Maltese

Temperament
The Maltese is eager to learn, fearless, friendly and sociable.  Its high energy may overwhelm those who are not prepared for it.  Maltese are not prone to excessive barking but their tendency to bark at suspicious activity makes them an excellent watchdog.  They love to cuddle but are not overly demanding for attention.  They easily befriend other dogs and cats even those much larger than them

Grooming
Maltese require a substantial amount of grooming with their long, silky coats. They need daily brushing and combing and regular washing. The red tear stains can be reduced or removed with special lotions specifically designed for the area. Some owners chose to keep the coat trimmed short if the dog is only a pet and not being shown. Maltese typically have the hair between the eyes tied up in a top knot. Owners who have show dogs often oil the hair and wind it up in curling papers to prevent it from splitting.

Exercise
Despite its small size, the Maltese needs daily exercise. Because of its small size, it can meet its requirements with vigorous indoor games or short frolics outside or with short walks on leash.  Its luxurious coat needs brushing or combing every other day; puppies should be taught to accept grooming from a young age. Pets may be clipped.

History
It is believed that Maltese existed and were highly valued as far back as 3500 BC. During the first century AD they were known as 'The Roman Ladies Dogs' and were used in paintings and poems. In 1570 Dr. Caius discussed their virtues and described how women carried them in their bosoms, arms and took them into their beds. The Maltese has been protected and spoilt for centuries. They are said to be one of the oldest European breeds and during the time of Henry VIII they were immediate favourites of the English Court.

Physical Characteristics

General Appearance
Elegant, glossy-white and petite.

Color
Pure white with slight lemon markings permitted. The nose, eyerims and pads are all black.

Coat
Long, dense, silky, straight and heavy. The average length is 23 cm (9 inches) and the hair hangs down on either side of a straight parting running down the centre of the back.

Tail
Tapering, carried in a large arch over the back and finishing with a long plume.

Ears
Set high, flat, almost triangular, well feathered with long hair reaching to the shoulders.

Body
The body is square and short with a straight topline. The belly is rather low and the ribs are rounded.

Additional Comments

• Maltese make delightful companions for all ages, but are not suitable for owners who don't have the time for their extensive grooming.

Shih Tzu

Temperament
The Shih Tzu is active, alert, independent and lively. Shih Tzu's are not the easiest breed to train and require a patient and consistent handler for a reasonable level of training to be achieved. Shih Tzu's are somewhat obstinate and independent and are not friends with all. They tend to get on well with children and other household pets and always behave with dignity. Shih Tzu's make sociable, affectionate companions that bark very little.

The spunky but sweet Shih Tzu is both a gentle lap dog and a vivacious companion. It has an upbeat attitude and loves to play and romp. It is affectionate to its family and good with children. It is surprisingly tough and does have a stubborn streak.

Grooming
Shih Tzu's are very demanding with their grooming. Their coat needs to be combed daily to prevent tangles, or some pet owners choose to have the coat clipped if they do not have time for grooming, which also saves the dog a lot of misery. A hairband is essential to keep the hair out of the eyes and it is also important that the eyes are kept clean and eyedrops may be necessary as eyes are a sensitive area for this breed. The ear canals should be checked regularly and kept clean.

Exercise
The Shih Tzu does not need a great deal of exercise and is satisfied with short walks.

History
Dogs similar to the Shih Tzu have been traced back to 624 AD from artifacts that have been discovered. The Shih Tzu, Pekingese and Lhasa Apso were all called Little Lion Dogs and it is presumed that they all have the same ancestry. Like the Pekingese, these dogs were very respected in the Chinese Courts. Around 1930, Lady Brownrigg took some of these small dogs back to England, which resulted in this breed gradually becoming established in the Western world.

Physical Characteristics

General Appearance
Short-legged, proud and with a wide-eyed expression.

Color
All colors. A white blaze on the forehead and tail tip are desirable.

Coat
The outer coat is long, dense and straight or slightly wavy. The under coat is soft. There should be a massive topknot with a good beard, whiskers and a well feathered tail and ears.

Tail
Set high, carried over the back and well plumed.

Ears
Large, drooping and blending in with the hair around the neck.

Body
The body is sturdy and is longer than it is tall. The back is level with a deep, broad chest. The shoulders are well-laid back and the legs are short and muscular.

Additional Comments

• The hair grows upwards on the bridge of the nose, which gives a distinctive "chrysanthemum" look. This is why Shih Tzu's are sometimes referred to as Chrysanthemum Dogs.