274 THE MALTESE DOG. 
quite a different matter. Many “toy” Dogs are equally useful in this respect, and the 
miniature terrier, which has lately become so fashionable, or the Skye terrier, are most 
admirable assistants in giving timely warning of a foe’s approach, although they may not 
be able to repel him if he has once made good his entrance. 
MALTESE DOG,—Canis faniliaris. 
A VERY celebrated, but extremely rare, “toy” Dog, is the MALTEsE Doe, the prettiest 
and most loveable of all the little pet Dogs. 
The hair of this tiny creature is very long, extremely silky, and almost unique 
in its glossy sheen, so beautifully fine as to resemble spun glass. In proportion to the 
size of the animal, the fur is so long that when it is in rapid movement, the real shape is 
altogether lost in the streaming mass of flossy hair. One of these animals, which barely 
exceeds three pounds in weight, measures no less than fifteen inches in length of hair 
across the shoulders. The tail of the Maltese Dog curls strongly over the back, and adds 
its wealth of silken fur to the already superfluous torrent of glistening tresses. 
It is a lively and very good-tempered little creature, endearing itself by sundry 
curious little ways to those with whom it is brought in contact. The “toy” spaniels 
are subject to several unpleasant habits, such as snoring and offensive breath, but the 
Maltese Dog is free from these defects, and is therefore a more agreeable companion than ~ 
the King Charles or the Blenheim Spaniels. 
As the name implies, it was originally brought from Malta. It is a very scarce 
animal, and at one time was thought to be extinct; but there are still specimens to be 
obtained by those who have no objection to pay the price which is demanded for these 
pretty little creatures. 
The Lron Doc, so called on account of its fancied resemblance to the king of beasts, 
when it is shaven after the fashion of poodles, is a cross between the poodle and the 
Maltese Dog, possessing the tightly curled hair of the poodle without its elongated ears 
and determinate aspect. 
A VERY decided contrast to the last-mentioned Dog is afforded by the ALPINE SPANIEL, 
more generally known by the title of the St. Bernard’s Dog, on account of the celebrated 
