Product Description

This book is the first of an intended two-volume work about British terriers. Behind every book written there is an intended audience. Authors of dog books often state they are writing for either the seasoned professional or the novice. These are all commendable objectives, but the motivation for this particular approach was to serve up an informal history for terrier owners and fanciers; while, hopefully, interesting the seasoned professional.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2196989 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Early Terrier History

Abraham Fleming (1576) sugested that terriers were essentilly hounds; specifically, they were the smallest of the hounds and were used only for fox and badger. He then provided a detailed description of how the dogs worked. They crept into the burrows and nipped and bit the badger or fox; then, the dog either slew the prey underground, hauled it out into daylight, or through fear, forced the animal to bolt its shelter. If the dog chose the last route, the fox or badger could then be snared or netted. ...

In 1760, W. Daniel wrote a fairly detailed description of the terriers with which he was familiar, noting their courage, tenacity, and fighting skill. ...

In 1774, Oliver Goldsmith observed that it was the terrier's job to rout the fox or badger, or to inform the hunter of its location, but not actually dispatch the animal. With the exception of a few breeds, such as the Manchester, which excels as a rat killer, most terriers were not bred to kill their adversary. ....

There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that Scotland is home to the oldest terrier breeds. John Lesley, for example, who wrote "The History of Scotland from 1436 to 1561" (1830), suggested the existence of terrier-type dogs in that area some four and half centuries ago.

Customer Reviews

A 302-page "terrier social history"
The first of a planned two-volume work by Bryan Cummins about the Terrier dogs associated with the British Isles, Terriers Of Scotland & Ireland: Their History And Development. This is a comprehensive, 302-page "terrier social history" that focuses upon the origins of this specialized canine breed and its qualities for both practical work and as loving household companions. Each individual chapter informatively looks at a different terrier breed, evaluating its unique evolution and traits. Black-and-white photographs magnificently illustrate this fascinating and enjoyable reference which is an informed, informative, and very highly recommended for terrier enthusiasts, breeders, and owners.