There is one little matter in breeding Dandies that is generally a surprise to the novice, and that is the very great difference in the appearance of the young pups and the adult dog.  The pups are born quite smooth-haired, the peppers are black and tan in colour, and the mustards have a great deal of black in their colouring.  The topknot begins to appear sometimes when the dog is a few months old, and sometimes not till he is a year or so old.  It is generally best to mate a mustard to a pepper, to prevent the mustards becoming too light in colour, though two rich-coloured mustards may be mated together with good results.  It is a rather curious fact that when two mustards are mated some of the progeny are usually pepper in colour, though when two peppers are mated there are very seldom any mustard puppies.

The popularity of the Dandie has now lasted for nearly a hundred years, and there is no reason why it should not last for another century, if breeders will only steer clear of the exaggeration of show points, and continue to breed a sound, active, and hardy terrier.

CHAPTER XLI

THE SKYE, AND CLYDESDALE TERRIERS

That the Skye Terrier should be called “the Heavenly Breed” is a tribute to the favour in which he is held by his admirers.  Certainly when he is seen in perfection he is an exceedingly beautiful dog.  As certainly there is no breed more affectionate, more faithful, or more lovable.  Among his characteristics are a long-enduring patience, a prompt obedience, and a deep-hearted tenderness, combined with fearless courage.  He is more sensitive to rebuke and punishment than most dogs, and will nurse resentment to those who are unjust to him; not viciously, but with an almost human plaintiveness which demands an immediate reconciliation.  He is staunch and firm as his native hills to those who are kind to him, and for entering into battle with an enemy there is no dog more recklessly daring and resolute.

Visitors to dog shows are disposed to believe that the Skye Terrier, with its well-groomed coat that falls in smooth cascades down its sides, and its veil of thick hair that obscures the tender softness of its dark and thoughtful eyes, is meant only to look beautiful upon the bench or to recline in comfortable indolence on silken cushions.  This is a mistake.  See a team of Skyes racing up a hillside after a fugitive rabbit, tirelessly burrowing after a rat, or displaying their terrier strategy around a fox’s earth or an otter’s holt, and you will admit that they are meant for sport, and are demons at it.  Even their peculiarity of build is a proof that they are born to follow vermin underground.  They are long of body, with short, strong legs, adapted for burrowing.  With the Dachshund they approximate more closely than any other breeds to the shape of the badger, the weasel, and the otter, and so many animals which Nature has made long and low in order that they may inhabit earths and insinuate themselves into narrow passages in the moorland cairns.