Terriers

The Skye Terrier. The Skye Terrier is one of the oldest Terrier breeds. The Skye seen in today's show ring is a larger dog with a coat longer than that of the Skye Terrier that some four hundred years ago went to ground after badger or fox in its native land, the Isle of Skye. By the end of the nineteenth century it was considered the most popular of all Terriers. It is a low, long-bodied dog, its length being twice its height (10 inches at the shoulder), with a long heavily feathered tail. Gracefully fringed ears may be either medium-sized, erect and set rather high on the head, or larger and pendant. Pendulous ears are set slightly lower and folded flat against the head. The long coat, with a desired length of 5-6 inches, is parted down the length of the body from head to tail and falls profusely over the forehead, protecting the eyes of the working Terrier from injury. Coat colour may be a light to dark grey, blue, black, silver, fawn, or cream, with the black points on the muzzle, the ears, and the tip of the tail. The body is very long and low; shoulders broad; chest deep. Legs short and straight, and muscular, and feet large. The head is long, with powerful jaws. Skull wide, tapering gradually towards muzzle with little stop. In disposition they are courageous and full of terrier character. A reserved dog with strangers, the Skye is a devoted and entertaining pet at home and serves as a competent watchdog. In Edinburgh a memorial commemorates a famous Skye, Greyfriars Bobby, reputed to have stood guard for ten years at his master's grave.

The Welsh Terrier. His strong, compact body, intelligent expression, the black-and-tan colour and texture of his coat make the Welshie look like an Airedale in miniature. But his personality is uniquely his own. Calmest and best mannered of the terriers, the Welshie has a gift for making friends. At the same time, the little dog is eager to give a good account of himself. He will do his duties satisfactorily or die in the attempt. The coat should be wiry, and hard, and abundant. The colour may be either black-and-tan or grizzle-and-tan. The head is flat, and rather wider between the ears than that of a Fox Terrier. The stop not too much defined. The V-shaped ears are small, not too thin, set on fairly high. Neck of moderate length, slightly arched, and sloping gracefully into the shoulders. The back is short, well-ribbed up; chest rather wide, and strong loins. Front legs are straight and feet are cat-like. Height 15 inches at the shoulder. In disposition he is less excitable than many of the Terriers, and may be depended upon to make a first-class companion.