BOSTON-TERRIER "TURPIN". MISS J. TOZIER, OWNER.BOSTON-TERRIER "TURPIN". MISS J. TOZIER, OWNER.
The Boston Terrier.—By the kindness of a correspondent on the "other side of the water," who has taken the trouble to supply some authentic details ofthis breed of which so little is known amongst Englishmen, but which are sure to be of much interest to the many fanciers and admirers of the variety, I have much pleasure in giving the actual words of my correspondent in the following description and standard of show points of the Boston Terrier.
"Concerning the earlier dogs of the breed.—How did the breed originate? It resulted from a cross between the English Bull dog and the English Terrier, and these two have been considerably inbred. Accidental peculiarities of the first dogs used as sires are partly responsible for the present type. About 30 years ago Mr. Robert C. Hooper, of Boston, Mass., U. S. A., came into possession of a dog named Judge who was imported from England. This dog known as Hooper's Judge was destined to be the ancestor of the true modern Boston Terrier. He was a cross between an English Bull dog and an English Terrier, leaning in type rather more toward the Bull dog. Judge was bred to Gyp, or Kate, a white bitch, owned by Ed. Burnett, of Southboro, Mass. She weighed twenty pounds, had a fine three-quarter tail low stationed, stocky-build, showing strength in her make-up, good head, being short and blocky. From Judge and Gyp descended Well's Eph. Eph was mated to Tobin's Kate, weighing twenty pounds, short head, golden brindle in colour, and straight three-quarter tail. From Well's Eph and Tobin's Kate came Barnard's Tom, thefirstdog with a screw tail. This dog Tom was a great improvement over his sire and grandsire, besidebeing thefirstto show the fine quality that is present in a good specimen of the modern Boston Terrier—Tom was the best Boston Terrier of his day, so, of course, was much used in stud. The above gives very briefly the main facts concerning the older dogs of this breed. To correct an idea that has become somewhat prevalent, it can here be stated that the dog is in no sense a fighting dog. While he is plucky as might be expected from his ancestry, he is not quarrelsome or aggressive—is very loyal to his master, obedient, affectionate and of sweet nature, quick in motion and very intelligent."
Show points and standard of the Boston Terrier, furnished by an enthusiastic American fancier of the breed.
General Appearance.—The general appearance of the Boston Terrier is that of a smooth, short-coated, compactly built dog of medium stature. The head should indicate a high degree of intelligence, and should be in proportion to the dog's size, the body rather short and well knit, the limbs strong and finely turned, no feature being so prominent that the dog appears badly proportioned. The dog conveys an idea of determination, strength and activity—style of a high order, carriage easy and graceful.
Skull—Broad and flat without prominent cheeks, and forehead free from wrinkles.
Stop—Well defined but indenture not too deep.
Eyes—Wide apart, large and round, neither sunken nor too prominent, dark in colour and soft—the outside corner on a line with the cheeks as viewed from the front.
Ears—Small and thin, as near corners of the skull as possible.
Muzzle—Short, square, wide and deep, without wrinkles; nose black and wide, with a well defined straight line between nostrils. The jaws broad and square with short, regular teeth; the chops wide and deep, not pendulous, completely covering the teeth when the mouth is closed.
Neck—Of fair length, without throatiness, and slightly arched.
Body—Deep and broad at chest, well ribbed up. Back short, not roached. Loins and quarters strong.
Elbows—Standing neither in nor out.
Fore legs—Wide apart, straight and well muscled.
Hind legs—Straight, quite long from stifle to hock, which should turn neither in nor out, short and straight from hock to pastern, thighs well muscled, hocks not too prominent.
Feet—Small, turned neither in nor out. Toes compact and arched.
Tail—Set on low, fine tapering or screw—devoid of fringe or coarse hair,notcarried above the horizontal.
Colour—Any colour, brindle, evenly marked with white, strongly preferred.
Markings—White muzzle, blaze on face, collar, chest and feet.
Coat—Fine in texture, short and bright and not hard.
Weight—Light-weight class, under twenty-threepounds, but not less than thirteen pounds. Heavy-weight class, twenty-three to thirty pounds, inclusive.
Disqualifications—Cocked tail or any artificial means to deceive the judge.
SCORE OF POINTS.
Skull, 12; ears, 2; eyes, 5; stop, 2; muzzle, 12; neck, 5; body, 15; elbows, 2; forelegs, 4; hindlegs, 4; feet, 2; tail, 10; colour, 8; markings, 4; coat, 3; general appearance, style, 10.
Total, 100.
Dogs Used in Work(Continued)
terriers—irish—airedale—bedlington—black and tan—smooth english
IRISH TERRIER CH. "TED MALONE" Mrs BUTCHER OWNERIRISH TERRIER CH. "TED MALONE" Mrs BUTCHER OWNER
The Irish Terrier.—There is scarcely any breed of any of the many varieties of the Terrier, which has grown more in popularity during the last twenty years, than this. And I believe it has done so strictly on its merits; of course, somewhat helped by the ardour and zeal of his excitable and genial fellow-countrymen, who have done all in their power to help on one of their "national breeds." From the points hereafter given, my readers will get a good description of the breed. I may say that my experience of it,personally, was chiefly in some I bought of my friend, Mr. W. Graham, of Belfast, (so much known and liked in English as well as Irish doggy circles, and the breeder and exhibitor of some of the best specimens of the breed ever seen). The only reason we "parted company," was their talent for "boxing." If I had a dozen or more dogs out peaceably enjoying themselves in a paddock, the moment "the Irishmen" were let out, there were "ructions," and they could not content themselves with just a friendly bout amongst themselves, or with some of the Dandies, Skyes, or others, near their own size and weight, but must needs go and pick a quarrel with someof the Collies, Bobtails or other larger dogs, and I feared they would be killed, so got rid of them, though they were all right with all of us, and indeed great favourites. The following description of the breed is by my friend, Mr. L. I. Barnett, so well known as Secretary of the English Section of the Irish Terrier Club, and a frequent judge:—
Points of the Irish Terrier.—"Head long, rather narrow; punishing jaw; eyes, small and dark; ears fairly small, not set on too high; legs straight, and strong; feet, round, and thick, with good heels; chest narrow, with good depth of brisket; back strong, and straight, with tail set on rather high; loins strong; neck, strong, and muscular; coat very hard, and straight, shorter on head; colour yellow-red, darker on ears; expression, 'wicked,' but intelligent."
AIREDALE TERRIER CH. "DUMBARTON LASS" A. E. JENNINGS OWNER.AIREDALE TERRIER CH. "DUMBARTON LASS" A. E. JENNINGS OWNER.
Airedales.—Another breed I see occasionally kept is theAiredale Terrier, which are seldom less than forty pounds weight, and often much more. As guards, or companions, they are admirable, and follow a trap well, and can look after their own welfare, but although they have been immensely improved since they were first brought out, in the North of England, as "The Waterside Terrier," there is, to my mind, a coarse and common look about them, that seems to keep them more associated with a breed suitable to accompany his master's trap or cart, or to mount guard over premises liable to be attacked by burglars, and its size always seems to me much to its disadvantage, indoing any of the work which usually falls to the members of the different varieties of "Terriers." The long shaped head, small ears, dark hazel eyes, strong, well-knit body, with docked tail, and the colour grizzled black above, and light tan below, will be familiar to most readers of these words. I have known many beautiful Airedales, some of them (except in size) nearly perfect in their Terrier character, and on the occasions I have judged the breed I have had excellent entries of good quality, and I know now many who keep them, and prefer them to any other breed of dog. I am bound, however, to say I have never been very much taken up with them, as I object to their size as being too big to be classed amongst Terriers for the work of that variety.
BEDLINGTON-TERRIER. CH. "CLYDE-BOY" R.H. SMITH. OWNER.BEDLINGTON-TERRIER. CH. "CLYDE-BOY" R.H. SMITH. OWNER.
The Bedlington.—This breed, which first appeared at Darlington Dog show in 1866, had existed in the extreme north of England, for nearly or quite fifty years before that, and has always been more bred and kept in the north than in any other part of the country, although I have occasionally seen good specimens elsewhere. The following extract from a letter published in "The Field" in March, 1869, from a staunch supporter of the breed, will be of interest to some of my readers. "The Bedlington Terrier is fast, and whether on land, or in water, is equally at home; in appetite, these dogs are dainty, and they seldom fatten; but experience has shown them to be wiry, enduring, and, in courage, equal to the bull dog. They will face almost anything, and I know of a dog which will extinguish acandle or lighted paper at his master's bidding! To these other good qualities may be added, their marked intelligence, and hostility to vermin of all kinds. They will encounter the otter, fox, badger, with the greatest determination. The points of the Bedlington Terrier, which is a very lively member, as a rule, are as follows: Skull narrow and domed, and adorned with a silky top-knot; jaws very strong and punishing and lips tight; nose large and either black or liver-coloured, according to shade of the coat, eyes small and rather deeply sunk, their colour following that of body, ears fine, filbert shaped, tipped with soft silky hair and carried flat against the sides of the head, neck long and shoulders sloping, body rather narrow at the chest, but deep at this point, ribs flat, slightly arched at the loins, which should be powerful, legs straight, feet of fair size, hindquarters graceful looking and not too heavy, tail tapering almost all the way from base, carried in a curve like a Turkish Sword; coat much as a Dandie's, linty, composed of a mixture of hard and soft hair. Colours blue liver or sandy, or mixtures of above with tanned markings, pure self colours preferred and any white objectionable. General appearance that of a particularly alert and active dog of immense energy and courage, and quite prepared to take his own part, with any dog of any breed.
WELSH TERRIER CH. "BRYNHIR BURNER" W. S. GLYNN. OWNER.WELSH TERRIER CH. "BRYNHIR BURNER" W. S. GLYNN. OWNER.
The Welsh Terrier.—Another handy sized breed for pet or companion and a smart guard is the Welsh Terrier, which is practically a wire-haired black and tan terrier, not over twenty pounds, andoften less, in weight, head flat and wider at base, eyes set rather wide, muzzle longish, and a bit stronger than usually seen in Fox Terriers, ears small, with forward carriage, neck clean and not short, muscular thighs and well-boned, straight, fore-legs, coat (black, or grizzle and tan, in colour) wiry, hard and dense, should have no white spots, or markings. They are very smart, showy dogs and usually very keen on anything in the vermin, or sporting line, and are being bred very true to type by some of their patrons, many of whom are very enthusiastic in their praise.
The Old English Terrier.—A breed closely resembling these are theOld English Terriers, usually rather larger and more grizzled in colour than their Welsh brethren, and very suitable, being something like a small Airedale in appearance, as companions or house guards. The considerable interest taken in Airedales and Welsh Terriers, (both of which have one or more specialist clubs to look after their interests and push them forward) has been rather prejudicial to the Old English Terriers, which have been somewhat neglected, but I should like to see someone take them up, as there is much of "general utility" about them, and they should not be allowed to die out.
BLACK & TAN TERRIER CH. STARKIE BEN LT. COL. C. S. DEAN. OWNER.BLACK & TAN TERRIER CH. STARKIE BEN LT.COL. C. S. DEAN. OWNER.
The Black and Tan Terrier.—Another well-known breed is the Manchester or Black and Tan Terrier, which, some years since, enjoyed considerable popularity, and I think the main cause of its decline, was its getting into the hands of some unscrupulous members of the community, who dyed, faked, and "rang the changes," as it was called, with them, to such an extent, that respectable people were afraid to have anything to do with them. I have no doubt that the cropping edict has also been against them, as formerly, if a dog had large, or ugly ears, their appearance was often improved in the cropping, but now, unless the ears are naturally small, good specimens have little chance in the keen competition of these dogs. I need hardly describe them as fine-coated, rather snake-headed dogs with bright eyes of dark colour, and marked with tan, which should be clear in shade on the legs, thighs, feet, and other parts. They are well adapted as pets and companions, being smart, lively and intelligent in their manners and cleanly and vigilant in their habits. The points of the Manchester or Black and Tan Terrier are rather elaborate and run as follows: Head long and narrow, flat from the back to the nose and with no humps at sides or cheek, muzzle long and tapering, but not weak, eyes small and oval shaped, black and bright. The correct carriage of the ears is a debatable point since cropping has been abolished, but probably the drop ear is correct; neck light and graceful, shoulders sloping, chest rather narrow but deep and the body slightly arched with good back ribs; forelegs quite straight with well arched toes and jet black toenails, powerful hindquarters with hocks well let down, tail very fine and carried almost straight, coat short, yet close. Colour: Lustrous blue black, with rich mahogany tan markings along the jaws, under the throat, over the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the ears, oneach side of breast, on the inside of the hind legs, under the vent and on the forelegs up to above the pastern joint. The toes, however, have black lines called "pencilling," running up them and there is a black spot called the thumb mark just along the pastern joint in front of the limb. The general appearance is that of a high class and well-bred, smart and neat-looking dog well suited for any work, coming into the sphere of a terrier, and a fit companion or guard for either sex, or any rank of life. He can adapt himself to the cottage, or the palace, and look well in either.
WHITE ENGLISH TERRIER. CH. ECLIPSE J. WALSH. OWNER.WHITE ENGLISH TERRIER. CH. ECLIPSE J. WALSH. OWNER.
The White English Terrier—I may here mention what is doubtless a branch of the same variety or closely allied to it, the White English Terrier, which, but for its colour, being all pure white, is just built on the same lines, and is suitable for the same purposes, as his black and tan cousin. Some years since when the lighter weights of bull terriers were more popular than at present, I think they were largely crossed with White English, so as to get down their size, and some I have had, and many I have seen, have undoubtedly had some of the Bull Terrier blood in them, which could be traced in their skulls, showing rather more fullness than the breed should indicate, and their dispositions being rather more warlike than was always convenient to their owners, or agreeable to their kennel companions. I contend that a thoroughbred White English Terrier is quite a superior dog and fit company for anyone. I know some of the best at the present time are owned by ladies.
PART IIIchap.pageperforming and toy breedsXII.Poodles, Pomeranians, Pugs, Schipperkes219XIII.Toy Spaniels,—King Charles, Prince Charles, Ruby, Blenheim, Japanese245XIV.Terriers,—Toy, Smooth Black and Tan, Yorkshire, Maltese, Griffons Bruxelles263XV.Toy Bull Dogs, Toy Bull Terriers, Italian Greyhounds275
Performing and Toy Breeds
poodles—pomeranians—pugs—schipperkes
CORDED POODLE CH. "MODEL". MADME DAGOIS OWNER.CORDED POODLE CH. "MODEL". MADMEDAGOIS OWNER.
CURLY POODLE CH. "RUFUS" MRS R. LONG OWNER.CURLY POODLE CH. "RUFUS" MRS R. LONG OWNER.
Poodles.—One of the most intelligent breeds in existence, that of the Poodle, lends itself especially to becoming a pet or companion, soon becoming warmly attached to its owner, very quick at learning what is required of it, and very smart and vigilant as a guard. Although, in ordinary life, we principally see the curly variety, at all the leading shows, we see specimens of the "corded variety" both white and black in colour, and with coats quite fearful and wonderful to behold, hanging in festoons of cords or tags, in some cases of such length as to sweep the ground as they walk along, which must be a considerable inconvenience to the dogs, as well as their owners. There has been much correspondence and discussion on the subject, but I think, after a lengthened acquaintance with the breed, and having seen and handled nearly all the best specimens brought forward during the last twenty-five years, there is no doubt there are two varieties, corded and curly, and although they have been sometimes interbred, there are corded specimens which would be corded under any circumstances, and there are curly ones that could not be turned into corded, however long their coats were left alone. I speak from my own experience, as I have had Poodles which were never anything else but curly, whether clipped or unclipped, and others with coats that would soon become corded if not attended to. I know this is not a general opinion, but it is my impression of the breed. It used to be supposed there were only two colours for Poodles, black and white, but of late years we have seen some very beautiful specimens black and white, red, brown, slate colour, and grey, and different shades of those colours, and so many new breeders and exhibitors of these dogs have appeared in this country and abroad, that I think they may be said to be in more favour than ever, and at most of the larger shows command large entries and attract a great deal of attention from the public, I am told. I had the record entry of eighty specimens at the Ladies' KA Show at Ranelagh Park, 1896. Of course, any breed which requires exceptional care in its preparation, and which so soon gives evidence of any neglect (as in the case of an unshaven and untrimmed Poodle), will always have a limited number of active adherents, but irrespective of their value for sporting purposes (in the same way as the English and Irish Water Spaniels and the Retrievers), all who have kept any of them will know they are full of merit, good tempered as a rule, born humourists, fond of children, grand swimmers, excellent guards, and very affectionate and faithful to their owners and friends. A very high authority, both as a breeder, exhibitor and judge, has set out the points of a correct Poodle as follows:—head long, straight and fine; skull rather narrow and peaked at back, very slight "stop;" long, strong and fine jaw, not full in cheek; teeth white and level; lips black and rather tight fitting; gums and roof of mouth black; nose sharp and black; eyes very dark brown, full of fire and intelligence, nearly almond shaped, leather of ears long and wide, hanging close to face; well proportioned neck of fair length and strength; strong muscular shoulders, sloping well to back; deep and moderately wide chest; short, strong, slightly curved back; broad muscular loins; ribs well sprung and braced up; small round feet, toes well arched, pads thick and hard; well set, straight legs, with plenty of bone and muscle; hind legs very muscular and well bent, hocks well let down; tail not curled over back, but carried rather gaily and set on high; coat profuse and of good texture, not silky; if corded, hanging in tight, even cords; if curled, in strong, thick curls, of even length, without knots or cords. Colours should be self, whites and blacks seem to be the most popular. The general appearance is that of a very active, intelligent and elegant looking dog, stepping out well and carrying himself proudly.
WHITE POMERANIAN CH. "KÖNIG of ROZELLE" MISS HAMILTON OWNER.WHITE POMERANIAN CH. "KÖNIG of ROZELLE" MISS HAMILTON OWNER.
Pomeranians.—Another breed, which has made gigantic strides in public favour of late years, is the Pomeranian, which may be best described, as a miniature copy of the Rough-coated Collie, as it resembles it in nearly every respect, except the carriage of ears and tail, the former being pricked and carried bolt upright, and the latter curled over the side and back of the body. The colours arevery varied, starting with white, black, brown, blue, almost every shade of those colours can be met with, besides parti-colours, and the sizes run from nearly thirty pounds to three pounds in weight. Other things being equal, the smaller the size, the more valuable they are, and high class specimens frequently change hands at prices ranging from £10 to £200, so that it has lately been one of the most profitable breeds to produce, as good specimens have been commanding fair prices, and plenty of buyers were found for anything out of the common at almost any price. Browns have been greatly in favour, latterly even more so than blacks, and next to them come whites, but hitherto, there has been a difficulty in obtaining very small whites, and if this is overcome (and many of the leading breeders are doing their best), I think the toy whites will be greatly sought after; some of the little blacks and browns are very beautiful, and I have known very long figures, £100 and over, refused for them by their owners! Being very lively, cheerful and affectionate, and exceedingly sharp and active as guards, this breed is admirably adapted as a pet or companion, and they make very sharp house dogs. It is not desirable to chain them up, as the rubbing of the collar and chain is almost certain to interfere with the set of the crest and frill which in this breed (as in Collies), form such attractive features in their appearance. Pomeranians are seemingly popular with all classes, from Royalty downward. Her Majesty the Queen has a large kennel of them at Windsor, which I had the honour of an invitation to inspect, and can testify to the great interest taken in thebreed, and the number of specimens kept, with every care and consideration shown for their happiness and comfort. Her Majesty's collection, when I saw them, some time since, consisted almost entirely of what I should call "off colours" that is, not white, black, brown or blue, but shades and mixtures of those and other colours, some exceedingly pretty, and although somewhat larger in size, being mostly "small-medium," and not so fine in head as many of the dogs now shown, are so good in other respects, that they have often successfully competed with well-known specimens, when Her Majesty has entered any at the Royal Agricultural Hall and Crystal Palace Shows. A great many are also kept by persons in the higher, middle and lower ranks of life, both in this country and the continent of Europe (where, no doubt, the breed originated), and it is a common occurrence, when a popular judge is officiating at one of the larger shows, to see over fifty entries of Pomeranians in the various classes. I have frequently had one hundred, and sometimes even more entries to judge, at the larger shows, and a puzzling job to undertake, on a dull day, in a failing light, is to tackle a class of from twenty to twenty-five black specimens, and try to find out the respective merits of each when there are probably ten or a dozen really good ones amongst the lot, though, to an outsider, they all look much alike. Small, good specimens fetch very long prices, and the breed is exceedingly popular.
POMERANIAN "MARCO" H. M. QUEEN VICTORIA OWNER.POMERANIAN "MARCO" H. M. QUEEN VICTORIA OWNER.
The illustrations of this variety are Miss Hamilton's White Dog, the most successful winner of his colour ever shown, H. M., the Queen's Red Dog, a beautifulspecimen of the colour and the constant companion of Her Gracious Majesty; Mr. J. Duckworth's Fawn Dog, one of the best headed and coated specimens shown for some time; Miss A. de Pass's Toy Brown, a most perfect and charming specimen, who has taken more prizes than any of her size and colour.
FAWN POMERANIAN CH. "BRILLIANT" J. DUCKWORTH OWNER.FAWN POMERANIAN CH. "BRILLIANT" J. DUCKWORTH OWNER.
The points are as follows: In general build, and coat more especially, the Pomeranians should somewhat resemble the Rough-coated Collie, with the difference that his head should be shorter, ears smaller and carried perfectly erect; and his tail curled up from the root tightly over his back, or lying flat on his back. He must be a compact little dog, well proportioned in build, standing on straight limbs, and possessing a profuse coat of long and perfectly straight silky or glossy hair all over his body, forming a mane, round his neck, of longer hair, with the forelegs feathered, and the thighs more heavily feathered. He must be sharp and intelligent in expression, and exhibit great activity and buoyancy of disposition, and should not exceed twenty pounds in weight, the smaller specimens being preferable. At the larger shows they are generally divided into over eight pounds and under eight pounds. Colours, white, black, brown, blue and sable, and any combination of those colours. At the present time there is a feeling rather in favour of the shades of brown, but there are many very beautiful specimens of all the colours mentioned above.
SMALL POMERANIAN CHAMPION of CHAMPIONS AND PRIMIER "TINA" MISS ADA DE PASS OWNER.SMALL POMERANIAN CHAMPION of CHAMPIONS AND PRIMIER "TINA" MISS ADA DE PASS OWNER.
FAWN PUG CH. "YORK". Mrs GRELICHE OWNER.FAWN PUG CH. "YORK". Mrs GRELICHE OWNER.
Pugs.—One of the really old-fashioned pets and companions is the Pug, of which I have for the last thirtyyears generally had some specimens about my house, and usually, when I have judged the breed, have been favoured with record entries. I remember on one occasion, when I had a very heavy day at an important London show, and had taken an immense amount of trouble, in the open, on a broiling day in June or July, when the whole of my exhibitors were of the fair sex, and ranged from the highest in the kennel-world, Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales, to those who would not be ashamed to be included amongst "the working classes," I thought, "I shall catch it pretty warmly over this job." I hardly supposed it within the bounds of possibility for any living "mere man," to give satisfaction to such a large number of the other sex, especially when their own particular pets were concerned, so that I was certainly gratified to have a letter, some weeks after, from the Hon. Secretary of the show (whose daughter was an exhibitor and by no means a novice in Pugs either), stating that I had "achieved the unique feat of pleasing every one, as not a single complaint or grumble had been heard or received by the committee from the large body of Pug exhibitors." I mention this, not for the purpose of self-glorification, but to show that, although generally judges are supposed to meet with obloquy and abuse, often not deserved, they do, sometimes, receive kindly recognition of their endeavours, to pick out the best specimens brought under their notice! A good Pug should have a large skull, in proportion to size, well-defined stop, with high forehead, square face, wide-apart eyes, dark and large, roundand rather prominent; thin, small ears, carried well forward, a desideratum is a black thumb mark in middle of skull, the mask and ears should be black. Heavy wrinkles about head and face; muscular, thick neck, with skin loose; square, thick, cobby body; deep loins; well rounded ribs; dark trace down back very desirable; also a dark mole on each cheek; muscular hindquarters; firm thighs; strong, short, straight fore legs; well arched, firm, round feet, with black toe nails if possible; tail tightly curled on hips, double turn much desired; coat, except on tail, where it is longer and harsher, should be glossy, soft and short. A very smart, showy and active dog,often an arrant coward, but with a great appearance of dignity, and even ferocity, which is not without its impression on the public. My experience of the breed is that they are, as a rule, very affectionate, and devoted to their owners, "good-doers" and nearly always ready for anything in the way of eating and drinking, great lovers of comfort, and very jealous of any other members of the doggy community being made as much of as themselves. They are very lively, bustling companions, and very popular with those who have kept them. I omitted to say, that the colours are silver fawn and apricot fawn, and of late years, there is also a black variety, the points of which are really the same as in the fawns, but partly concealed by the colour. I think, as a rule, the blacks run more leggy, and many of them heavier than the fawns, but I have had some beautiful specimens of both colours before me many times, and I like a good one,ofany size, although, if youcanget true Pug qualities, in a small one, it is all the better.
Two of the best-known illustrate this variety.
BLACK PUG CH. & PREMIER "DUKE BEIRA". MISS C. F. A. JENKINSON OWNER.BLACK PUG CH. & PREMIER "DUKE BEIRA". MISS C. F. A. JENKINSON OWNER.
SCHIPPERCHE CH. "ZWARTE PIOT" I. N. WOODIWISS OWNER.SCHIPPERCHE CH. "ZWARTE PIOT" I. N. WOODIWISS OWNER.
Schipperkes.—The Schipperke is rather a new breed in this country, and much kept as a pet and companion by its supporters. It was, I think, imported originally from Belgium, where, I understand, though I do not remember seeing many there, it has long been used by the Bargees as a protection on board their boats for their persons and property on their long journeys through the canals. In appearance it is something like a medium or rather small-sized black Pomeranian, out of coat and without any tail, the texture of the coat dense and harsh, soft on the ears, smooth on the head, front of hocks and forelegs, but forming a mane or frill, round neck and shoulders; size should not exceed twenty pounds, and all the better if it is less; eyes small, slightly oval, and dark brown in colour; they make very sharp little watch dogs, are always on the move, and anxious to know the ins and outs of what comes in their way, very excitable and lively in temperament, the former being expressed by raising their mane referred to, barking sharply and running and jumping about; they are good and game vermin killers, as a general rule.
Performing and Toy Breeds(Continued)
toy spaniels—king charles—prince charles—blenheim—ruby—japanese
KING CHARLES SPANIEL CH. "LAUREATE" MRS MCLAREN MORRISON, OWNER.KING CHARLES SPANIEL CH. "LAUREATE" MRS MCLAREN MORRISON, OWNER.
I nowcome to another group of undoubted pets and companions, I mean the Toy Spaniels, and a charming lot they are. I will briefly notice them in their usually accepted order, taking our old friend, the King Charles, first. I am afraid I shall be thought "laudator temporis acti," and old-fashioned, but hardened "all-round dog lover" as I am, and have been, ever since I knew one end of a dog from another, I must say, I dearly love a good "King Charles," and, as I always go through the classes for them, at all the big shows, even when I have nothing, judicially, to do with them, I am grieved to see such small entries of these beautiful dogs, and so few good enough to "fill the eye" of a critical fancier. It is not so much of the size, or colours I complain, as the coats, which are so, very often, curly, a bad fault, in my opinion, and many of them are "smutty" and dark in their tan. Of course there are notable exceptions, but I greatly fear that other dog breeds, which have been warmly "pushed" of late years, in every possible way, and, generally, by interested parties, have disheartened the breeders of some of the ToySpaniels, or, we should see more good ones coming out! The points of the breed to be desired are large round skull, with well defined "stop," large, lustrous eyes, short, turned-up muzzle, long pendulous ears, well-feathered; fairly long neck, short and compact back, short straight fore-legs, feet large, soft, profuse coat, quite straight, without tendency to curl, colour glossy, unbroken black, and rich mahogany tan. Weight not to exceed twelve pounds, as much less as possible, with quality.
BLENHEIM SPANIEL. CH. "ROLLO" MRS. FORDER, OWNER.BLENHEIM SPANIEL. CH. "ROLLO" MRS. FORDER, OWNER.
The Blenheim Spaniel.—The next of this charming group to be considered, is the Blenheim Spaniel, with which, its having been the favourite breed of my dear mother, and her mother, I have been more associated than with some of the others; the points of a perfect specimen are almost entirely the same as in the King Charles, except that the colours are red and white, with more of the latter than the former, and it is very desirable to have a distinct mark of red about the size of a shilling or florin, on the upper part of the skull, which is termed "the spot" and is a recognised peculiarity of this variety.
PRINCE CHARLES SPANIEL CH. "VICTOR WILD" H. TAYLOR OWNER.PRINCE CHARLES SPANIEL CH. "VICTOR WILD" H. TAYLOR OWNER.
The Prince Charles Spaniel.—Another variety is known as the Prince Charles, and the points of this again are the same as of the King Charles, except in colour, which is white with a good deal of black and tan markings. When evenly marked, and well formed in other ways, they are very attractive little fellows. I have noticed a tendency, particularly with these,to get specimens too large; in my opinion, they should be under the maximum weight allowed (twelve pounds) as the intention is, they should be not too heavy for a lady to pick up, and carry her little companion, when out with it, if so disposed. So that, from six to ten pounds would be a more suitable weight, and such as you may see in numbers of Yorkshire Terriers, Griffons, Pomeranians and Japanese Spaniels, some of the keenest rivals of the native Toy Spaniels. In fact many of all those varieties can be obtained well under five pounds weight, or even less if desired.
RUBY SPANIEL. CH. "JASPER" MRS. WOODGATE OWNER.RUBY SPANIEL. CH. "JASPER" MRS. WOODGATE OWNER.
The Ruby Toy Spaniel.—Another very beautiful variety, is the Ruby Spaniel, something the colour of its larger cousin, the Sussex Spaniel, but richer, and brighter in tone. I am afraid these are not being so much bred as they were some years since, but all true dog lovers, would regret their becoming extinct, on account of their great beauty and aristocratic appearance; to be correct, the colour should be quite free from white, as rich and bright as possible, and the points same as King Charles and without legginess, which seems to affect these more than the other varieties; I suppose, there is little doubt the native breeds of Toy Spaniels have been much interbred, and I have been told by breeders they have had in one litter a specimen of all four breeds. I cannot vouch for the truth of this, as it has not happened within my own experience, but if true, it confirms the idea of how much they have been interbred.