"Of course, Tiny was no account against a rat."

A vital report of national importance, the following account of a very puny dog ran in the December 6, 1885 Brooklyn Daily Eagle. An excerpt:

“Tiny, a black and tan terrier, has the honor of having been the smallest full grown dog that ever lived. He belonged to Lieutenant General Sir Archibald Maclaine of England, and in honor of his extreme tininess, is now carefully preserved under a glass case. Tiny was less than four inches long, and could comfortably curl up and take a nap in a common glass tumbler. An ordinary finger ring was large enough for his collar, and when he sat up, a baby’s hand would almost have made a broad and safe resting place for him. Of course, Tiny was no account against a rat. Indeed, a hearty, self-respecting mouse would have stood its ground against the little fellow. But if Tiny had not strength, he did have courage, and would bark as lustily as his little lungs would let him at the biggest rat that ever lived–when the rat was dead.

To tell the whole truth, Tiny was remarkable and he was famous, but he was not very happy. He could have almost anything he wished to eat, but he had no appetite. He shivered most of the time, even though he was usually hidden in warm wraps. Of course, he caught cold easily, and then, oh, dear, how pitifully he did sneeze.”