Tag: Toy Breed Dogs

Since ancient times, Maltese have been a statement of a wealthy household. Today, this clever and jolly little dog makes a household richer for having been in it. Find out more about this small breed with a big personality by reading BestBullySticks.com’s Breed Spotlight on the Maltese.

History & Background: The “ancient dog of Malta” or “Roman Ladies’ Dog” or even the “Maltese Lion Dog” were all names given to the ancient breed that is the Maltese. This breed enjoyed the good life next to aristocratic ladies of their time. These ladies carried the Maltese around in their sleeves and let them to sleep in their beds. One of the best-accounted ancient Maltese was Issa, the dog of a Roman Governor in Malta. This account of Issa, written at the time of the Apostle Paul, painted Issa as “purer than a dove’s kiss,” “gentler than a maiden,” and “more precious than Indian gems.” It’s easily seen that even in their earliest days this dog was very much loved. It's even seen that Greeks built tombs for their Maltese and were worshipped by the Egyptians.

It’s thought Crusaders returning home from the Mediterranean took Maltese to England. Royalty owned this breed in England as well and even as far back as the 1500s would coat a $2,000 to purchase. This breed has been recognized by the AKC since 1888 and is a true companion dog for any family.

Height: Males – 8 to 10 inches; Females – 8 to 9 inches

Weight: Males – 3 to 7 pounds; Females – 2 to 7 pounds

Coat: A Maltese has a single coat made up of straight and long hair with a silky texture. Breed standards require no kinks or curls show in the coat.

Color: Coloring for a Maltese is pure white. Standards say that this breed can have some light tan or lemon color on the ears. Maltese have large dark eyes and a black nose. Read more

If there were one dog to mirror the spunk and energy of Cuba, it would be the Havanese. This breed is perfect for just about any family and is loyal to a fault. Read more about this small yet highly spirited dog in the Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight on the Havanese.

History & Background: Just like the cognate for the name of this dog, the Havanese hail from Havana, Cuba where they were derived from the Blanquito de la Habana or the  “The Little White Dog From Havana.” The Havanese is actually the national dog of Cuba and is the only breed that originated from this country. It’s thought this breed was mixed with other Bichon types, including the poodle, to create what is now the Havanese. Even though this breed hails from Cuba, it’s ancestors can be traced back to Spain. This dog has been known by many names such as the Havana Silk Dog and the Spanish Silk Poodle.

Even though this dog is a part of the toy family, it’s not just a lap dog.  Havanese used to be guard dogs and herders for poultry flocks, watchdogs and playmates for children in Cuba. This dog has gained a lot of popularity in the show ring in past years and as of 1996 was recognized by the AKC.  

Height: 8½ to 11½ inches tall at the shoulder

Weight: 7 to 13 pounds

Coat: The Havanese sports a double coat, however it is unlike most breeds with this trait. This dog’s outer coat, which on most is coarse and dense, is soft and light. Overall, a Havanese’s fur is abundant, long, wavy and should be silky to the touch. This dog’s coat is functional, too. The Havanese coat is built for the tropical climates in which it originated. The lightweight coat is used as a sunshade for hot days. Read more