Maltese
Thursday, April 9, 2020
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Under the mantle of parted straight pure-white hair of the Maltese is the sturdy frame of one of the world's most remarkable breeds. This very small dog (the smaller the better, says the standard) has been the subject of superlatives through a period of twenty centuries in written language and has been immortalised in the tombs, paintings and ceramics of the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.
Ancient civilisations have risen and vanished, but the Maltese has marched on, almost unchanged in wide-awake temperament and physical make-up. The breed was created before the Christian era, how much before no one can be sure. It may have been old before the Phoenicians settled the island of Melita (Malta) in 1500 B.C.
You can read about "Japanese Spaniel" here
You can read about "Japanese Spaniel" here
The Maltese is famed as a progenitor of other breeds. It has contributed to some of the other Toy breeds and some believe it formed the foundation stock from which sprang the Spaniel family, which in turn broadened into many of the water dogs, the Poodles and the Setters.
The Maltese remains a delightful pet, an aristocrat in the great family of dogs and onethat, when trained to his highest potentialities, can bring down the house at the great dog shows. The writer saw four of them working in unison do just that at the Westminster and Boston shows for the most remarkable examples of public enthusiasm he has watched anywhere.
Characteristic
The long, straight white coat of the Maltese hangs evenly down on each side of his body and from the nose to the root of the tail. The hair hides the frame completely but does not hide that he is a vigorous, well-proportioned dog whose weight should not be over 7 pounds.
Even-tempered, healthy dog; long-lived; very good with children and other pets; responds to careful training. Color: Pure white; light tan or lemon is allowed on ears. Weight: 4-6 lb. Coat type: single textured, long and silky; groom with a bristle brush every day from early puppyhood; use baby powder to separate hair; bath regularly. Exercise: enjoy a good romp.