THE SCOTTISH TERRIER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6269, 24 July 1907, Page 7

THE SCOTTISH TERRIER.

(By Frank Townend Barton, M.8.C.V.5.) Sometimes spoken of as "the diehard,” a name said to have been Riven to them by George, Earl of Dumbarton, curing to the pluck of a pack owned by him., 1

le title is certainly not a misnomer, these little terriers of Highland descent still having the gameness of their ancestors, though many of them at the present time are only used as ladies’ companions. The terms "Aberdeen" and ' Scottish terrier are —or should be—synonymous, though an inferior specimen of a "Scottie” has, and is, frequently sold to the unwarv as an "Aberdeen.” Another name is that of "Cairn" Terrier, which spo.Ks .b; -tfdf, tnese dogr having been expressly bred for hunting in the cairns or spaces amongst heaps of rocks, etc. Owing to their small size they are admirably adapted for sqoh purposes. Some will retrieve and take well to water; are good companions, and active house dogs. They are very hardy, consequently puppies are not difficult to rear, and fair specimens of the last named can be had at two or three gu’-eas ■'niece (at Home), . The following are the chief points of the Scottish Terrier:

Coat.—ln points judging, 20 per cent, of the marks are allotted to the coat—-

so many are faulty in this respect. Outer coat must be very thick, short, and of a hard or , wiry texture, and absolutely free from any sign of curl, or wavinees.

Hair.—Two or three inches in length. Under coat, very dense. The so-called "onen'’ coat is. a fault. The term is sufficiently explanatory. Weight.—From 141 be to 30’bs. for dogs and a few pounds less for bi ( chee. Colour.—Not of great importance, but white markings are objectionable; less important on the breast, bat better without any white hairs. White specimens are rare. Brindle, black, red, m» tard, and irongrey are the usual colours, the black and brindle shades being preferred. Body.—lmportant, value 10, This should be short, so as to give the dog a sturdy, compact appearance. Some Scotties are too long in the body. Neck.—To be short and thick, ending in good, strong, eloping shoulders. Chest.—Deep, well-rounded on to the shoulders, and plump. ' Limbs and feet.—Legs, short, bigboned, well-muscled, straight, though generally turned out at ankles, ending m large fore feet, and smaller padded hind ones. The same hard Ijaire should clothe the limbs. If soft, it Is a fault.

Bars.—Erect, or semi (half) erect. Must never ‘‘droop’' at tips. Should be covered with short hair.

Particular attention ia paid by judges to the carriage of the ears of the Soottie.

Eyes.—Te be either dark brown or hazel, giving a • lively expression to the face.

Head.—Bather long, and wide above the eyes. Most of the length is gained from eyes to nose. Hair to be hard and short (not short). Muzzle.—Long, tapering . and very strong. Sound teeth.—Exceptionally large, and tight lips are a sine qua non. Height.—Niue to twelve inches.