch Deerhound.—The points of this breed are stated by a well known breeder and exhibitor as follows:—Head, long and narrow, tapering gradually from the ears, knee flat; nose, black, occasionally a blue black, and pointed, lips level, ears small, set on high and carried in a fold, soft, silky, and free from long hairs; neck long but strong, nape very prominent, shoulders sloping, toes close and arched, chest deep, body long, but well ribbed up; loins arched with great breadth across hips, stifle well bent, thighs long; tail set on low, curved but not coated, coat rough and harsh on body, mane on neck and slight fringe on inside of legs, thighs, and tail. Colours: all shades from dark blue or black brindled, to light grey brindled, fallow, fawn, dun and drab. White markings often seen on chest and feet, but most objectionable.
IRISH WOLFHOUND CH. "SHEELAH" CAPN GRAHAM OWNER.IRISH WOLFHOUND CH. "SHEELAH" CAPNGRAHAM OWNER.
The Irish Wolf Hound.—I think nearly all persons who take any interest in this grand old breed, stated to have been well known to and greatly prized by "the Romans," in old times, are aware that no one of the present generation has devoted more time and trouble, in diving into the history of the breed in the past, and doing his utmost, both by experimental breeding, and stirring up a similar ardour in others, to revive at least some of the past glories of the breed, in the present and future, than Captain George Graham, of Dursley, and Iventure to make some quotations from an excellent and interesting article of his on the subject, as being the highest authority procurable: "The formof the old Irish Wolfhound should be that of a tall, heavy Scotch Deerhound, much more massive, and very majestic looking, active and fast, perhaps less so than our present breed of Deerhounds; neck thick in comparison to his form, and very muscular, body and frame lengthy.Head, long but narrow, coming to a comparative point towards the nose, which is rather large; and head gradually getting broader from the sameevenlyup to the back of the skull, not sharp up to the eyes and then suddenly broad and humpy.Coat, rough, hard and long all over the body, head, legs and tail. Hair on head, long, but rather softer than on body, standing out boldly over eyes, beard under jaws, very marked and wiry. Colours: black, grey, brindle, red, and fawn, thoughwhitedogs were esteemed in former times.Ears, small in proportion to size of head, and erect, as in Smooth Greyhounds. If dark in colour, to be preferred.The tail, should be carried with an upward curve only, and not be curled as is the case with many Greyhounds.Size.We may safely deduce that the height of these dogs varied from thirty-two to thirty-four inches, and even thirty-five in the dogs, and from twenty-nine to thirty-one in the bitches. The other dimensions would naturally be about as follows for well shaped and true formed dogs.Girth of chest.Dogs thirty-eight to forty-four inches; bitches thirty-two to thirty-four inches.Weight.Dogs one-hundred and fifteen to one hundred and forty pounds;bitches ninety to one hundred and fifteen pounds.Girth of forearm.Dogs ten to twelve inches; bitches eight and one-half to ten inches.Length of head.Dogs twelve and one-half to fourteen inches; bitches eleven to twelve inches. Most modern authors, and all practical lovers of the canine race whom the writer has consulted, are agreed that the foregoing is the correct type of dog beyond question."
Show Points of the Irish Wolf Hound.—Skull, long but rather narrow in proportion to the animal's height and weight, very gradually tapering to the nose, which should be large; ears small; eyes dark hazel; neck of fair length and very muscular; shoulders sloping, chest rather wide and very deep; body long and very powerful, though free from any suspicion of clumsiness; forelegs, straight, and heavy in bone; feet, compact, and of a good size and well padded; hindquarters, very muscular, with bent stifles and hocks; tail carried rather upward in similar form; coat, profuse, hard, and weather resisting; brindle, black, or fawn are the most usual colours, though whitesareknown. Size, as tall as possible.
BORZOI, CH. "ALEX" H. R. H. PRINCESS of WALES, OWNER.BORZOI, CH. "ALEX" H. R. H. PRINCESS of WALES, OWNER.
The Borzois.—I will next deal with the Borzois, the name of the Russian Wolf Hounds, which have become so much more numerous of late years, and are being patronised not only by many of the nobility and gentry, but even by H. R. H. the Princess of Wales. The portrait of a champion from H. R. H. kennels illustrates this variety. I remember H. R. H. the Prince of Wales exhibited some specimens of thisbreed a good many years ago, at Warwick, on one of the many occasions of my judging there, and if I remember rightly Lady Charles Innes Ker was also an exhibitor of the breed at the same show, but those shown by the latter, although what would at the present day, be considered small and weedy specimens, were more, in colour, coat and type, like those now imported from Russia, while those then shown by H. R. H. the Prince (although, I think, stated to be a present to him from the then Emperor of Russia,) were pale cream, or freestone, colour, with harsher coats, and more altogether on the style of very light coloured Scotch Deerhounds. I may say, however, that for elegance, elasticity, beauty of form, and movement, there is no breed to surpass the Borzois and I have no doubt they will continue to increase in popularity. The points most sought after in the breed are:—narrow, domed, and long skulls, long, powerful jaws, with rather arched noses, soft and intelligent expression; very powerful, slightly arched and longish sides, on sloping shoulders, deep but rather narrow chests; backs rising in a gradual curve at loins, very muscular, but appearance of being rather "tucked up;" forelegs straight, strong and well under body; feet close and well padded; hindquarters immensely muscular and powerful, backs well let down, tail carried low, in a graceful curve; coat profuse and silky looking, colours usually white with lemon, grey or red markings, but self-coloured specimens are often seen; the general appearance is that of a high bred, distinguished looking, graceful animal, something the shapeand size of a Scotch Deerhound, but differing from it in many respects. As I judged this breed long before there was any club or classes provided for it, I have always taken much interest in it, and been pleased to see how rapidly it has come into public favour.
WHIPPET CH. "ENTERPRISE" H. VICKERS, OWNER.WHIPPET CH. "ENTERPRISE" H. VICKERS, OWNER.
The Whippet.—Although their size and elegance of shape would make them eligible, I think, the Whippet, or "Running Dog," as he is sometimes called, is not often kept strictly as a pet or companion, but more often as a means of a little speculation on its fleetness of foot. No doubt most of my readers will be aware, it is a small sized Greyhound, rather long in head, wide between the eyes, flat at top, jaw powerful but clean, level teeth, bright eyes, small rose ears, long, arched neck, no throatiness, muscular, oblique shoulders, deep chest, strong loins, arched back, rather long and broad. Legs straight, short and muscular thighs, feet round and well split up, tail tapering and long, with good carriage. Coat fine and close, colours, white, brindle, fawn, blue, red, black, and mixtures of each. Of late years there has been greatly revived interest taken in these dogs, and considerable prizes have been offered for their competition. I have noticed also a marked increase in the entries at shows providing classes for them, and on several occasions, at the larger shows, I have had good classes containing many beautiful specimens of this breed, which is so largely kept by colliers and others of the working classes in the "Black Country."
Terriers Used in Sport
fox—dandie dinmonts—skyes—scottish
(OLD TYPE.) SMOOTH FOX TERRIER "BELGRAVE JOE" L. TURNER, OWNER(OLD TYPE.) SMOOTH FOX TERRIER "BELGRAVE JOE" L. TURNER, OWNER
(NEW TYPE) SMOOTH FOX TERRIER CH. "CLAUD DUVAL" G. RAPER OWNER.(NEW TYPE) SMOOTH FOX TERRIER CH. "CLAUD DUVAL" G. RAPER OWNER.
Fox Terriers.—As this breed is associated with my first prize, when a schoolboy, now, some years since, but when dog shows were much rarer than "Black Swans," were supposed to be, I have always taken much interest in it, and have had many good specimens of both the Smooth, and Wirehaired, varieties into which the breed is divided. They are both very good and both have hosts of admirers. Some of the fanciers now exhibiting, will remember, with me, the time when no classes were provided for the "Wirehairs," and you had (as I have often done) to show them as "Broken-haired Terriers," and often meet in your class nearly all the members of that heterogeneous family, such as Dandies, Skyes, Bedlingtons, Scottish (Airedales did not exist then), Irish, and old English, enough to try the temper of judge and exhibitors, and making the decision quite a matter of the specimen best shower and shown. But since those days, Fox Terriers have enjoyed a long term of popularity, and so far from the "Wirehaired" section being ignored, I have seen at some shows more entries in it than that of their Smooth brethren, and the figures given for high class specimens,are certainly not far behind, even if they are not before, them. Of course, hundreds, in fact the great majority of the Fox Terriers in the country, have never seen a Fox, and probably never will, in the course of their natural life, and (as I said of many of the Dachshunds we see about, and the "Badgers," so I say of very many of the Fox Terriers to be met with everywhere) so much the betterfor them, as a Fox,in his earth, which is where a Terrier is wanted to deal with him, is not a "milk and water" animal to tackle, as a rule, and it requires strength, perseverance, pluck and ability on the part of his assailants. I think the following description of the necessary points required, as expressed by my friend Mr. Francis Redmond, well known to many of my readers as a very successful breeder, exhibitor, and judge of the breed, will fitly conclude my brief notice:—"The points of greatest importance in the Fox Terrier are: Head, ears, legs and feet, neck, and shoulders, back, loin and hindquarters, smartness, activity, size, and 'Terrier character.'Head.The skull should be flat and moderately narrow, broader between the ears and gradually tapering to the eyes, free from wrinkle. But little slope, or indentation, should be visible, except in profile. The jaw should be clean cut, rather long, powerful and muscular, with little or any fullness or bulging out at the cheeks. There is a very slight falling away below the eyes, but this must be very gradual, and not to such an extent as to give a snipey, or wedgy, appearance.The lipsshould be fairly tight, without any superfluous skin.The nosemust be quite black.[Pg 119]The eyesshould be small, not set too wide apart, neither too much sunk, or protruding, dark-rimmed, full of life, and intelligence.The teeth, strong, and level, incisors just closing over the under ones.The ears, to which great importance is attached, V shaped, rather small, fairly thick and carried forward, flat, and close to the cheek.The neckshould be of fair length, clean and muscular, well set, with shoulders tapering gradually to head.The shoulders, fine at the points, long and sloping, chest deep, narrow rather than broad. Shoulders and chest have of late received much attention by judges; heavy shoulders and broad chests are no good for these dogs' work.Back and loin.Back should be straight and strong, the ribs well sprung, loin strong, wide and square, back ribs deep. Loin may be slightly arched, but with no approach to 'wheel back.'Hindquartersmust be very strong, wide seen from behind, thighs with plenty of muscle, long as well as large, stifles slightly bent, hocks straight. Bone, short and strong from hock to heel.Sternset on rather high, carried gaily, not carried above a 'right angle' with back; if anything, a trifle coarse.Legs and feet.Point of extreme value, to which greatest attention should be given. Elbows well let down, in straight line with body. Forelegs, however viewed, 'straight as gun barrels,' with upright, powerful, pasterns; strong in bone, clothed with muscle from elbow to foot, giving a most solid, unbroken appearance; feet, round, and cat-like, very compact, toes short and only moderately arched, soles hard as adamant; foot should neither turn in or out, if any deviation, should turn in; no dew-claws behind.The Coatshould be smooth, harsh in texture, very close and abundant, a jacket to protect wearer from all weathers. Colours: white should predominate. Brindle, fallow, liver, or red, markings are objectionable.Size.The Fox Terrier must neither be leggy or too near the ground, neither must he be cloddy, but should have plenty of 'liberty,' and galloping power, with good bone and substance; fair speed and endurance being essentially requisite for his legitimate calling. Seventeen pounds in hard working condition is a fair average weight, but this may vary a pound or so either way. Make, shape, good shoulders and chest, being far better criterions, in this respect, than actual weight.—"