"At the Dublin show in 1878 there were even fewer competitors, a dog and bitch class being given, with no restrictions as to weight. In the former there were four entries, and in the latter three, but only two of the lot appear to be able to boast of a pedigree.

"Does not the above prove that pedigrees in those days were little attended to, otherwise surely they would be stated if known. Some of the entries in these old catalogues are amusing, one entry being described as 'Pedigree terrier, well bred;' another, appropriately named 'The Limb, this bitch has jumped off all the highest bridges in and about Dublin.' Needless to say she was entered as 'not for sale.' Jack 'appears to have been a favourite name, and three with this cognomen competed in one class, and, oh, 'the grumbling ' at the awards, for everyone thought his tyke the only true and only genuine article, and owners were by no means loth to express their opinions in words".

A year or so later good ones appeared, such as Messrs. Carey's Sport, Spuds, and Sting, Mr. Water-house's Killiney Boy, and Mr. Wm. Graham's Erin,the latter brace when mated producing such good ones as Pagan II. and Play Boy, the particulars of which are fully given in what Mr. Barnett has contributed earlier on.

Some of the best Irish terriers have already been mentioned, but omission should not be made of dogs so good as Gripper; Major Arnand's Fury II.; Phadruig; Dr. Carey's Sting; Peter Bodger (Mr. Waterhouse); Mr. H. A. Graves' Glory (the smallest Irish terrier that attained champion honours); Mr. W. Graham's Gilford; Mr. Backhouse's Buster, Bumptious Biddy, and Begum; Nora Tatters, a great favourite of mine, with Droleen and Bencher, all Mr. Wiener's; Mr. Sumner's St. George and B.A.; Dan'el II., Breadenhill; Mr. F. Breakell's Bonnet; Mr. Mayell's Chaperon and Mr. A. E. Clear's Breda Mixer. Still another youngster that I opine will not be long in becoming a champion is Mr. C. J. Barnett's Black Sheep, a dog of 241b. weight, about the size the best of them have been. His dark face may be objectionable, and he is perhaps a mere trifle long in back, but, all round, I have never seen a better terrier, and I fancy that, assisted by his excellent pair of natural ears, he will be the first dog to lower the colours of Mr. Wiener's so long successful Brickbat, if his owner has the temerity to place the latter on the bench again.

Another favourite Irish terrier of mine is Mr. Barnett's Birthright. She weighs 181b., and has been kept out of many prizes because some judges consider her small. Her character and general form are exquisite. Other typical Irish terriers up to date are Mrs. Butcher's Bawnboy and Ted Malone; Mr. T. Yarr's Poor Pat; Mr. F. Parkyn's Firefly; Mr. Jowett's Crowgill Sportsman; Mr. C. B. Murless's Magic; Mr. Krehl's Bishop's Boy; Mr. T. Wallace's Treasurer; whilst from time to time Mr. James Sumner, Mr. J. W. Taylor, Dr. Marsh, Mr. F. W. Jowett, Mr. H. Benner, Mr. C. R. Norton, Mr. C. M. Nicholson, and Mr. T. C. Tisdall, have all owned Irish terriers of more than ordinary excellence.

The Irish Terrier Club was established in 1879, and proving unusually liberal in supporting certain shows, has no doubt done much to popularise the variety over which it looks. Its challenge cup is valuable and handsome, which, as already stated, was won outright by Brickbat, but two cups of equal value will shortly be offered by the club.

Considerable difference of opinion has been expressed as to the description of the Irish terrier as issued by the club, it evidently being modelled on that of the fox terrier. The following, compiled by an "up to date" admirer and successful breeder of the variety, will give an idea of the "points"of an Irish terrier; at any rate, when assisted by Mr. Wardle's drawings, they will do so.

Head

Long and flat, not pinched or lumpy, and not too full in the cheek; showing but a very slight stop in profile. Jaw strong, of a punishing length and of good depth. A thin, weak jaw is objectionable, as is a short, thick head.

Teeth

Level, white, and sound; both over or undershot objectionable and disqualifying.

Nose

Black.

Eyes

Brown, dark hazel, or black, the latter however, are apt to give the dog a curious expression. They should be small, keen, and more almond-shaped than round, set in the head and not on the head. Light eyes very objectionable.

Ears

Fairly thick, V-shaped, and set on to fall to the corner of the eye and close to the cheeks, but not at a right angle to the head; they should not be set on too high or point to the nose.

Neck

Long, clean, and muscular, slightly arched, free from throatiness and nicely placed in the shoulders, not set on the top of them.

Shoulders

Strong and fine, nicely sloping to the back and firm to the hand, the dog should feel strong when pressed on the shoulders, the withers narrow, and gracefully joining the neck and back.

Chest

Of good depth, wide enough to give the heart and lungs free play, but not wide when viewed in front.

Back

Straight and strong.

Loin

Very slightly arched.

Stern

Docked or shortened, set rather high, must be gaily carried but not curled; the stern should be placed on in a line with the back, if too low it gives the dog a mean and unsymmetrical appearance behind.

Body

Of good depth, well ribbed up, but not too far back, or it will make him seem too thickset and cobby, and detract from his appearance of liberty; flank slightly tucked up, but not enough to make the dog look shelly or light. Ribs inclined to flatness and not too much arched or sprung.

Legs And Feet

The legs should be strong, straight, and muscular, but not too upright in the pasterns, which should be slightly springy; elbows set strongly to the shoulders, moving freely, not tied too closely under him; the feet thick and hard, toes arched; open, long, or thin feet most objectionable.

Hind Quarters

Very strong and muscular, long from hip to hock, not too wide but thick through, with no appearance of weakness, legs fairly under the dog, the hocks must move straight, cow hocks or hind legs bent outwards most objectionable.

Coat

Hard, straight, and wiry, free from silkiness anywhere; about 2½in. long on body, shorter on the head and ears, save a beard on the chin, short and hard on the legs, on no account curly; a soft, curly, or open coat objectionable.

Colour

Red-yellow, wheaten, or light brown inclining to grey; the best colour is orange tipped with red, the head slightly darker than the body, and the ears slightly darker than the head. The colour should not run out on the legs a dirty or dull dark red; a mahogany shade is objectionable.

Size

Height, dogs 16in. to 16½in., bitches I5½in. to 16in.; length from shoulder to set on of stern, dogs 14 8/4in. to 15½ in., bitches 14m. to 15in.; girth of chest, 20 ½in. to 21½in.; weight for dogs 2olb. to 241b., bitches 181b. to 22lb.