TERRIER, a name originally applied to any breed of dog used to burrow un derground, but now applied to any small dog. Terriers may be divided into three classes: those able to follow their game into its earth, those kept for hunting above-ground, and those kept merely as companions. Among terriers proper the fox terrier holds the position of greatest popularity. The Scotch terrier, though long familiar in Scotland, only became generally known about 1870. The Scotch terrier is identical with the breed often erroneously alluded to as the old or work ing Skye terrier. He is a small, com pact dog, short in the leg; coat short, hard, and dense; ears erect; and with a keen, bright expression. In character he is generally alert and active, and makes a splendid companion. The third variety used for going to ground is the Dandie Dinmont, called after the character in Scott's novel of "Guy Mannering," a character founded on Mr. Davison, a well-known Border farmer, who was one of the founders of the breed. The Dan die is a low and powerful dog, very courageous, a quality probably gained by an admixture of bulldog blood, but headstrong and difficult to keep under control. Dandies are divided into "pep pers" and "mustards"—i. e., those colored slate-blue and those of a light yellow.
The coat is rather longer than the Scotch terrier, but not so hard.
Among terriers kept for hunting above ground the most popular is the Irish ter rier, a dog larger and considdrably leg gier than the fox terrier, but built on the same lines. The coat is like the Scotch terrier's, but a light red in color. The ears used always to be cut to a fine point, standing erect, but are now allowed to fall over in their natural shape. The Bedlington is popular in the N. of Eng land; the bull terrier also makes a good sporting dog, but is kept mainly as a companion. The Airedale is growing in popularity, but its large size unfits it for any proper terrier work. It somewhat resembles an overgrown blue Bedling ton, but lacks the same courage. Among terriers kept as companions the Skye is probably the most common. The black and-tan, though an ancient breed, has been supplanted by the white English terrier. Japan gives us the shan-shong, resembling the Skye, and malta, a tiny terrier with long silky hair like a Blen heim spaniel. The toy terrier is a cross from the black-and-tan, as is the York shire terrier. Both varieties are fit only to be used as house dogs and are not true terriers.