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THE MALTESE DOG. 



within doors, is 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. 



A VERY celebrated, but extremely rare, " toy " Dog, is the MALTESE DOG, the prettiest 

 and most lovable 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, measure 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 



MALTESE DOQ.Caais famlliaris. 



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 LION DOG, 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 



