STAY TUNED FOR THE COMING OF YOYO

THE MALTESE IS NOT A POODLE!

From the South Africian magazine ANIMAL LOVER, August 1996

(editorial comments by Mike)

The Maltese - not to be confused with the so-called `Maltese Poodle' - is a unique breed with a proud lineage dating back to pre-Christian times. A companion dog second to none, The Maltese is regarded as the most sweet-nature of the Toy breeds. The Maltese is one of the oldest breeds of dog and can be traced back to the Roman Empire (the island of Malta) at which time it was much the same as the Maltese we know today, a small, beautiful companion lap dog with a straight silky (nappy) white coat. The poet, Samus Valentinias Melanialis (38AD) wrote a poem about a Maltese called Issa that apparently belonged to Publius, the Roman governor of Malta, describing her astounding beauty and gentle, loving nature. Little has changed in 2,000 years! A Maltese should have a long, single, straight, silky coat that hangs close to the body and is cool and silky to the touch. A curly or crimped coat is incorrect and is heavily penalised in the show ring. The eyes (or eye) of Maltese should be very dark and oval-shaped. The nose, lips, eye-rims and pads of the feet are black. The dog is small, compact and cobby with shorts sight legs, medium reach of neck, a level top-line and a high-set plume tail carried up and over the back, its tip touching the quarter. The correct free, extending, gliding movement of a Maltese (while scratching it's ass on the capret) is sight to behold and will only be such if the dog is correctly constructed.

CLEARING UP A MISCONCEPTION

The Maltese is just that, Maltese, not a Maltese Poodle, Maltese Terrier or Maltese Spaniel. The so-called `Maltese Poodle' is a unique phenomenon. Almost everyone knows about `Maltese Poodles' and they are among the most popular canines in South Africa but the Maltese Poodle is not officially recognised as a breed. It hard to say exactly how the Maltese Poodle came about; one explanation is that the Maltese itself became so popular in South Africa, that everyone (not just dedicated breeders) started producing puppies, and many important breed characteristics such as the straight, silky coat were lost Some believe the Maltese was crossed with Poodles, hence the misnomer `Maltese Poodles, Or perhaps the reference to poodles stems from the curly coats which adorn most `Maltese Poodles'. In any event, the `Maltese Poodle' has become so entrenched in South African culture that the Kennel Union of Southern Africa is currently investigating the possibility of `legitimising' the breed by drawing up an official breed standard and establishing a foundation register for it. Most people will state (often with great Authority) that there are also Maltese Terriers and even Maltese Spaniels. This too is incorrect. although the breed was known by various terms in much earlier times. Today the breed is known quite simply as the Maltese, and the true Maltese does not have the temperament of a Poodle, Spaniel or Terrier. In essence, the Maltese is just that, a Maltese. It is a unique breed and one of oldest breeds among dogs. A true aristocrat!

CHARACTERISTICS AND TEMPERAMENT

Why do Maltese make such popular pets? Maltese are gentle, loving and sweet tempered. They are probably the most humanised of all dogs, as being a companion dog is their sole purpose in life. Maltese are extreme lively and seem to have endless energy when required. while at the same time are able to lie quIetly for days at your side or on your lap. (Alba did, Mbali never!) Maltese an slightly suspicious of strangers and so are very alert and vocal watch dogs. Maltese are far more courageous than they should be for their size. Therefore, they have to be protected from bad-tempered big dogs. Maltese absolutely love cats (Alba absolutely hated cats) and get on well with all breeds of dog and most other animals.

GROOMING YOUR MALTESE

Maltese need to be bathed weekly (lucky if I bath weekly) and brushed and blow-dried afterwards. They love to be clean, free of tangles and will thank you profusely after a bath. A show Maltese in full coat needs a special grooming routine. They have to be specially bathed, conditioned, blow-dried and brushed every three to four days. Their coats are then oiled by brushing a little coconut oil through the hair. In order to prevent the hair from breaking, the coat is wrapped in ‘crackers' which are almost like curlers. The crackers have to be taken out, misted with water and brushed through once a day. It's a lot of work, but the dogs love the dally attention and can run and play with other dogs and will be cool in summer. Never groom through a dry or dirty coat.(We don't)

SELECTING A PUPPY

When you decide to buy a dog, you should carefully consider your situation and the needs of the breed you select. Maltese are house dogs; (not Mbali) they need very little space and exercise and do not eat much. (compared to what? a mule?) They do need regular brushing and bathing and are not suited to untrained small children, (they love Sam) as they will retaliate when threatened or hurt. Maltese adore humans, love cats (hello?) and other well-behaved animals, are vocal and noisy watch dogs and need constant human attention. To be owned by a Maltese is complete and utter bliss! (nothing more blissful than scooping little doggy-doos)