264 DOGS AND ALL ABOUT THEM

The Clydesdale may be described as an anomaly. He stands as it were upon a pedestal of his own ; and unlike other Scotch terriers he is classified as non-sporting. Perhaps his marvellously fine and silky coat precludes him from the rough work of hunting after vermin, though it is certain his gamelike instincts would naturally lead him to do so. Of all the Scottish dogs he is perhaps the smallest ; his weight seldom exceeding i8 lb. He is thus described by the Skye Terrier Club of Scotland:

General Appearance-A long, low, level dog, with heavily fringed erect ears, and a long coat like the finest silk or spun glass, which hangs quite straight and evenly down each side, from a parting extending from the nose to the root of the tail. Head-Fairly long, skull flat and very narrow between the ears, gradually widening towards the eyes and tapering very slightly to the nose, which must be black. The jaws strong and the teeth level. Eyes-Medium in size, dark in colour, not prominent, but having a sharp, terrier-like expression, eyelids black. Ears-Small, set very high on the top of the head, carried perfectly erect, and covered with long silky hair, hanging in a heavy fringe down the sides of the head. Body-Long, deep in chest, well ribbed up, the back being perfectly level. Tail-Perfectly straight, carried almost level with the back, and heavily feathered. Legs-As short and straight as possible, well set under the body, and entirely covered with silky hair. Feet round and cat-like. Coat-As long and straight as possible, free from all trace of curl or waviness, very glossy and silky in texture, with an entire absence of undercoat. Colour-A level, bright steel blue, extending from the back of the head to the root of the tail, and on no account intermingled with any fawn, light or dark hairs. The head, legs, and feet should be a clear, bright, golden tan, free from grey, sooty, or dark hairs. The tail should be very dark blue or black.

The Clydesdale Terrier is rare, at any rate as regards the show bench ; there are never more than two or three at most exhibited south of the Tweed, even when classes are provided at the big shows and championships offered, thus indicating that the breed is not a popular one ; and amongst those kennels who do show there exists at the present time but one dog who can lay claim to the title of champion ; this unique specimen is the property of Sir Claud Alexander, Bart., of Ballochmyle, and is known under the name of Wee Wattie. There are of course several fanciers in Scotland, among whom may be mentioned Mr. G. Shaw, of Glasgow, who is the owner

THE CLYDESDALE TERRIER   265

of several fine examples of the breed, including beautiful San Toy and the equally beautiful Mozart.

As with the Skye Terrier, it seems a matter of difficulty to produce a perfect Clydesdale, and until the breed is taken up with more energy it is improbable that first class dogs will make an appearance in the show ring. A perfect Clydesdale should figure as one of the most elegant of the terrier breed ; his lovely silken coat, the golden brown hue of his face fringe, paws and legs, his well pricked and feathery ear, and his generally smart appearance should combine to form a picture exciting general admiration.