CHAPTER XIV

PERFORMING AND TOY BREEDS (_Continued_)

TOY TERRIERS--SMOOTH BLACK AND TAN--YORKSHIRE--MALTESE--GRIFFONS BRUXELLES

To take these in the above order, I propose to say a few words about each. I regret to say that, really first-rate specimens of the Toy Black and Tans are few and far between, there are many of the right size, and colour, but, so many fail in head, which should be like that of a true terrier of the "Manchester" type, in miniature, but the majority are too round and short in skull, and the other "points" of the breeds are the same. I need not say that a good specimen is a beautiful little creature and a charming pet for a lady, and very smart and showy. I have little doubt that the edict against cropping has had a prejudicial effect on them, as well as their larger brethren, and that having to wear such ears, as they have been born with, gives no chance for the skill of the "cropper" to improve their appearance, and, a great many of the breed appear to have what are known as "Bat," or "Tulip," ears, which look out of proportion to their size. I am in hopes that breeders may succeed (as has been done with the "Manchesters") in breeding more specimens with small drop ears, of the orthodox type, when, no doubt, a revival of interest will be taken in this somewhat neglected variety. One of the best seen for years illustrates this variety. Occasionally more or less good specimens of the White English Smooth Terrier, in miniature, are seen, and when correct in points, they are very pretty.

_Maltese Terriers._--Another of the Pet Dogs, proper, is the lovely little Maltese Terrier, whose praises I have been singing for years, and I am delighted to see they are slowly coming back into favour. Those of my readers who remember the Team shown, many years since, by the late Lady Giffard, will, I think, confirm my opinion, that a more beautiful lot of ladies' pet dogs could not be seen. To those not acquainted with the breed, I may say, they resemble very small drop-eared Skye Terriers, with pure white long coats, often sweeping the ground, and almost like floss silk in texture, with short backs and tails curled over them, dark, piercing eyes and black noses. They are very smart, corky little fellows. I admire them greatly, and have done my best for some years past to revive interest in them, and am glad to see better entries at shows which provide classes and judges to suit them. This is thought to be one of the oldest of the Toy breeds, having been highly prized by the ladies of ancient Greece, and other nations of that historic period. Head should be much like that of a drop-eared Skye in miniature. Coat long, straight and silky, often sweeping the ground, quite free from curl, or wooliness. Nose and roof of mouth black, ears moderately long, well feathered, with hair mingling on neck. Tail short, well feathered, and curled tightly over back. Colour, pure white, without markings, or even tints of any other colour. Weight five to six pounds, the smaller the better, other points being equal.

By the kindness of my old friend, Mr. J. Jacobs, the best known breeder of Maltese, I have been able to give a portrait of his beautiful little champion.

_Griffons Bruxelles._--One of the most recent of all the breeds suitable as pets and companions and which has been very much "boomed" the last few years, is the above named, somewhere about the size, and a little the shape of a Yorkshire Toy Terrier, if you can imagine one with a short harsh coat instead of a long silky one, and with a chin prominent as possible, without showing the teeth, in fact, "under-jawed;" round nearly black eyes; lashes, and lids dark, short black nose, with hair around it and the eyes; prick ears carried straight up as darts, feet longish; tail docked rather short; head round and covered with harsh hair, not woolly or silky; longer round eyes, nose, lips (which should have a "moustache" over them,) and cheeks; colour preferred, chestnut red, wiry rough, and plentiful coat, but not long. Weight for the larger variety nine pounds maximum; for the smaller five pounds maximum. These are cobby in build, active, intelligent, hardy little fellows, very quaint, comical, and self-important in their ways, which makes them attractive, even to persons not taking much interest in dogs in general; they are now being pushed forward very much and have a club of their own, so they seem likely to, what is called "catch on!"

I have secured the portrait of a grand little specimen of this variety belonging to the well known judge, Count H. de Bylandt.