MALTESE DOG. 187 



peculiarly susceptible of cold and chills. If affected by such causes, the eyes are frequently 

 attacked, and the water running from them causes unsightly brown lines on the muzzle, which 

 naturally detract greatly from the beauty of the dog. Being so densely coated with silky hair, 

 which is both longer and finer than in any other variety of dog, the jacket of a Maltese is a 

 particular source of trial to his attendant, and a very slight attack of skin disease (or rather an 

 attack which in the majority of breeds would be hardly worth consideration) is very liable to 

 remove his coat to an alarming extent. Constant attention with a soft brush, the balloon 

 shape referred to on page 156, and coolness of blood, are the best preventives, for in such 

 cases prevention is more than ever better than cure. Dieting in all small long-haired dogs 

 must be most scrupulously attended to, and the daily supply of meat rigorously cut down 

 to the smallest possible dimensions. Scraps of bread and vegetables well mixed up with 

 gravy are the best items of diet, and now and then a little meat may be added, but for 

 the welfare of the animal such excesses should be few and far between. As in the case 

 of the Yorkshire Terrier, many owners encase the hind feet in wash-leather bags, which are 

 supposed to have the effect of preventing the dog from scratching himself so much as to injure 

 his coat, or raise the skin beneath it. The bags may doubtless be useful in this respect, but 

 are on the other hand very liable, if worn too long, to injure the feet by keeping them too 

 hot and close, and should therefore be used with caution. The Maltese too, like the Yorkshire 

 Terrier, often appears with the hair down his skull neatly plaited, both in order to prevent it 

 becoming matted and to enable the dog to see his way about with greater ease ; and we 

 know of more than one exhibitor who is in the habit of fastening back the ears when the 

 animal is feeding, in order to prevent their dragging in the food and becoming soiled. Whether 

 the latter precaution is a necessary one or not is naturally a matter of opinion, but cleanliness 

 in jacket and purity of colour are very essential points in the success of a Maltese on the bench. 



As a companion for in-doors the Maltese dog ranks highly in the estimation of its admirers ; 

 and certainly few prettier sights in dog-flesh can be imagined than a select collection of these 

 taking little dogs, at home and uncontrolled in their mistress's boudoir. Unfortunately, the 

 temper of a Maltese is often snappish, and the breed, in consequence, is not so popular as it 

 would otherwise be with many who avowedly admire its beauty. Out of doors it is sharp and 

 quick-witted, but yet its intelligence is far inferior to that of the King Charles or Blenheim 

 Spaniel, which as intellectual Toys are facile princeps in the canine world. 



Of late years the studs of Lady Giffard of Red Hill, and Mrs. Bligh Monk of Coley Park 

 near Reading, have succeeded in winning the chief prizes at our leading shows. But at the 

 time of writing the latter lady has almost ceased to exhibit in this class, thus leaving Lady 

 Giffard practically at the head of affairs with her extraordinary good collection. This includes 

 Hugh, who has taken premier honours at the Alexandra Palace and other principal shows. 

 Mr. R. Mandeville of Southwark has been referred to before as virtually the founder of the 

 modern Maltese, and in addition to the above the name of Mr. J. Jacobs of Oxford is 

 conspicuous in connection with the breed. 



With reference to the exhibition of Maltese, so very much depends on the washing they 

 receive before going off to a show, that a few remarks, based on some hints received from a 

 well-known exhibitor, may not be out of place, as they must apply equally well to all breeds of 

 Toy dogs. In the first place it is well to be assured that the dog is not suffering from the effects 

 of a cold when washing is determined upon ; and, secondly, the greatest precautions must be 

 taken to guard against his being chilled from not being properly dried. It is always, therefore) 

 desirable to wash the dog before a fire, due care having been previously taken to see that his 



