Maltês

HISTORY OF THE MALTESE Over the centuries, this ancient breed of dog has been given many names. Originally called the Melitaie Dog (Melitaei Catelli - "Canis Melitaeus" in Latin), it has also been known as the dog of the "Roman Ladies", the "Ancient Maltese Dog", the "Comforter Dog", the "Spanish Gentle Dog", the "Bichon", the "Maltese Bichon", the "Maltese Lion Dog", and the "Maltese Terrier", among other names. The breed's history can be traced back several millennia. Some researchers have placed its origins around 2,000 to 3,000 B.C. It is interesting to note that Darwin determined the origin of this breed to be around 6,000 B.C. From the 19th century onwards, the Kennel Club accepted the breed under the name "Maltese". Between the 17th and 18th centuries, an attempt was made to reduce the size of the breed, until it was practically destroyed. Charles Linnaeus reports that these dogs reached the size of a squirrel. In addition, there were relatives with strange breeds mixed into the breed - especially spaniels and miniature poodles, as well as miniature dogs that were brought from East Asia to England via western India, being mixed with the Maltese dog. In a way this saved the Maltese dog, but it made the breed so heterogeneous that several breeds were formed. Doctor Wallher and Reichenbach, in 1817, listed seven different breeds of the Maltese dog and nine breeds in 1836. The present appearance of the breed is largely due to the English breeders who took the necessary care to preserve the lineage. In the period from 1902 to 1913, dogs with parti-color and solid colors were accepted for sampling in England, and later - 1950 - in Victoria, Australia. However, the white Maltese was required to be pure white. The colored Maltese could be obtained from the south of France. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS The Maltese is a docile dog; The Maltese is an intelligent dog, so its learning capacity is considerable; The Maltese breed is highly adaptable; The Maltese is not jealous, but is a protective dog; As for health, the Maltese is a healthy dog, presenting very few problems; The color of the Maltese is white and ivory, with white being predominant; The size of the Maltese varies from 1.4 kg to 4.0 kg; The standard height of a Maltese is 22 cm to 25 cm; The average lifespan of a Maltese varies from 16 to 19 years, which is longer than other small dogs. The Maltese gets along well with children, as long as it is not mistreated. COAT With a silky texture and shiny appearance, it is distributed perfectly over the entire body, remaining smooth along the top line, with no sign of waves or curls. The coat on the body should fall like a well-fitting mantle, molding itself to the body without forming locks or tufts. Locks and tufts are acceptable when they occur on the front and back limbs from the knee to below the paws. The coat is long on the head, on top of the skull, falling evenly and blending with the beard, blending with the hair on the ears. On the tail, the hair falls on only one side of the body, that is, on one of the flanks and on the thigh, and the length reaches the hocks. COLOR The color "pale ivory" is allowed, but excellence is given to "pure white". Traces of pale beige are allowed, provided the coat is silky, but are not desirable as they constitute an imperfection. Any type of defined spot is not allowed, even if very small. The Maltese is a breed of dog that does not shed.