It boggles the mind, the mental visual that “Clydesale Terriers” evokes: Tiny little Clydesales pulling a tiny little wagon filled with tiny little beer kegs and an even tinier Dalmatian sitting on the wagon.

Sorry, we couldn’t resist.

The Clydesale Terrier (named for the Clyde Valley) did exist at one time, and it was known by many names: The Glasgow Skye, the Silk Coated Skye Terrier and the Paisley Terrier. The breed originating in Scotland is now extinct, but it’s worth mentioning for historical reference: Some cynologists believe the Clydesdale was a modified Skye Terrier bred from dogs with unusually soft, silky coats, while others think it was a breed that resulted from dalliances between Skye Terrier and Yorkshire Terriers, possibly a progenitor of today’s Yorkie.

In 1894, the Clydesdale was described as “an excellent house dog, and most suitable for a lady who wishes something more substantial than a toy;” the author of a book written the same year speculated that the breed was created by fanciers in Glasgow who selected Skye Terriers with short backs and long, silky coats “until they bred fairly truly.” In any event, by the 1930s, the breed was in rapid decline, probably because of squabbling over the true form of the dog, and it never recovered. By the end of WWII, the breed was gone forever. We came across this video that may be of interest.

All images from Pinterest and happily credited upon receipt of information.