Maltese

COUNTRY: Italy
WEIGHT: Less than 7 pounds, 4-6 pounds preferred
COAT: Long, flat silky hair hanging nearly to ground, no undercoat
COLOR: White; light tan or lemon on the ears only is allowed although not preferred
OTHER NAMES: Bichon Maltiase
GROUP: Gun Dog


Small dogs referred to as "bichons" have been present and popular around the Mediterranean for thousands of years. The question of which breed is the oldest and which came first follows the puzzle of the chicken and the egg. They are all, essentially, miniaturized water retrievers, coming from the same stock that produced the Portuguese Water Dogs, the Barbet, the Poodles and others. Those that lived on Tenerife were called Bichon Tenerife, those from Bologna called Bolognese and dogs on Malta were known as Maltese. Some may have developed independently, but all have similar type and character. All bichon varieties are cute, cuddly and coaty, giving them a winsome appeal.

Pets that fit the description of the Maltese have been known since very early times. The island of Malta, off the southern coast of Italy, was colonized by the Phoenicians about 1000 BC. These small, white dogs could have been brought to the area by the Phoenicians and/or spread elsewhere by them, since they sailed and traded around the known world. The Maltese dogs were entirely bred as companions and "comforters," being especially favored by the ladies who often carried them in their sleeves or held them in their laps when in their carriages "taking air." But they won the hearts of more than the women; the Roman governor of Malta in the first century AD so adored his Maltese that he requested a portrait painted and poems written about her.



The Maltese maintained its demand as a companion through the centuries. Dr. Caius describes these small white dogs in the 1500s, and, in 1607, a writer described one that sold for $2,000! At that time, they were described as the size of a squirrel or a common ferret, as small as today's tiniest specimens.

The Maltese remains a much-loved pet and glamorous show dog. They are fastidious, refined and loyal. Devoted to their owners, they are friendly with everyone. Their snowy white, soft coat is without undercoat so they don't create yearly shedding problems, although they definitely require frequent combing to keep out tangles. Their tails are natural length and curve gracefully up over the back. The Maltese is playful and sturdy, despite its petiteness.

Labrador Retriever

COUNTRY: Great Britain

WEIGHT: 55-75 pounds

HEIGHT: 21'/2-241/2 inches

Ccwr: Moderately short, dense, hard and

without wave; thick undercoat

COLOR: Solid black, chocolate, or yellow (from fox-red to light cream)

GROUP: Gun Dog

As far back as the 17th century, water dogs were used by fishermen and hunters in Canada. These were called Newfoundland, Labrador (Greenland was once called Labrador) or St. John's Dogs, depending on their geographic location. These early dogs were moderate in size, had curled coats, carried the genetic factor to produce spotting, and tended to a high tail. Not much formal breeding was attempted, but from these eventually stemmed the modern Newfoundland and Landseer, as well as the Labrador, Flat-Coat and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Throughout the world, fishing vessels, trading ships and exploratory expeditions provided continuous traffic. Most ships had dogs on board, and the crossing of various imported types with the native population of dogs was well documented. By 1800, these retrieving dogs were being sold into England by ships plying
from the Canadian coast. But, later that century, a heavy dog tax caused a great reduction in the breed in Canada and, more importantly, the creation of the English quarantine laws essentially stopped further importation. Thus, although the root stock came from Canada, the modern development of the breed occurred in England.

Early Labs sported a large variety of types and colors, including spotted and brindle. The Flat-Coat was enjoying great favor during the 19th century, and the Labrador was not granted Kennel Club recognition until after the turn of the century. But, once he came to prominence, he stayed on top. Labs are now in the first five breeds in both England and America and maintain their popularity as duck dogs par excellence. In American retriever field trials, the Labrador dominates to the point of exclusion. He enjoys a sterling reputation as an upland bird flusher, companion, drug detector, obedience competitor and guide dog for the blind. In fact,"Polly" lovingly served her blind master for a record 13 years! The Lab is well known and utilized also in Australia, Canada, and many other countries.

Willing-to-please perhaps best describes the Lab. The breed, overall, is sensible, even-tempered, intelligent, and possesses strong natural abilities in marking and retrieving. The short, easy-care coat and docile temperament make the Lab a favorite pet, who can—year round—run with the kids, catch a flying disc in the park, join the family by the fire, and still double as a hunting companion. Because of his fairly large size and his designated lifestyle as an active, athletic dog, soundness is of prime importance.

The ideal Lab is described as slightly longer than tall, with a robust, muscular build. His distinctive "otter" tail is covered by short, thick hair; he should never show any fringe on the underside of the tail! The double coat is quite waterproof, requiring frequent brushing only during the spring shedding season.