Notes from 1985 to 1877
Artwork and excerpts from: The illustrated Natural History
By the Rev. John George Wood
Published in 1865
THE ENGLISH TERRIER
This Dog was employed with terrible success in the invasion of America by the Spaniards, and was, in the eyes of the simple natives, a veritably incarnated spirit of evil of which they had never seen the like, and which was a fit companion to those fearful apparitions which could separate themselves into two distinct beings at will, one with four legs and the other with two, and destroy them at a distance with fiery missis. against which they were as defenseless as against the lightning from above,
Even in more recent times, the services of these Dogs have been rendered available against the rebel forces of Jamaica, when they rose against the Government, and bat for the able assistance of these fierce and sagacious animals, would apparently have swept off the European inhabitants of the island.
The Terrier, with all its numerous variations of crossed and mongrel breeds, is more generally known in England than any other kind of Dog. Of the recognised breeds, four are generally acknowledged; namely, the English and Scotch Terriers, the Skye, and the little Toy Terrier, which will be described in their order.
The English Terrier possesses a smooth coat, a tapering muzzle, a high forehead, bright intelligent eye, and a strong muscular jaw. As its instinct leads it to dig in the ground, its shoulders and fore-legs are well developed, and it is able to make quite a deep burrow in a marvelously short time, throwing out the loose earth with its feet, and dragging away the stones and other large substances in its mouth. It is not a large Dog, seldom weighing more than ten pounds, and often hardly exceeding the moiety of that weight
Although a light, quick, and lively creature, and fuming with anxiety at the sight or smell of the animals which are popularly termed " vermin," the pure English Terrier will seldom venture to attack a rat openly, although it will be of the greatest service in discovering and unharbouring that mischievous rodent .The sport which this Dog prefers is, that itself should startle the rats, while its master destroys them. If a rat should fasten upon this Dog, he will yelp and cry piteously, and, when relieved from his antagonist, will make the best of his way from the spot ; or if the rat should turn to bay, the Dog will usually scamper off and decline the combat. The celebrated rat-killing warriors, of whose feats so much has been said, were all indebted for their valour to an infusion of the bull-dog blood, which gives the requisite courage without detracting from the shape of the Dog, or adding too much to its size. Of these bull-terrier Dogs, more will be said in their place.
The colour of the pure English Terrier is generally black and tan, the richness of the two tints determining-much of the animal's value. The nose and the palate of the Dog ought to be always black, and over each eye is a small patch of tan colour. The tail ought to be rather long and very fine, and the legs as light as is consistent with strength.
The Bull-terrier unites in itself the best qualifications of the sporting Dogs, being very intelligent, apt at learning, delicate of nose, quick of eye, and of indomitable courage. In size it is extremely variable, some specimens being among the smallest of the canine tribes, while others measure as much as twenty inches in height. In this Dog it is quite unnecessary to have equal parts of the bull-dog and the Terrier ; for in that case the progeny is sure to be too heavily made about the head and jaws, and not sufficiently docile to pay instant and implicit obedience to the commands of its master. Until these points are removed, the Terrier cross should be continued, so as to restore the light, active form of the Terrier, together with its habit of ready obedience, while the courageous disposition remains. Indeed, the most ferocious Dogs, and the hardest fighters, are generally the immediate offspring of the bull-dog and Terrier, and are often erroneously described under the name of the former animal.
How entirely the external form of the bull-dog can be eradicated, while its dauntless courage remains intact, is shown in the graceful little Terriers which are used for rat-killing, and which are formed on the most delicate model.
The endurance and gallantry of these little creatures are so great that they will permit several rats, each nearly as large as themselves, to fix upon their lips without flinching in the least, or giving any indications of suffering. Yet the badly-bred Dog will yell with pain if even a mouse should inflict a bite upon this sensitive portion of its frame, and will refuse to face its little enemy a second time. One of these highly bred animals, which was celebrated in the sporting world under the title of "Tiny," weighed only five lbs. and a half, and yet was known to destroy fifty rats in twenty-eight minutes and five seconds. It is estimated that this Dog must have killed more than five thousand rats aggregate weight of which nearly equals a ton and a half. He could not be daunted by size or numbers, and was repeatedly matched against the largest rats that could be procured.
He used to go about his work in the most systematic and business-like style, picking out all the largest and most powerful rats first, so as to take the most difficult part of the task while he was fresh. When fatigued with his exertions, he would lie down and permit his master to wash his mouth and refresh him by fanning him, and then would set to work with renewed vigour. He was a most excitable little creature during his younger days, running about the room with such preternatural activity that a gentleman to whom he was exhibited declared that he could not distinguish the Dog's head from his tail, or pronounce judgment on the colour of his fur.
As he grew older, however, he became more sedate in his demeanour, and used to sit in state every evening on a crimson velvet cushion edged with gold fringe, and flanked with a candle on each side, so that he might be inspected at leisure.
However quiet he might be in external demeanour, he was hardly less excitable in disposition, and actually died from the effects of over-excitement. He happened to hear or to smell a rat which was in a cage in another room ; and being chained in an adjoining apartment, and unable even to see the rat, he chafed and fretted himself into such feverish agitation that he died in a short time afterwards, although he was permitted to kill the rat There are Dogs which have destroyed more rats in less time than this little creature; but none which was nearly so successful in proportion to its size and weight
The mental powers of this Dog are very considerable, and the animal is capable of performing self-taught feats which argue no small amount of intellect. There are seven! examples of Dogs which could in some degree appreciate the object of money, and which would take a coin to the proper shop and exchange it for food. A well-known black-and- tan Terrier, which lately resided at Margate, and was named Prince, was accustomed to make his own purchases of biscuit as often as he could obtain the gift of a halfpenny for that purpose. On several occasions the baker whom he honoured with his custom thought to put him off by giving him a burnt biscuit in exchange for his halfpenny. The Dog was very much aggrieved at this inequitable treatment, but at the time could find an opportunity of showing his resentment. However, when he next received an eleemosynary halfpenny, he wended his way to the baker's as usual, with the coin between his teeth, and waited to be served. As soon as the baker proffered him a biscuit, Prince drew up his lip so as to exhibit the halfpenny, and then walked coolly out of the shop, transferring his custom to another member of the same trade who lived on the opposite side of the road.
Several instances of a similar nature have been recorded, but in no case does the animal appear to have comprehended the difference of value between the various coins of the realm...
By the Rev. John George Wood
Published in 1865
THE ENGLISH TERRIER
This Dog was employed with terrible success in the invasion of America by the Spaniards, and was, in the eyes of the simple natives, a veritably incarnated spirit of evil of which they had never seen the like, and which was a fit companion to those fearful apparitions which could separate themselves into two distinct beings at will, one with four legs and the other with two, and destroy them at a distance with fiery missis. against which they were as defenseless as against the lightning from above,
Even in more recent times, the services of these Dogs have been rendered available against the rebel forces of Jamaica, when they rose against the Government, and bat for the able assistance of these fierce and sagacious animals, would apparently have swept off the European inhabitants of the island.
The Terrier, with all its numerous variations of crossed and mongrel breeds, is more generally known in England than any other kind of Dog. Of the recognised breeds, four are generally acknowledged; namely, the English and Scotch Terriers, the Skye, and the little Toy Terrier, which will be described in their order.
The English Terrier possesses a smooth coat, a tapering muzzle, a high forehead, bright intelligent eye, and a strong muscular jaw. As its instinct leads it to dig in the ground, its shoulders and fore-legs are well developed, and it is able to make quite a deep burrow in a marvelously short time, throwing out the loose earth with its feet, and dragging away the stones and other large substances in its mouth. It is not a large Dog, seldom weighing more than ten pounds, and often hardly exceeding the moiety of that weight
Although a light, quick, and lively creature, and fuming with anxiety at the sight or smell of the animals which are popularly termed " vermin," the pure English Terrier will seldom venture to attack a rat openly, although it will be of the greatest service in discovering and unharbouring that mischievous rodent .The sport which this Dog prefers is, that itself should startle the rats, while its master destroys them. If a rat should fasten upon this Dog, he will yelp and cry piteously, and, when relieved from his antagonist, will make the best of his way from the spot ; or if the rat should turn to bay, the Dog will usually scamper off and decline the combat. The celebrated rat-killing warriors, of whose feats so much has been said, were all indebted for their valour to an infusion of the bull-dog blood, which gives the requisite courage without detracting from the shape of the Dog, or adding too much to its size. Of these bull-terrier Dogs, more will be said in their place.
The colour of the pure English Terrier is generally black and tan, the richness of the two tints determining-much of the animal's value. The nose and the palate of the Dog ought to be always black, and over each eye is a small patch of tan colour. The tail ought to be rather long and very fine, and the legs as light as is consistent with strength.
The Bull-terrier unites in itself the best qualifications of the sporting Dogs, being very intelligent, apt at learning, delicate of nose, quick of eye, and of indomitable courage. In size it is extremely variable, some specimens being among the smallest of the canine tribes, while others measure as much as twenty inches in height. In this Dog it is quite unnecessary to have equal parts of the bull-dog and the Terrier ; for in that case the progeny is sure to be too heavily made about the head and jaws, and not sufficiently docile to pay instant and implicit obedience to the commands of its master. Until these points are removed, the Terrier cross should be continued, so as to restore the light, active form of the Terrier, together with its habit of ready obedience, while the courageous disposition remains. Indeed, the most ferocious Dogs, and the hardest fighters, are generally the immediate offspring of the bull-dog and Terrier, and are often erroneously described under the name of the former animal.
How entirely the external form of the bull-dog can be eradicated, while its dauntless courage remains intact, is shown in the graceful little Terriers which are used for rat-killing, and which are formed on the most delicate model.
The endurance and gallantry of these little creatures are so great that they will permit several rats, each nearly as large as themselves, to fix upon their lips without flinching in the least, or giving any indications of suffering. Yet the badly-bred Dog will yell with pain if even a mouse should inflict a bite upon this sensitive portion of its frame, and will refuse to face its little enemy a second time. One of these highly bred animals, which was celebrated in the sporting world under the title of "Tiny," weighed only five lbs. and a half, and yet was known to destroy fifty rats in twenty-eight minutes and five seconds. It is estimated that this Dog must have killed more than five thousand rats aggregate weight of which nearly equals a ton and a half. He could not be daunted by size or numbers, and was repeatedly matched against the largest rats that could be procured.
He used to go about his work in the most systematic and business-like style, picking out all the largest and most powerful rats first, so as to take the most difficult part of the task while he was fresh. When fatigued with his exertions, he would lie down and permit his master to wash his mouth and refresh him by fanning him, and then would set to work with renewed vigour. He was a most excitable little creature during his younger days, running about the room with such preternatural activity that a gentleman to whom he was exhibited declared that he could not distinguish the Dog's head from his tail, or pronounce judgment on the colour of his fur.
As he grew older, however, he became more sedate in his demeanour, and used to sit in state every evening on a crimson velvet cushion edged with gold fringe, and flanked with a candle on each side, so that he might be inspected at leisure.
However quiet he might be in external demeanour, he was hardly less excitable in disposition, and actually died from the effects of over-excitement. He happened to hear or to smell a rat which was in a cage in another room ; and being chained in an adjoining apartment, and unable even to see the rat, he chafed and fretted himself into such feverish agitation that he died in a short time afterwards, although he was permitted to kill the rat There are Dogs which have destroyed more rats in less time than this little creature; but none which was nearly so successful in proportion to its size and weight
The mental powers of this Dog are very considerable, and the animal is capable of performing self-taught feats which argue no small amount of intellect. There are seven! examples of Dogs which could in some degree appreciate the object of money, and which would take a coin to the proper shop and exchange it for food. A well-known black-and- tan Terrier, which lately resided at Margate, and was named Prince, was accustomed to make his own purchases of biscuit as often as he could obtain the gift of a halfpenny for that purpose. On several occasions the baker whom he honoured with his custom thought to put him off by giving him a burnt biscuit in exchange for his halfpenny. The Dog was very much aggrieved at this inequitable treatment, but at the time could find an opportunity of showing his resentment. However, when he next received an eleemosynary halfpenny, he wended his way to the baker's as usual, with the coin between his teeth, and waited to be served. As soon as the baker proffered him a biscuit, Prince drew up his lip so as to exhibit the halfpenny, and then walked coolly out of the shop, transferring his custom to another member of the same trade who lived on the opposite side of the road.
Several instances of a similar nature have been recorded, but in no case does the animal appear to have comprehended the difference of value between the various coins of the realm...
Artwork and excerpts from: Manual of British Rural Sports
By John Henry Walsh ("Stonehenge")
Published in 1867
The Smooth English Terrier is a very old breed, probably as old as any we have. Possessed of a merry and active temperament, and gifted with a good nose, he is the model of a vermin dog, where there is no badger or otter to attack ; but for these he is scarcely fitted in power, and as a rule he will not face them at close quarters. Elegant and graceful in his outline, he shares with the bull-terrier the patronage of young men, with whom his companionable qualities make him a favourite in-doors as well as out. He may weigh from 6lb. to l0lb., or even 20lb.; but, provided he is large enough for his calling, he cannot be too small. It is an advantage to keep down the size of certain dogs as much as possible, and we ought to consider that two small terriers will do more than double the work of one large dog, whilst they consume no more.
The Head is narrow, long, and flat. The muzzle must be fine, tapering, sharp, and fox-like ; but the jaw must be muscular, and the mouth must never be underhung. It is better that the upper jaw should be slightly in excess, if there is the least deviation from a level mouth. The "stop," or indent between the eyes, must be evident and "pronounced." The eye must be sparkling, bright, but not large. The ears round, flat to the head in repose, but raised, although falling over, when the dog is roused. A tulip or prick ear is a great deformity, and betokens mongrel family. It has been the fashion to crop the ears of terriers for many years, and the eyes become so accustomed to it that many good judges will scarcely look at a terrier unless he has been scientifically cropped. In large towns it is not the fashion to shorten the tail at all when the ears are cut, whilst country sportsmen leave the ears but shorten the tail. The neck should be long, tapering, and muscular, and clean where it joins the lower jaw. Head, 25; neck, 10.
The Ribs must be round, the shoulders deep and well set back, and as powerful as possible, enabling the dog to grapple with his foe or to dig him. The loins must be strong and the back ribs deep. In the conformation of his body he must be neither high nor wide, but well knit together, multum in parvo. Chest, 10; shoulders, 10.
The Fore Legs should be straight as arrows; the feet strong, the toes moderately arched and well split, and the form of the foot should be round and fox-like. The thighs should be large and muscular, the hocks in a straight line, and the hind legs should be moderately straight also. Value, 10.
The Tail must be very fine, with a low carriage, but not bare; and when the dog is excited it is carried gaily; 5.
The Best Colours are white or black- and-tan. Both are good, but on some accounts the white dog is preferred. Used for ratting, he is most easily distinguished; and he has the same advantage as to colour when his services are required for rabbit- hunting. But for a town the black-and- tan, provided that the tan cheeks, spots over the eyes, throat, and legs are brilliant in colour, and that the black is raven-black, is the best. In this case the dog should have no white about him—not even on his chest, and a white foot thoroughly destroys his quality. In toy dogs of this colour a black line down the front of each toe, called "pencilling," is indispensable but terriers of the size I am now describing, though sometimes possessing this property, and required to show it by many judges at our shows, can scarcely be considered defective if they do not display it. Smooth terriers may be found of other colours—yellow, yellow-and-white, hound-pied, black or fawn. A beautiful blue or blue-fawn variety exists, said to be crossed with the Italian greyhound. Brindle colour is a sign of the bulldog cross. Coat and colour, 10
Temperament, as in the bull-terrier. 10.
Whether black-and-tan or white, his coat should be smooth yet hard, and he should be perfectly free from the very least roughness, or anything approaching coarseness of coat about his muzzle, eyebrows, thighs or any part of his profile.
By John Henry Walsh ("Stonehenge")
Published in 1867
The Smooth English Terrier is a very old breed, probably as old as any we have. Possessed of a merry and active temperament, and gifted with a good nose, he is the model of a vermin dog, where there is no badger or otter to attack ; but for these he is scarcely fitted in power, and as a rule he will not face them at close quarters. Elegant and graceful in his outline, he shares with the bull-terrier the patronage of young men, with whom his companionable qualities make him a favourite in-doors as well as out. He may weigh from 6lb. to l0lb., or even 20lb.; but, provided he is large enough for his calling, he cannot be too small. It is an advantage to keep down the size of certain dogs as much as possible, and we ought to consider that two small terriers will do more than double the work of one large dog, whilst they consume no more.
The Head is narrow, long, and flat. The muzzle must be fine, tapering, sharp, and fox-like ; but the jaw must be muscular, and the mouth must never be underhung. It is better that the upper jaw should be slightly in excess, if there is the least deviation from a level mouth. The "stop," or indent between the eyes, must be evident and "pronounced." The eye must be sparkling, bright, but not large. The ears round, flat to the head in repose, but raised, although falling over, when the dog is roused. A tulip or prick ear is a great deformity, and betokens mongrel family. It has been the fashion to crop the ears of terriers for many years, and the eyes become so accustomed to it that many good judges will scarcely look at a terrier unless he has been scientifically cropped. In large towns it is not the fashion to shorten the tail at all when the ears are cut, whilst country sportsmen leave the ears but shorten the tail. The neck should be long, tapering, and muscular, and clean where it joins the lower jaw. Head, 25; neck, 10.
The Ribs must be round, the shoulders deep and well set back, and as powerful as possible, enabling the dog to grapple with his foe or to dig him. The loins must be strong and the back ribs deep. In the conformation of his body he must be neither high nor wide, but well knit together, multum in parvo. Chest, 10; shoulders, 10.
The Fore Legs should be straight as arrows; the feet strong, the toes moderately arched and well split, and the form of the foot should be round and fox-like. The thighs should be large and muscular, the hocks in a straight line, and the hind legs should be moderately straight also. Value, 10.
The Tail must be very fine, with a low carriage, but not bare; and when the dog is excited it is carried gaily; 5.
The Best Colours are white or black- and-tan. Both are good, but on some accounts the white dog is preferred. Used for ratting, he is most easily distinguished; and he has the same advantage as to colour when his services are required for rabbit- hunting. But for a town the black-and- tan, provided that the tan cheeks, spots over the eyes, throat, and legs are brilliant in colour, and that the black is raven-black, is the best. In this case the dog should have no white about him—not even on his chest, and a white foot thoroughly destroys his quality. In toy dogs of this colour a black line down the front of each toe, called "pencilling," is indispensable but terriers of the size I am now describing, though sometimes possessing this property, and required to show it by many judges at our shows, can scarcely be considered defective if they do not display it. Smooth terriers may be found of other colours—yellow, yellow-and-white, hound-pied, black or fawn. A beautiful blue or blue-fawn variety exists, said to be crossed with the Italian greyhound. Brindle colour is a sign of the bulldog cross. Coat and colour, 10
Temperament, as in the bull-terrier. 10.
Whether black-and-tan or white, his coat should be smooth yet hard, and he should be perfectly free from the very least roughness, or anything approaching coarseness of coat about his muzzle, eyebrows, thighs or any part of his profile.
Topsy and the School Keys Published in "Harper's Weekly" on June 17, 1871.
One of the most sagacious little dogs in London belongs to Mr. Nice, the keeper of Highbury Chapel.
"Topsy" is not an idle dog; she is busy from Monday morning until Saturday night; for what with keys to watch, doors to attend to, and so many other things besides her time is fully occupied. Sunday, is "Topsy's" rest day, and right glad she seems not to be expected to bark, nor do any work on Sunday, for animals as well as men require, and are entitled to, one day of rest in the week. "Topsy's" master has trained her to distinguish the difference between Sunday and weekday, and if a stranger were to see her on Sunday, he would imagine that she was ill, for she lies down quietly in her bed, quite indifferent as to who comes in or who goes out. She knows that she must not make a noise, or bark at people who come to the chapel or the school on that day.
Mr. Nice has a fine cat which lives in the same rooms with "Topsy," and she pays all due respect to Pussy. When the cat has her milk, "Topsy" sits quietly by to watch her drink it, and when Pussy has finished, "Topsy" expects the saucer filled for herself. If she is kept waiting for her milk longer than she thinks right, she rings the bell-that is, she taps the saucer; and if the first tapping is not attended to, she taps again and again until she has due attention! "Topsy" is so polite that she cannot be persuaded to touch her milk until the cat has had hers!
About 8 o'clock in the morning she may be seen sitting in the window watching for the boy who calls for the keys of the day schools. These keys are "Topsy's" particular charge. She will not allow them to be taken from their place on the wall unless it be by her master, or by the person accustomed to give them up at night; and if brought in and not hung up in their place at once, "Topsy" gets them, if they are left anywhere within reach, and hides them underneath the carpet. She then sits beside them, and cries very pitifully until Mr. or Mrs. Nice steps forward and hangs them up in their usual place.
"Topsy" however has no objection to the keys being taken from their place on the Lord's Day morning. On that morning she will allow any of the teachers to take them off the nail without the slightest hindrance, or without even looking after them.
"Topsy" is very affectionate and sympathizing; if at any time her master or mistress be unwell or in trouble, she tries her best to comfort them by licking their face and hands; and if at any time she has offended, and is spoken to crossly, she holds out her paw, and looks into their face so pitifully, as much to say "Please do shake hands with me and be friends." It is no wonder that "Topsy" has many friends who call in to see her and shake hands with her. The affectionate little creature never seems content to lie down in her bed at night without first putting out her paw and shaking hands with her master; it is her "good-night."
The high training of this beautiful dog reflects the greatest credit on her kind hearted master.
One of the most sagacious little dogs in London belongs to Mr. Nice, the keeper of Highbury Chapel.
"Topsy" is not an idle dog; she is busy from Monday morning until Saturday night; for what with keys to watch, doors to attend to, and so many other things besides her time is fully occupied. Sunday, is "Topsy's" rest day, and right glad she seems not to be expected to bark, nor do any work on Sunday, for animals as well as men require, and are entitled to, one day of rest in the week. "Topsy's" master has trained her to distinguish the difference between Sunday and weekday, and if a stranger were to see her on Sunday, he would imagine that she was ill, for she lies down quietly in her bed, quite indifferent as to who comes in or who goes out. She knows that she must not make a noise, or bark at people who come to the chapel or the school on that day.
Mr. Nice has a fine cat which lives in the same rooms with "Topsy," and she pays all due respect to Pussy. When the cat has her milk, "Topsy" sits quietly by to watch her drink it, and when Pussy has finished, "Topsy" expects the saucer filled for herself. If she is kept waiting for her milk longer than she thinks right, she rings the bell-that is, she taps the saucer; and if the first tapping is not attended to, she taps again and again until she has due attention! "Topsy" is so polite that she cannot be persuaded to touch her milk until the cat has had hers!
About 8 o'clock in the morning she may be seen sitting in the window watching for the boy who calls for the keys of the day schools. These keys are "Topsy's" particular charge. She will not allow them to be taken from their place on the wall unless it be by her master, or by the person accustomed to give them up at night; and if brought in and not hung up in their place at once, "Topsy" gets them, if they are left anywhere within reach, and hides them underneath the carpet. She then sits beside them, and cries very pitifully until Mr. or Mrs. Nice steps forward and hangs them up in their usual place.
"Topsy" however has no objection to the keys being taken from their place on the Lord's Day morning. On that morning she will allow any of the teachers to take them off the nail without the slightest hindrance, or without even looking after them.
"Topsy" is very affectionate and sympathizing; if at any time her master or mistress be unwell or in trouble, she tries her best to comfort them by licking their face and hands; and if at any time she has offended, and is spoken to crossly, she holds out her paw, and looks into their face so pitifully, as much to say "Please do shake hands with me and be friends." It is no wonder that "Topsy" has many friends who call in to see her and shake hands with her. The affectionate little creature never seems content to lie down in her bed at night without first putting out her paw and shaking hands with her master; it is her "good-night."
The high training of this beautiful dog reflects the greatest credit on her kind hearted master.
Excerpts from: The Dogs of the British Islands
Edited by John Henry Walsh ("Stonehenge")
Published in 1872
Note: This version of The Dogs of the British Isles includes general discussion of "Terriers of no definite breed" and of the Black and Tan Terrier. Both have been excerpted for interests sake.
CHAPTER V.-TERRIERS.
TERRIERS OF NO DEFINITE BREED.
THE TERRIER FAMILY is a large one, and each sort has some merit of its own. Almost every country house possesses one or more of this vermin-killing tribe—famous either for beauty, or courage, or some really good quality. Good dogs there are undoubtedly, both rough and smooth. We have known breeds of both descriptions which could scarcely be surpassed ; but our predilection is strongly in favour of the smooth dog. We, therefore, place him first upon the list, and proceed to describe him according to our experience.
It must be understood that we ignore in our present article anything approaching the toy terrier—requiring clothing, cushions, or a glass case. We are dealing with the vermin terrier, possessing courage, constitution or stamina, and hardihood, but still the terrier, without a trace of the old bulldog strain.
The best of all colours for a smooth terrier are white and black-and-tan. Both colours are good, but on some accounts we prefer the white dog. Used for ratting, he is most easily distinguished ; and he has the same advantage as to colour when his services are required for rabbit-hunting. But for a town we prefer the black-and-tan, provided that the tan cheeks, spots over the eyes, throat, and legs are brilliant in colour, and that the black is raven-black. In this case the dog should have no white about him—not even on his chest; and a white foot thoroughly destroys his value. Whether black-and-tan or white, his coat should be smooth yet hard, and he should be perfectly free from the very least roughness, or anything approaching coarseness of coat about his muzzle, eyebrows, thighs, or any part of his profile.
A smooth-haired dog may weigh from 6lb. to l0lb., or even 20lb.; but, provided he is large enough for his calling, he cannot be too small. It is an advantage to keep down the size of certain dogs as much as possible, and to consider that two small terriers will do more 'than double the work of one large dog, whilst they consume no more.
The muzzle must be fine, tapering, sharp, and fox-like: but the jaw must be muscular, the skull flat and narrow. The " stop," or indent between the eyes, must be evident and " pronounced." The eye must be sparkling, bright but not large. The ears should be round, flat to the head in repose, but raised, although falling over, when the dog is roused. A tulip or prick ear is a great deformity, and betokens mongrel family. It has been the fashion to crop the ears of terriers for many years, and the eye has become so accustomed to it that many good judges will scarcely look at a terrier unless he has been scientifically cropped. In large towns it is not the fashion to shorten the tail at all when the ears are cut, whilst country sportsmen leave the ears but shorten the tail. We consider it the. best course to leave the ears as Nature made them, and that a vermin-killer will be most serviceable uncropped.
The neck should be long, tapering, and muscular, and clean where it joins the lower jaw. The ribs must be round, the shoulders deep and well set back, and as powerful as possible, enabling the dog to grapple with his foe or to dig him out. The loins must be strong and the back ribs deep. In the conformation of his body he must be neither high nor wide, but well knit together, multum in parvo.
The forelegs should be straight as arrows; the feet strong, the toes moderately arched and well split, and the form of the foot round and fox-like. The thighs should be large and muscular, the hocks in a straight line, and the hind legs should be moderately straight also.
The tail must be very fine, with a low carriage, but not bare; and when the dog is excited it is carried gaily.
We may add that the mouth must never be underhung. It is better that the upper jaw should be slightly in excess, if there is the least deviation from a level mouth.
We remember some charming white terriers exhibited in ,1805 by Mr. White, of Clapham-common, but we think they were too delicate for everyday work. Mr. Hinks, of Birmingham, has shown some capital specimens, full of symmetry and life; and we can. call to mind two first-prize dogs belonging to Mr. Tupper, of Long-acre, which we considered dogs of excellent quality. One of the very best specimens, however, which we have seen for many years, was the property of Mr. St. John Coventry, of Knowle House, near Wimborne, and was purchased of Bill George, of Kensal New Town. The dog was never exhibited, but he was the model of a white terrier,- and of first-rate temper and courage.
Smooth terriers may be found of other colours—yellow, yellow-and-white, hound-pied, black or fawn. A beautiful blue or blue-fawn variety exists, but we believe it is crossed with the Italian greyhound. Brindle colour is a sure sign of bulldog crossing; and we have never seen a pure terrier of that hue...
[DISCUSSION OF BROKEN-COATS]
The points of a terrier are similar, whether he is rough or smooth.
Edited by John Henry Walsh ("Stonehenge")
Published in 1872
Note: This version of The Dogs of the British Isles includes general discussion of "Terriers of no definite breed" and of the Black and Tan Terrier. Both have been excerpted for interests sake.
CHAPTER V.-TERRIERS.
TERRIERS OF NO DEFINITE BREED.
THE TERRIER FAMILY is a large one, and each sort has some merit of its own. Almost every country house possesses one or more of this vermin-killing tribe—famous either for beauty, or courage, or some really good quality. Good dogs there are undoubtedly, both rough and smooth. We have known breeds of both descriptions which could scarcely be surpassed ; but our predilection is strongly in favour of the smooth dog. We, therefore, place him first upon the list, and proceed to describe him according to our experience.
It must be understood that we ignore in our present article anything approaching the toy terrier—requiring clothing, cushions, or a glass case. We are dealing with the vermin terrier, possessing courage, constitution or stamina, and hardihood, but still the terrier, without a trace of the old bulldog strain.
The best of all colours for a smooth terrier are white and black-and-tan. Both colours are good, but on some accounts we prefer the white dog. Used for ratting, he is most easily distinguished ; and he has the same advantage as to colour when his services are required for rabbit-hunting. But for a town we prefer the black-and-tan, provided that the tan cheeks, spots over the eyes, throat, and legs are brilliant in colour, and that the black is raven-black. In this case the dog should have no white about him—not even on his chest; and a white foot thoroughly destroys his value. Whether black-and-tan or white, his coat should be smooth yet hard, and he should be perfectly free from the very least roughness, or anything approaching coarseness of coat about his muzzle, eyebrows, thighs, or any part of his profile.
A smooth-haired dog may weigh from 6lb. to l0lb., or even 20lb.; but, provided he is large enough for his calling, he cannot be too small. It is an advantage to keep down the size of certain dogs as much as possible, and to consider that two small terriers will do more 'than double the work of one large dog, whilst they consume no more.
The muzzle must be fine, tapering, sharp, and fox-like: but the jaw must be muscular, the skull flat and narrow. The " stop," or indent between the eyes, must be evident and " pronounced." The eye must be sparkling, bright but not large. The ears should be round, flat to the head in repose, but raised, although falling over, when the dog is roused. A tulip or prick ear is a great deformity, and betokens mongrel family. It has been the fashion to crop the ears of terriers for many years, and the eye has become so accustomed to it that many good judges will scarcely look at a terrier unless he has been scientifically cropped. In large towns it is not the fashion to shorten the tail at all when the ears are cut, whilst country sportsmen leave the ears but shorten the tail. We consider it the. best course to leave the ears as Nature made them, and that a vermin-killer will be most serviceable uncropped.
The neck should be long, tapering, and muscular, and clean where it joins the lower jaw. The ribs must be round, the shoulders deep and well set back, and as powerful as possible, enabling the dog to grapple with his foe or to dig him out. The loins must be strong and the back ribs deep. In the conformation of his body he must be neither high nor wide, but well knit together, multum in parvo.
The forelegs should be straight as arrows; the feet strong, the toes moderately arched and well split, and the form of the foot round and fox-like. The thighs should be large and muscular, the hocks in a straight line, and the hind legs should be moderately straight also.
The tail must be very fine, with a low carriage, but not bare; and when the dog is excited it is carried gaily.
We may add that the mouth must never be underhung. It is better that the upper jaw should be slightly in excess, if there is the least deviation from a level mouth.
We remember some charming white terriers exhibited in ,1805 by Mr. White, of Clapham-common, but we think they were too delicate for everyday work. Mr. Hinks, of Birmingham, has shown some capital specimens, full of symmetry and life; and we can. call to mind two first-prize dogs belonging to Mr. Tupper, of Long-acre, which we considered dogs of excellent quality. One of the very best specimens, however, which we have seen for many years, was the property of Mr. St. John Coventry, of Knowle House, near Wimborne, and was purchased of Bill George, of Kensal New Town. The dog was never exhibited, but he was the model of a white terrier,- and of first-rate temper and courage.
Smooth terriers may be found of other colours—yellow, yellow-and-white, hound-pied, black or fawn. A beautiful blue or blue-fawn variety exists, but we believe it is crossed with the Italian greyhound. Brindle colour is a sure sign of bulldog crossing; and we have never seen a pure terrier of that hue...
[DISCUSSION OF BROKEN-COATS]
The points of a terrier are similar, whether he is rough or smooth.
Value of Points of the Terrier (pure and simple)
THE BLACK-AND-TAN TERRIER. The black-and-tan English terrier is a very elegant dog, approaching in his symmetry to the greyhound. The muzzle is long and tapering, not under-hung on any account. Skull flat and narrow; eye small and dark; nose black. The ears, if cropped, should be erect, long, and tapering to a fine point; if entire, they should be thin, small, falling like those of the fox terrier, and free from tan outside.
The neck is long, tapering, yet muscular, free from throatiness, and in fact the skin must be perfectly tight under the lower jaw, or " well cut." The shoulders should be muscular and well set back ; the Loins well developed, broad and deep ; the ribs round, deep before as well as behind; the
Legs straight, feet round and small, but the toes should be well split up.
The tail must be fine towards the point, free from curl, and not curled over the back.
In colour, the black should be of a deep jet; and the tan mahogany red. Each toe should be pencilled with black, and there should be a black thumb- mark just above the foot in front of the leg. The tan should not run into the black, and should be developed as follows :--
A rich clear spot over each eye, and one on each cheek, with the inside of the ears tanned. A line along each jaw, running into the gullet, which has no black, and a large spot on each side the breast bone, and inside of the fore and hind legs. The vent has a small tan spot, and the under side of the tail should be tanned.
The weight is from 7lb to 25lb, but the best size is about l0lb. or 12lb.
The neck is long, tapering, yet muscular, free from throatiness, and in fact the skin must be perfectly tight under the lower jaw, or " well cut." The shoulders should be muscular and well set back ; the Loins well developed, broad and deep ; the ribs round, deep before as well as behind; the
Legs straight, feet round and small, but the toes should be well split up.
The tail must be fine towards the point, free from curl, and not curled over the back.
In colour, the black should be of a deep jet; and the tan mahogany red. Each toe should be pencilled with black, and there should be a black thumb- mark just above the foot in front of the leg. The tan should not run into the black, and should be developed as follows :--
A rich clear spot over each eye, and one on each cheek, with the inside of the ears tanned. A line along each jaw, running into the gullet, which has no black, and a large spot on each side the breast bone, and inside of the fore and hind legs. The vent has a small tan spot, and the under side of the tail should be tanned.
The weight is from 7lb to 25lb, but the best size is about l0lb. or 12lb.
Our illustration (see frontispiece) represents a very well-known and beautiful specimen of the black-and-tan breed, " Dandy," the property of Mr. George Fitter, of 3, High Park-corner, Nechells, Birmingham. We are unable to state how many first prizes this dog has taken, but we are prepared to say that he richly deserved them all, and that he is one of the very best framed dogs we have ever seen. We have frequently formed one of the throng grouped round him at exhibitions, and we have always been ready to indorse the decision of the judges. Mr. Henry Brown, of Gilling Lodge, Hampstead, has also shown some capital specimens of the same colour, and he is an acknowledged authority on many breeds.
Black-and-tan is perhaps the oldest smooth terrier colour, and we can remember very choice specimens nearly forty years ago—one bitch, Gyp, a very perfect one, was about that time the property of the Rev. Joseph Dornford, a Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford.
Black-and-tan is perhaps the oldest smooth terrier colour, and we can remember very choice specimens nearly forty years ago—one bitch, Gyp, a very perfect one, was about that time the property of the Rev. Joseph Dornford, a Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford.
Attacked by Rats Unknown Publication. Dated 1877
Attacked by Rats. I remember an adventure of Weybridge's which put his courage beyond question, and at the same time illustrated the close connection that existed between himself and the canine race. There was a certain granary in Cambridge so infested with rats that for some time they had made the place almost useless for the purpose for which it was designed, but just as Whittington found his cats a mine of wealth by sending them to a foreign market, so did the proprietor of this establishment derive advantage from his rats at the hands of some very exceptional customers. Mr. Weybridge and some young friends of similar tastes, purchased at a high price the rights of sporting over the granary floors, and the rats were allowed to have their fill like pheasants in a preserve, in return for the amusement they afforded.
On one occasion battle had been arranged for, the principal apartment had been "baited" with a fine supply of grain, the rats had fallen to, and then the holes of .egress had been stopped up. It was computed that about six hundred rats were indulging, a false confidence, and getting too fat to live in Mr. Miller's granary. Mr. John Weybridge was not altogether, it seems, deficient in imagination; for, picturing in his mind's eye this charming scene, and himself in the middle of it, the temptation of anticipating the treat which should have been by rights reserved for self and friends proved too great for him, he resolved to enter upon the adventure alone, save for the company of his favourite and inseparable black-and-tan terrier Jacko.
It was a selfish as well as an ambitious act, and, like Julius Caesar, grievously did our hero suffer for it. Waking, no doubt, from heavenly dreams of gigantic rats and "varmint" dogs, he took his way early in the morning of the proposed battle to the scene of action, opened the granary door, let himself and Jacko in, and turned the key behind him. He had a handy bludgeon, and Jacko had (at that time) his teeth, and these were all their weapons. So soon as the two allies appeared the six hundred scuttled away to their holes, and found them stopped; then they turned round (ratted), stood at bay, and finally attacked their assailants; their motto was no longer sauve qui peut , but "death to tyrants".
Mr. John Weybridge used to describe the attack of the rats as little inferior in audacity to the Balaclava Charge, which, by a curious coincidence, consisted, it will be remembered, of the same number of assailants. They flew at him and Jacko, tooth and claw, and both man and dog must have felt that their work was cut out before them. With the second blow of his bludgeon, Mr. John Weybridge killed Jacko. Under ordinary circumstances he would have thought considerable less of killing a human fellow creature-such as a "Bargee"-and the sad mischance of the moment overwhelmed him. Even in that supreme moment, with angry rats holding on to him everywhere, and climbing up him in all directions like flies, a pathetic thought passed through his mind. He knew that the dog was dead (for he never hit anything twice), and he resolved to have him stuffed. He did not know at that time how small was the chance of his ever being able to pay that last sad tribute to his faithful companion's memory; but after ten minutes of hot combat, during which he laid about him like a Paladin, and with all the fury of revenge, he began to fear that his foes were very literally "too many for him", and, fighting as he fled, he retreated to the door.
But the key which, in his desire for solitary slaughter, he had turned, was rusty, and refused to move, and, in his desperate efforts to release himself, broke in the lock. It seemed that nothing remained for him but to sell his life as dearly as he could, and that that granary would prove his grave. He still fought on, but his war cry was now "Help, help!" which he uttered with every blow he struck. He was bitten in a hundred places; his clothes hung on him like rags, and the rats hung on him too; some of them about his very ears. It was scarcely possible to imagine a more terrible death than seemed to await him. Many men would have succumbed to the very horror of the position independently of the loss of blood which would have exhausted a less powerful frame; but John Weybridge stuck to his work, like the rats themselves, and was eventually rescued - only just in time. Some early risers, hearing his cries, broke in the door, and found him half dead, though fighting still, with his dead dog beside him, but not - no, "not the six hundred". He had killed about a third of them, and the other four hundred would have certainly killed him, but for that timely aid. It was the only occasion on which he was ever known to confess that he had had enough of rats.
---Belgrevia.
Attacked by Rats. I remember an adventure of Weybridge's which put his courage beyond question, and at the same time illustrated the close connection that existed between himself and the canine race. There was a certain granary in Cambridge so infested with rats that for some time they had made the place almost useless for the purpose for which it was designed, but just as Whittington found his cats a mine of wealth by sending them to a foreign market, so did the proprietor of this establishment derive advantage from his rats at the hands of some very exceptional customers. Mr. Weybridge and some young friends of similar tastes, purchased at a high price the rights of sporting over the granary floors, and the rats were allowed to have their fill like pheasants in a preserve, in return for the amusement they afforded.
On one occasion battle had been arranged for, the principal apartment had been "baited" with a fine supply of grain, the rats had fallen to, and then the holes of .egress had been stopped up. It was computed that about six hundred rats were indulging, a false confidence, and getting too fat to live in Mr. Miller's granary. Mr. John Weybridge was not altogether, it seems, deficient in imagination; for, picturing in his mind's eye this charming scene, and himself in the middle of it, the temptation of anticipating the treat which should have been by rights reserved for self and friends proved too great for him, he resolved to enter upon the adventure alone, save for the company of his favourite and inseparable black-and-tan terrier Jacko.
It was a selfish as well as an ambitious act, and, like Julius Caesar, grievously did our hero suffer for it. Waking, no doubt, from heavenly dreams of gigantic rats and "varmint" dogs, he took his way early in the morning of the proposed battle to the scene of action, opened the granary door, let himself and Jacko in, and turned the key behind him. He had a handy bludgeon, and Jacko had (at that time) his teeth, and these were all their weapons. So soon as the two allies appeared the six hundred scuttled away to their holes, and found them stopped; then they turned round (ratted), stood at bay, and finally attacked their assailants; their motto was no longer sauve qui peut , but "death to tyrants".
Mr. John Weybridge used to describe the attack of the rats as little inferior in audacity to the Balaclava Charge, which, by a curious coincidence, consisted, it will be remembered, of the same number of assailants. They flew at him and Jacko, tooth and claw, and both man and dog must have felt that their work was cut out before them. With the second blow of his bludgeon, Mr. John Weybridge killed Jacko. Under ordinary circumstances he would have thought considerable less of killing a human fellow creature-such as a "Bargee"-and the sad mischance of the moment overwhelmed him. Even in that supreme moment, with angry rats holding on to him everywhere, and climbing up him in all directions like flies, a pathetic thought passed through his mind. He knew that the dog was dead (for he never hit anything twice), and he resolved to have him stuffed. He did not know at that time how small was the chance of his ever being able to pay that last sad tribute to his faithful companion's memory; but after ten minutes of hot combat, during which he laid about him like a Paladin, and with all the fury of revenge, he began to fear that his foes were very literally "too many for him", and, fighting as he fled, he retreated to the door.
But the key which, in his desire for solitary slaughter, he had turned, was rusty, and refused to move, and, in his desperate efforts to release himself, broke in the lock. It seemed that nothing remained for him but to sell his life as dearly as he could, and that that granary would prove his grave. He still fought on, but his war cry was now "Help, help!" which he uttered with every blow he struck. He was bitten in a hundred places; his clothes hung on him like rags, and the rats hung on him too; some of them about his very ears. It was scarcely possible to imagine a more terrible death than seemed to await him. Many men would have succumbed to the very horror of the position independently of the loss of blood which would have exhausted a less powerful frame; but John Weybridge stuck to his work, like the rats themselves, and was eventually rescued - only just in time. Some early risers, hearing his cries, broke in the door, and found him half dead, though fighting still, with his dead dog beside him, but not - no, "not the six hundred". He had killed about a third of them, and the other four hundred would have certainly killed him, but for that timely aid. It was the only occasion on which he was ever known to confess that he had had enough of rats.
---Belgrevia.