FOLLOWING the plan which I have adopted throughout the present series of articles, I shall not pretend to ascertain what was the original type of the Skye Terrier, as bred in the island to which he owes his name, but shall describe him as he is now usually exhibited at our various shows. The peculiar length of body, and long coat incidental to the breed, are said to have been introduced into it by means of some Spanish white dogs, which were on board a ship belonging to the Spanish Armada, wrecked on the coast of the Island of Skye, but, like many other " doggy sayings " there does not appear to be much foundation for the statement. All that can be ascertained on reliable evidence about this breed, is that it has existed in some shape or other for many years on the west coast of Scotland, and the adjacent islands, but as to the definite strains recently described by Mr. J. Gordon Murray under the various names of "Mogstads," "Drynocks," and "Camusennaries," I confess I am not a little sceptical.

In any case it is premature to attempt a description of them until some further evidence is afforded, which has not yet appeared, although his article and portrait of a specimen brought by him to London appeared several months ago, - and if the likeness is a good one a very ugly brute he is.

The Skye, as known to the frequenters of our shows, is a low, weasel-like dog, whether possessed of drop or prick ears, but the former variety is considerably longer than the latter, and more elegant in shape; for this reason he is more popular in the south, where until recently he was very fashionable as a ladies' pet, in which capacity however he is now superseded by the dachshund, fox terrier, or colley. Without any further reference to Mr. Gordon Murray's type, I shall describe this breed under its two recognised varieties, the drop-eared and prick-eared, merely remarking that though both are used, or said to be used in Scotland for the pursuit of vermin, in England they are solely bred as companionable dogs.

The Drop-eared Skye Terries.

This dog is the longest of our native breeds, with the single exception of the turnspit, now almost or quite extinct. He is, however, rivalled in this respect by the dachshund, each being as nearly as may be three and a half times as long as he is high - when stretched out and measured from tip of tail to end of nose. He is a very good house dog, being clean and possessed of an even temperament, not nearly so quarrelsome as the Dandie, or the fox terrier, and although long in coat not at all inclined to be proportionately offensive to the owner; indeed, with the exception of the pug, the Maltese, and smooth terrier, I know no dog less objectionable on that score. To keep his long coat clean is, however, a troublesome task, as it is greatly inclined to mat when the dog is exercised on dirty roads, and if it is allowed to get dry when in this state, nothing but a long soaking in warm water and the careful use of the comb will get it straight again. This difficulty no doubt has operated against the more general adoption of the Skye terrier as a ladies' pet.

The Following Are The Points Of The Skye Terrier

Grand Total 100.

1. The Head (Value 15)

1. The head (value 15) looks large when the coat is dry, but when wetted it is found to be long and rather narrow between the ears, increasing in width between the eyes, with a flat skull, little or no brow, and a pointed nose. The teeth should meet level, and be very strong. Nose and roof of mouth black, or very dark brown.

2. Ears And Eyes (Value 10)

The ears are set on rather high, and are by no means large in leather, being barely three inches long, but the hair on them makes them look much longer, mixing with that arising from the head, neck, and cheeks. In this variety they should fall perpendicularly and close to the cheeks. The eyes are brown, varying in shade from a hazel to a dark brown. They are of medium size, and sharp in expression rather than soft.

3. Length Of Body And Neck (Value 15)

The back is very long but strongly coated with muscle, and quite straight, the roach back of the Dandie being specially objected to. The neck is also long, and unless the whole length amounts to three-and-a-half times the height of the dog at the shoulders, it is not considered sufficient, a greater proportional length being preferred. In spite of the great length of the back the ribs are round, and the chest barrel-like, the back ribs extending far towards the hips. Shoulders strong and often rather upright.

4. The Symmetry (Value 15)

4. The symmetry (value 15) of this variety of the Skye terrier is very considerable, as will be seen by referring to the illustration retained from the last edition on account of the perfection of shape and points generally displayed therein.

5. The Length Of Coat (Value 10)

5. The length of coat (value 10) on the body should be considerable, but should not be so great as entirely to eclipse all his shapes - and to touch the ground - the proper length is well displayed in the illustration accompanying this article. On the head it should be long, and over-hanging the eyes, and often so as to completely conceal them. The tail should be also well feathered, but not so as to make it look bushy or woolly. On the legs also is a certain amount of feather, without matting.

6. In Texture Of Coat (Value 10)

It is generally admitted that there should be a mixture of hard long and straight hair, with a soft and woolly undercoat. On the back the coat should be so straight and free from curl as to part naturally down the middle; and though this parting is usually assisted by the comb, it cannot be shown by this means if the coat is by nature full of curl, and of a woolly texture. But although the outer coat is hard and straight, the inner wool is so thick on the body that when wetted it prevents the outer from collapsing and adhering to the sides. On the head this is not, however, the case, and when wet it shows its shape to be very different from that displayed in the dry state. In many dogs brought from Skye, the coat is woolly throughout, and on that account it has been contended that this is the true type, but I have described it as approved of by all the best judges without reference to any other source.

7. The Colours (Value 5) Most In Demand Are Slate And Black, Or Black With White Hairs (Grizzle)

7. The colours (value 5) most in demand are slate and black, or black with white hairs (grizzle), silver grey and fawn are not now so much fancied as formerly, but the former is certainly very handsome, and is in great demand for ladies' pets. It should always be tipped with black, and the fewn with that colour or dark brown.

8. The Carriage Of Tail (Value 10)

8. The carriage of tail (value 10) should be low, not being raised above the back except under great excitement, when this defect may be excused.

9. Lege And Feet (Value 10)

The legs should be straight, and the elbows as well as stifles by no means out. The thighs are fully clothed with muscle down to the hocks. Feet round and well clothed with hair, but not overdone. There should be no dew claws. The height of the Skye should be about nine to ten inches, and the length thirty-five to forty inches, weight sixteen to twenty pounds.