Dogs and All about Them

The following is the standard description and points of the Maltese Club of London:-- HEAD--Should not be too narrow, but should be of a Terrier shape, not too long, but not apple-headed. EARS--Should be long and well feathered, and hang close to the side of the head, the hair to be well mingled with the coat at the shoulders. EYES--Should be a dark brown, with black eye rims and not too far apart. NOSE--Should be pure black. LEGS AND FEET--Legs should be short and straight, feet round, and the pads of the feet should be black. BODY AND SHAPE--Should be short and cobby, low to the ground, and the back should be straight from the top of the shoulders to the tail. TAIL AND CARRIAGE--Should be well arched over the back and well feathered. COAT, LENGTH AND TEXTURE--Should be a good length, the longer the better, of a silky texture, not in any way woolly, and should be straight. COLOUR--It is desirable that they should be pure white, but slight lemon marks should not count against them. CONDITION AND APPEARANCE--Should be of a sharp Terrier appearance, with a lively action, the coat should not be stained, but should be well groomed in every way. SIZE--The most approved weights should be from 4 lb. to 9 lb., the smaller the better, but it is desirable that they should not exceed 10 lb. There seems to be no doubt that the fawn-coloured Pug enjoys the antiquity of descent that is attached to the Greyhound, the Maltese dog, and some few other venerable breeds.