THE MALTESE TERRIER. 501 



from six to seven inches on a four-pound dog, perfectly 

 straight, glistening, and brilliant; even in length, from tip 

 of nose to end of tail, and unless parted and brushed aside 

 from the forehead it completely hides the bright, intelli- 

 gent eyes. Many owners braid the long locks and tie them 

 back with ribbons for the comfort of their pets, and it is 

 not uncommon for exhibitors to fasten back the ears at 

 meal-times, to keep the hair which covers them from being 

 soiled by the food. Daily grooming, from puppyhood, is 

 desirable, but nothing harsher than a soft hair- brush of 

 good quality must be used. The best time for this is 

 always just before a meal, and the dog will enjoy his food 

 the more for his toilet. If the hair is matted or snarled, it 

 may be necessary to disentangle the knotted locks with a 

 pin before combing. A fine comb must never be used, as 

 it would be sure to do harm, but a coarse-toothed one saves 

 time and aids the brush. Some exhibitors are so anxious 

 to keep their pets from indulging in the luxury of scratch- 

 ing that they make little wash-leather boots for the hind 

 legs, so that the nails can not penetrate the skin or take off 

 a single hair. We do not recommend the use of these. 

 Proper diet and careful daily grooming are far better pre- 

 cautions against skin irritation. 



The Maltese is a merry, frolicsome creature, and full of 

 vivacity. Some writers accuse him of snappishness; but 

 some writers call all dogs snappish, so we will forgive their 

 ignorance of the sweet temper, as well as the wonderful 

 intelligence, of this breed. 



As an in-door pet, companion, and watchman, few other 

 "toy " dogs can compare with the exquisite tiny Maltese. 

 The chief objections to him are the dangerous delicacy of 

 his constitution and the care required to keep him in pre- 

 sentable condition as to his jacket. To prepare him for 

 exhibition is not difficult, if he has been dressed regularly. 

 Let not the novice think an all-over " tubbing " necessary. 

 That would invite a severe cold, unless given by an experi- 

 enced assistant. Far better and easier is the egg-bath, pre- 

 pared and applied as follows: Break two fresh eggs in a 



