Breed of the week - the Maltese

For Coco, my forever love

A rather special blog this weekend, as Coco has been sharing my life on a daily basis for a whole year now, and when I say “my life”, I also mean my sofa, my bed, my bathroom, my desk chair, my happy moments and difficult times, etc etc etc. My task will be to describe her breed to you objectively...... (I will try not to get too emotional)

Despite its name, the Maltese (one kind of bichon family) actually comes from Sicily (ok, the island of Malta isn't far from there). The tiny Maltese has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the Bible was a work in progress. It is likely that the Maltese was introduced to Mediterranean Sea by the Phoenicians, who ruled there before the rise of Greece. The Greeks of the fourth and fifth centuries B.C. were fascinated by the Maltese's geometric beauty and left behind a rich legacy of breed-specific treasures: The "Melitaie Dog" is depicted on Golden Age ceramics, and Aristotle refers to it as "perfectly proportioned", notwithstanding a diminutive stature. Then, aristocrats of the Roman Empire perfected the Maltese's role of status symbol and true fashion statement. A Roman matron wasn't fully dressed without a Maltese peeking out of her sleeve or bosom. Even the crusty Emperor Claudius succumbed to the breed's charm. The Maltese was a persistent motif in Roman myths, poems, and fables in which the breed symbolized loyalty. One legend concerns Saint Paul, the peripatetic apostle of early Christianity. The Acts of the Apostles recounts Paul's shipwreck on Malta, where he miraculously healed the father of the island's Roman governor, Publius. The grateful Publius presented Paul with a Maltese. After the fall of Rome, it was Chinese breeders who kept the Maltese from extinction during Europe's Dark Ages. The Chinese effected judicious crosses with their native toy breeds and exported a more refined Maltese back to Europe. With its immense charm and eye-catching looks, it comes as no surprise that the Maltese was a fixture at dog shows from the very beginning. At New York's first Westminster show, in 1877, the breed was exhibited as the "Maltese Lion Dog".

Famous for their show-stopping, floor-length coat (unless one might prefer a short coat or a mix of two ("lamb cut"), the Maltese is playful, charming, and an adaptable toy companion. They are super affectionate, very curious dogs. Basically, they will follow you everywhere. Sometimes stubborn and willful, they respond well to rewards-based training. Beneath the mantle is a compact body moving with an effortless gait. The overall picture depicts freeflowing elegance. The irresistible Maltese face' with its big, dark eyes and black gumdrop nose can conquer the most jaded sensibility. Despite their aristocratic bearing, the Maltese is hardy and an adaptable pet (they were also used to chase rats on boats in harbours). They make one of the most alert watchdogs who are fearless in a loud barking way, and they are game little athletes on the agility courses. They can live in an apartment but will be very happy to run around in a garden. They are very outdoorsy. Some individuals can do well in the water, some others will just hate it.

Of note, the breed is highly recommended for those with dog allergies, as the breed is considered hypoallergenic. Hence, some people with dog allergies may be able to tolerate living with a Maltese as they do not shed their fur.

The coat is dense, glossy, silky and shiny, falling heavily along the body without curls or an undercoat. The colour is pure white, however a pale ivory tinge or even light fawn spotting is permitted. Strict grooming is required (they need to be brushed every single day to avoid matting and a monthly trip to the groomer is A MUST).

Adult weight is usually 3–4 kg (7–9 lb). Females are about 20–23 cm (8–9 inches) tall, males slightly more. The Maltese does not shed. Like other white dogs, they may show tear-stains (daily cleaning since puppyhood is highly recommended). The breed may be prone to health problems such as liver issues, so be very careful with their food.

Star system people with Maltese (the list is soooooo long, so I make it short) are Barbra Streisand (even cloned 2 of hers, to reproduct "perfection"), Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Halle Berry, Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Robert de Niro. More notorious, Leonah Hemsley, a former US businesswoman and hotel owner, who left $12 million to her pet Maltese named Trouble, on a trust fund, while she expressly wrote 2 of her grandchildren out of her will “for reasons that are known to them.” (!!!!)

Did you know ?

• The Greeks erected tombs to their Maltese.

• A fine model of the Maltese was unearthed in Fayum in Egypt, making it not unlikely that this breed was the kind of dog worshipped by the Egyptians.

Final note, a dog, no matter which breed, size, gender, is a huge responsibility and you need to dedicate time to him/her. Always. A Maltese is so special, he/she will change your life forever and I am so blessed to have Coco everyday by my side. If they asked me, I could write a book about the way she is.

Xoxo, Alice

p.s. > my first Maltese is in RIP for a long time now in the USA, but she will always be in my heart. Always, I love you Lacey.

Maltese puppies are the cutest !!!!

Elizabeth Taylor with Sugar

Barbra Streisand with one of her cloned dog (no panick pls......)

Elvis with Foxhugh

Marilyn with Mafia Honey

Eva Longoria with Jinxy

Halle Berry with Willow and Polly