Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-02

We talk collOquIaIly of a mans friend
the dog-a little forgetful OF the fact that
there are nearly two hundred distinct
Varieties Of dogs in the world, and a third
of that number In the United States. And
when a person makes up his or her mind
"to keep a dog the process of selection
is often forgotten. although it is one that
should command careful consideration.
For there are dogs and dogs; and the
novice viii do well to see that he gets an
animal that Is suitable to his surroundings,
and one that will not do him discredit.
If you are going to keep a dog, keep a
decent one.
To help those who do not know how to
arrive at an appreciation, 1 will mention
a few of the different breeds of dogs suit
able for companions. as apart from useful
or sporting ones. and divide the category
into town and country dogs. This dis
tnctfon is a little arbitrary. for the dog
s. or should be- a country animal. But
since the towns absorb a larger portion
of our population. and by the law OF
averages there should be as many dog-lov-
ers urban as rural. it would be hard to
cut them off from the possession of
canine friend. But If they truly love dogs
they Will not be cruel to them. and to Keep
q large dog in town is little short of cruelty
Therefore il will be understood that by
''town dogs" l refer to those smaller va
rieties which are suitable for the house.
and hence for town life.
All Kinds of Terriers.
Cosmopolitan in his adaptabIlity to cir
cumstances comes the terrier. and prime
favorite of all the tribe (Which numbers
fifteen varieties) is the fox-terrier. A
Glenn. cocBy. game little gentleman, who
will always do you credit, and can be
picked up for very moderate price. He
Is an ideal companion. a splendid watch
dog, and his Intelligence is proverbial;
ftvorte with all from duchesses to dust
men. and in very high esteem with the
fraternity known dog fanCiers.' there
l. no breed that has so many yOtarieS.
With his smart white coat, his keen, alert
terrier expression, his game head marked
with tan or black. his little stump of
tail stttiy carried at a right angle to his
body. trOtting proudly along, interested, In
Quisitve. independent, he Is a pattern to all
dogs, town or country. in the performance
Of that first Of all dog duties-making him
self lovable and companionable.
Amongst other terriers with sporting pro-
Clvties and the game instinct, which IS so
attractive. IS the Irish terrier, or dare
devil as he is called but his fighting pro-
Clivities rather marked. and there are
times when he INDUCES them inconvenient-
ly; but when the foe is routed or peace
proclaimed, he can barney you into for
giving him with the sentimental tender
terrier, a breed fast springing into pOpu-
larity, is a great favorite with ladies. and
lis griZzIed and tan coat has the advantage
of not showing the dirt unavoidable in
foggy atmosphere, which Is trying TO white
coated dogs kept in towns. Probably the
Manchester or black terrier is the most
suitable dog for manufacturing centers,
with his fine. silky, glossy black coat Civ
ing him a smart. well dressed look. and
requiring the minimum of trouble to polish
Since the abolition of cropping the ears
the Manchester terrier has fallen on evil
times but he is winning his way back to
popularity and fashion by his virtues, not
the least of which is gameuess,
A Dog for the Humorist.
For those who are fond of quaintness and
dry humor the Scotch terrier may be
recommended. He has a charm which is
all his own; a personality as assertive as
the native which has produced him With
his long body and short legs his prick
ears and wise expression, his austere man
ner and his eXClusiveness, he may be said
40 he fascinating. At the same time he
IL cast IN a strictly sober mold and his