[1] The breed had a flowing "silvery, soft jacket" (coat) of blue and tan, and was shown along with the hard-coated Skye Terriers.

[3] From the earliest time of the breed, the beauty of the coat won prizes at dog shows.

[1] The Paisley Terrier was described in 1894 as "an excellent house dog, and most suitable for a lady who wishes something more substantial than a toy", but the care requirements for the coat made it less desirable than some other popular breeds as a pet.

In 1903, the breed is referred to as "a fancier's dog, a sport from the Skye Terrier stock" and despite some fanciers of the time claiming that the breed had the "hardiness and fitness for terrier work... it is evident that a dog with a coat that looks like silk is simply a toy.

The Paisleys, bred for long but soft coats (useless for a working dog), would win the prizes.