Dogs as home companions

The terrier family is a large one in all its ramifications, and the embryo dog lover, wishing to possess one of this variety will have a wide field to go over. The terrier should have more action than the toy varieties and if it is possible, a place should be provided where he can romp out of doors for at least two or three hours a day. If that is not feasible, then he must be taken to some park or open place where he can run and exercise, for a terrier that is kept confined is as entirely out of his environment as a fish would be out of water.

Among the many breeds of terriers, there are a number which enjoy equal popularity. The Boston Terrier is the great American product; he is strictly an evolution of this country and has grown in popularity in keeping with his qualities. The Boston is a clean, well-knit dog of trappy appearance, with a short head that is a mean between the bulldog and the terrier expression, if such a thing can be. He comes in various weights up to twenty five pounds, and, as a matter of fact, one finds them going as high as thirty and thirty-five, for the Boston is a mixture and does not always throw true to type. The present accepted dictum is, however, that the maximum weight should be twenty-five pounds. At dog shows the weights are divided by classes under fifteen pounds, fifteen pounds and under twenty, twenty pounds and not exceeding twenty-five. The demand for the smaller weights seems greatest, but one finds more uniformity in the medium weights—that is, from fifteen to twenty pounds. The Boston terrier may be good for no practical purposes, but he is alert and will prove to be a fair guardian of the home. The appeal with this dog is his absolute trimness, his clean cut appearance, and his short coat. For people living in flats he is one of the most desirable dogs. In purchasing one of this breed it is well to see the dog before paying the money. While there are unscrupulous dealers of all breeds, it seems that more irresponsible people have taken up the sale of this breed than any other. I do not mean by this that there are not a large number of very responsible breeders, but it is the dealer—the vendor of dogs—whose word cannot always be taken at face value, therefore, in buying any breed, see that you are obtaining what you are paying for, and in buying a Boston, be sure of it from every angle.

Fox Terriers, both wire-haired and smooth, are also very popular in this country, the former probably more so at the present time than the latter, although the smooth is much more easily kept, is just as keen and alert, makes a varmint dog the equal of any, and as a house companion has many advantages over his wire-haired cousin; the latter is a beautiful dog when his coat is kept just right, but if not, he is an abomination. Incidentally it may be said that it is both a science and an art to keep the coats of any of the broken-haired varieties of terriers in good order.

In temperamental characteristics there is little difference, if any, between the smooth and the wire-haired varieties, and if the dog is to be kept in the house mostly, perhaps the former would prove more satisfactory. Prices of both of these varieties have been soaring here of late, but this refers only to the show specimens. It is always possible to procure a “waster” either because he does not conform to the show standard in the finer points, is oversize, or for some other reason. The fox terrier, as in fact practically all terriers, except the toy varieties and possibly Bostons, are men’s dogs, and they can furnish considerable sport if they are trained on various kinds of “varmints.” In this connection it might be said that they take to this class of work very readily, as they have been specifically bred for this purpose since the earliest days.

The Irish Terrier, is a wire-coated dog, usually brick red or wheaten in color. He is a handsome dog, but like the wire-haired fox terrier, his coat must be kept right. For gameness, there are few terriers his equal and he has been rightly named “Daredevil.” The Irish terrier is a trifle larger in size than the fox terrier. He has all of that varminty look, that fiery eye and alert expression, indicative of the dog of quick action, and furthermore, he is a most intelligent animal and makes one of the best dogs for the home that may be imagined. Since the rise in popularity of some of the other smaller terrier breeds, the Irish has fallen somewhat in the estimation of the fanciers, but those who have bred him for years and have a specimen or two about would not part with the fiery Irishman for all of the other terriers combined.

The Irish terrier answers in many respects the call for an all-purpose dog, except that he is not so large as the Airedale and therefore could not hold his own in fighting big game, though for his inches, no better dog ever lived, and I have, on one or two occasions, seen Irish terriers in bear packs which proved to be just as valuable as some of the larger breeds; they were certainly just as game, and being very quick and shifty, they could do considerable damage and still come away uninjured, where a larger dog might suffer the consequences of his temerity. The Irish terrier is essentially the dog for those who do not care to keep an Airedale, but want one as game and as fearless as any dog that lives.

Still another breed that comes between the small terriers and the Airedale is the Welsh Terrier. A dog that in many points resembles the Airedale, particularly in texture and color of coat, although the head is of somewhat different formation. Welsh terriers never became common in this country. Possibly because of the rapid rise of the Airedale and partly because he was not exploited like some of the other breeds. For the person wanting but one dog, however, the Welsh terrier is an excellent companion, a good watch dog with all the terrier proclivities, such as going to earth for game, and just as keen on rats and other small furred animals as the other varieties.

To the uninitiated the Welsh terrier is a miniature Airedale. In height he should be about sixteen inches, but should not have the appearance of being leggy, nor on the other hand, of standing too low on the leg. The markings—that is, color and coat, are similar to the Airedale; black or grizzle saddle, with tan head, legs and underbody. Like in Airedales, the rich deep tan and jet black bodies are most admired. His average weight should be about twenty-two pounds, though a pound one way or the other is not a handicap. While white is not desirable, a small spot on the breast or toes does not disqualify.

A dog that attracted quite a bit of attention at the New York show of 1922, was the Kerry Blue Terrier. There were only half a dozen specimens of the breed shown and as far as this country is concerned, it is a new variety, although it is said that it is one of the oldest of Irish breeds. The dog is essentially an Irish terrier in a blue-gray wire coat. It is said that the modern brick colored or wheaten Irish terrier is descended from the Kerry blue and that by generations of selection in breeding the red coats were finally obtained, but it seems that fashion is again going back to the original colors and that is how it transpires that the Kerry blues are coming into vogue. This terrier has all the good qualities of the more modern reds. To the dog lover wishing to own a dog that is somewhat out of the ordinary, the Kerry blue will appeal, though owing to the present scarcity, it is quite likely that prices will run high.

A very desirable small terrier which came into vogue twelve or fifteen years ago, is the West Highland White Terrier, one of the border varieties said to be of ancient origin, but brought to his present perfection by scientific breeding and selection. The general appearance of the West Highland white terrier, as we know the breed today, is that of a small, game, hardy-looking terrier, possessed of considerable self esteem, and like all good terriers, has that “varminty” appearance that is such a distinguishing mark of this group of dogs. He is a stockily built animal, showing strength from every angle, short legs, deep in the chest, with ribs extending well to the powerful loin; very strong in quarters and in fact, with all of his strength, he impresses one as having considerable activity, which he really has, for there is no quicker and more nimble terrier on four feet than the West Highlander when it comes to a fight with rats or other “varmints,” even much larger.

The color of the West Highlander is pure white; any other color, the creamy or grey shade, is objectionable. The coat is also very important and fanciers of the breed are more particular about this feature than any other. As a matter of fact, a coat that meets with the perfection that the standard calls for, is rare indeed. We hear much of the so-called double-coat, but in this breed it is demanded. The outer coat consists of harsh hair, about two inches long and absolutely free from curl. The under coat, which resembles fur, is short, soft and close. It is a real weather-resisting jacket such as we want on Airedales and various other wire-coated terriers, but which is found so seldom, even in this variety.

The West Highlander weighs from twelve to eighteen pounds; bitches usually ranging from the minimum figure to sixteen pounds, while the dogs average about two pounds more to the maximum weight. In height they measure from eight to twelve inches at the shoulder. For the prospective owner, who does not object to white dogs nor to the long coat, the West Highlander white terrier will make an excellent companion, though his comparative scarcity will probably keep the prices at a high figure for some time to come.

A near relative to the West Highlander is the Cairn Terrier, a dog of similar size and characteristics of the other Scottish varieties. The dog is not very popular at this date, but being a newly cultivated, though an old breed, the prices are still prohibitive. In all essentials, however, the Cairn terrier will fill the same place as any of the small terriers.

The ever popular Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, as he is more affectionately called, is virtually one of the near relatives of the two breeds just described. He has been long and slow in coming to his own in this country, but having once attained a foothold in America he is likely to retain his place when many of the creations of faddists are forgotten. He has been becoming more popular every year as a show dog, though he never will attain the popularity accorded some of the other terrier breeds. What is more significant, however, he is rapidly making himself more and more endeared to the one-dog owner. As a companion about the premises, the house or the stables, the Scottie is par excellence. A first class vermin dog, an alert watchman and game to the core, the Scottie will indeed fill the requirements of anyone wishing to own one small dog, for size and all other conditions must sometimes be taken into consideration.

The general appearance of the Scottie is that of a sharp, bright, active dog. His expression is his distinguishing mark, for he is always on the qui vive, ready, as it were, “for something to turn up.” The head is carried well up. He appears to be higher on the leg than he really is; this is due to his short, wiry coat, which is like bristles, and about two inches long all over the body. He has a compact appearance, nevertheless, his legs seem to be endowed with almost an abnormal amount of bone. His back is short, his ribs well sprung, his loin and quarters well filled up and in every essential, he is powerfully put together. He carries his ears erect and they are always alert. His eyes are small and of a very dark hazel color, his tail, which is never docked, is about seven inches long and is carried with a slight upward bend, which under excitement is apt to be carried still more gaily. In height he should be from nine to twelve inches and in weight the maximum is twenty pounds. Dogs going over that are considered too large. Of recent years this breed has been becoming more popular in all parts of the country and at the present time good specimens may be bought at a very reasonable figure; that is, puppies at weaning age, or a little later. Naturally, more matured dogs, with the earmarks of becoming bench show flyers would still command a price that the average one-dog owner would not care to pay for a mere home companion. The breed is very intelligent and easily broken to all the natural pursuits of the terrier.

The Sealyham Terrier is another breed that has come into popularity recently, and with an active club here in America to foster it, it has made rapid strides during the past four or five years. In the eyes of the tyro he is a short-legged, over-weighted wire-haired fox terrier, although the standard emphasizes the fact that he should not resemble the latter breed either in character, expression or shape and such resemblance “should be heavily penalized.” As a matter of fact, in head properties there is nothing to indicate the fox terrier in a Sealyham of correct type. His head is of a different formation. The skull is wide between the ears and as the dog is describes as being the ideal combination of the Dandie Dinmont and the bull terrier of twenty pounds in weight, this skull formation is supposed to be the mien between the two. It is slightly domed and rounded, with practically no stop and a slight indentation running down between the brows. The jaws are long, powerful and level, much wider and heavier than in the fox terrier. The nose is black and the nostrils wide apart. The ears are of medium size and set low, carried closely against the cheek, which characteristic is insisted upon since a forward ear carriage would resemble a fox terrier too much. The coat is dense and wiry; longer than that in which the wire-haired fox terrier is usually shown, and it should be especially profuse on head, neck and throat. The body is compact and the tail is docked and must be carried gaily. The color should be a white ground although patches of lemon, tan, brindle or badger-pied markings are permissible on head and ears, though black spots are objectionable and while they do not absolutely disqualify, dogs with such markings should be severely penalized. The size of the dogs should be from nine to twelve inches and bitches slightly less. Weight in this breed is not any particular criterion and very frequently a ten-inch dog may be so compactly and sturdily built that he might weigh twenty-four pounds, while a larger one of rangier type could easily go considerably less. The Sealyham’s sphere is similar to that of the other short-legged terrier breeds; indeed, there are so many dogs of similar characteristics that the question has frequently been asked, “Why is a Sealyham?”

The Dandie Dinmont antedates the Sealyham by many years and is a dog which became famous in literature. It will be remembered by those who read Walter Scott that the hero for which the breed was named is Dandie Dinmont, one of the noted personages in “Guy Mannering.” The quaint character is well drawn in this novel of Sir Walter, but his dogs, Mustard and Pepper, and Old Mustard and Old Pepper, etc., are even more minutely described. No doubt at that time this type of terrier was quite common in the border country, but it remained for dog fanciers to fix the name upon this particular variety.

The size of the Dandie is eight to eleven inches at the shoulder and the length of the dog measuring from the top of the shoulder to the root of the tail should not be more than twice the dog’s height, preferably one or two inches less. Weight ranges from fourteen to twenty-four pounds, but the ideal weight is about eighteen pounds. These weights are estimated for dogs that are in good working condition. The color is mustard and pepper and it was because of these uniform and pronounced colors that the quaint farmer in Scott’s novel could not get away from the names; all of them, as previously said, were Mustards and Peppers, either young or old. The pepper in the present-day Dandie Dinmont ranges from dark bluish to a silvery grey, but the intermediate shades are preferred. The Mustards vary from reddish brown to a pale fawn, the head being a creamy white. Nearly all specimens have a patch of white on the breast.

The coat is the important point, and characterizes the Dandie Dinmont. The hair should be about two inches long; that from the skull to the root of the tail, a mixture of hard and soft hair, which gives a crisp feel to the hand, but the hard hair should not be wiry as in most broken-haired terriers; the coat is in every sense of the word what is called piley. The hair on the under part of the body is softer and lighter in color than on top. The skin on the under body should accord with the color of the dog.

The Dandie Dinmont is an odd looking creature, but game to the core and a vermin dog. He is also an excellent watch dog and does not hesitate to attack an intruder who might presume to trespass upon his master’s domain. To those who want a rather out of the ordinary looking dog the Dandie Dinmont will be the answer, for he will not only attract attention, but also fill every requirement.

The Bedlington is coated very much like the Dandie Dinmont, but stands up higher on the leg. He is described as the smartest, the largest and the gamest of the English terriers, but this was before the advent of the Airedale. His height is from fifteen to sixteen inches at shoulder, his back is slightly arched, while the dogs average in weight about twenty-four pounds, the bitches going slightly less. The origin of this dog is said to be in crosses in which the Dandie Dinmont and probably the otter hound might have figured. In this respect he approaches the Airedale in his early history. The Bedlington never became popular in this country and as a matter of fact, even in England he is not found in great numbers.

The Airedale is the largest of the terrier varieties. Indeed, he is such a large dog that he does not really belong in that class, for while possessing most of all the other terrier attributes, he does not go to earth for his quarry and this, in the strictest sense is what all terriers are supposed to do. Be that as it may, the Airedale has become the most popular of allround dogs, not only here in America, but in every part of the world. Whether or not too much “refinement” in breeding this dog for bench show purposes will eventually ruin him for the allround utility dog that he is, still remains a mooted question, but one thing is quite certain; he has found a place in the hearts of sportsmen and this class will always breed types which will retain their usefulness, hence the history of this breed here in America may eventually parallel that of the English setter, in that there are two types—one for actual use, the other for show only. It seems assured, however, that the useful Airedale and the fined-down show dog are growing wider apart each year. The reader who is especially interested in the Airedale, is referred to my previous book, “The Airedale for Work and Show.”

The Bull Terrier, a smooth coated white dog, makes an attractive animal for the premises. He may not be so certain as a companion for children unless brought up in their company from puppyhood, but he is a good vermin dog and also a watchful guardian of the home. A pure bred white bull terrier without the admixture of bulldog blood like one finds so many among the brindled varieties, commands a good price, but he is worth the money. Because of his pure white color he may not be so easily kept immaculately clean, but having a short coat, he is easily washed and in his case frequent bathing can do little or no harm, which cannot be said of a number of breeds.