MalteseLuna

Oh that is sooo cute! I often wondered what Luna got up to whilst I was away - I think she sleeps all day now on her bean bag

Steve I decided I might be better for the working group on purebred dog exposure or science research Sorry to be a trouble!

We can get them the participants if its a worthwhile study. But there seems to be a lot of time and a lot of energy and resources being spent on 'mickey mouse " studies that aren't going to make any difference to anyone or any dog. It just seem to me that with so many issues begging for real studies and research which would make a difference its about time we worked together. I think you will find that there are researchers and students interested in the same topics - however if there is not grant or money the research cannot be completed. Research in Australia will not get funded by the ARC etc unless it has broad scientific significance - this can be an issue when researching something specific to a species (dogs) and situation (purebred dogs). I know this is affecting my research as whilst people on the ground want to my "research question" answered the ARC would see it as irrelevant. Of course I'm only learning about this whole process being a 1st year PhD student... but that's how it seems to me. I think I'm really lucky to be working on dogs - and conservation - two things which deeply interest me and after working on crickets I'm overjoyed Steve in a few years if you haven't found someone (or if you have found a lab who needs a post-doc) maybe I could investigate some of the genetic questions! That's exactly what I wanted to do - or am hoping to look at way in the future Once I finish my PhD. Good science - great PhD student - positive outcome of research! I'm sure that the lab would be interested in other genetics questions concerning dogs (or diseases) if funded - again funding is the main limitation to canine research (if it has no implications for humans etc). Dancinbcs describes a real-world example of how science and purebred breeders and clubs can work together to get the needed research done! :D

Me me me! I am very passionate about this!

They were bred (or started being bred) as part of a large scale experiment on domestication - they have shown that selecting for tameness in foxes (over 10+ generations) has resulted in foxes that are very dog like i.e. floppy ears, range of colours and patterns, they bark, are social with humans and enjoy human interaction etc. It is a very interesting study.

I think you did a good job of explaining! Happy to talk about genetics anytime. I remember the survey - excited to see the results! I'm not surprised at incidences of PRA in mixed/cross breeds - if 2 breeds with PRA are mixed together they are just as likely to pass PRA on to offspring (and most crossbreeders don't test so they are doubly likely to breed carrier to carrier etc). What she said Happy to join a working group on this too!

That sounds like a very interesting PhD topic Good luck with it! I agree local puppy preschools might be a good place to find puppies for your study - does the Sydney Uni Vet run them? Might be a good starting point? I would be happy to provide you with a Maltese - but she isn't a puppy :D If I get a puppy in the next year or so I will let you know (in case it's useful)! Please bear in mind that whilst Corvus's PhD supervisor may have said certain things (I haven't read anything of his so don't know) - it is Corvus's research and project. Just because a supervisor is one way or has one opinion does not mean the student is that way (hope nobody thinks I'm a carbon copy of my supervisor ). Claire Wade would probably be a useful contact - she is also a very nice woman and well respected researcher. I recently went to a presentation of her's on coat colour genes - was very interesting

Thanks Steve! oooh I have that book - sounds like it's time to read it! @ Steve - I wasn't worried that my dog would have SM (she is perfectly healthy) - I was just interested as I had never heard that SM was present in Maltese and had never heard of a case of it. I'm a genetics major so I understand the genetics of polygenic traits, disease genes, recessives etc. I think it's a very interesting comment that "Pure bred dogs have less types of genetic diseases in higher incidence" - I've always been of the opinion that purebred dogs aren't sicker than crossbreds it's just that breeders, CC's record the incidences of disease in purebred dogs - however there is no similar body recording incidences of genetic diseases in mixed breed or crossbred dogs therefore it's an unknown. My vet has commented to me before that they are actually seeing alot of disease in crossbred (designer dogs) - specifically things to do with structure i.e. hips, patellas etc. But also if 2 dogs of 2 different breeds which both have incidences of a specific disease i.e. PRA are bred together the pups are just as likely to get PRA than a purebred breeding (except that a purebred breeder is likely to only cross normal to a carrier not carrier to carrier)... hope that makes sense. I think that often people misinterpret the reports of genetic disease in purebred dogs - these reports should be used to show the public that breeders are working towards removing the disease from the population/breed instead of a warning to all puppy buyers to avoid a breed as the dogs "all carry SM/PRA/Hip Displasia" etc etc etc Funnily enough I also think that one of the reasons deliberate crossbreds are so popular at the momment is that the public thinks they are "consistant" - you often hear people saying "I want a ?? x ?? as they are hypoallergenic, calm, happy [insert temperament or size characteristic]". What they don't understand is that actually crossbreds are very inconsistant it's basically a lottery. Purebreds on the otherhand are consistant - you want a long haired, single coated dog then a Maltese will be it, you want a large, happy, dip and dry dog then a Lab might fit the bill. An idea might be to market the breeds to puppy owners ... drive home the fact that purebreds have been developed over hundreds of years to fulfill certain jobs, roles that humans want i.e. companion, working dog, utility dog etc etc etc. There is a breed to fit every person and job/role and home... they are just waiting to be discovered by puppy owners!

Ruger, perhaps you could provide some suggestions on this point. It would be much more helpful than overusing the symbol. Please bear in mind that I have a nearly 15-year-old dog who has dementia and fading eyesight. I will be interested in reading your thoughts. ;) My first suggestion would be to actually meet your neighbours and introduce your dogs to the kids, let them get used to the kids playing, jumping on the trampoline and making noise and reassure them that the kids are not a threat by your postive reaction. It's called being neighbourly Poor Grumpy - all he wants is some peace and quiet in his own backyard. I would ask the neighbors if it's possible to move the trampoline - say your worried the kids might hurt themselves on the fence (and that your worried the dog will be barking and annoying neighbors etc). I think it's neighborly for the neighbors to move the trampoline away from the fence line... also much safer! Whilst I love kids - doesn't mean they are more important than dogs - both are living beings. Sheridan should be able to enjoy her backyard in privacy - without kids peering into her yard. P.S. I love the suggestion of romping nude in the backyard - that would sure induce the parents to move the trampoline

I bet that lovely bin was just too tempting to her When I was at my parents holiday house with them we left the 3 dogs (Maltese, Pug and Maltese X Shih Tzu) at home when we went to a friends house for lunch. When we came back the entire bin was strewn all over the floor and the dogs had dragged all the Osso bucco bones from the previous nights dinner in to separate places (one in the main bedroom, one in the living room and one in the dining room - obviously each dog taking their prize to another place). The bin was lovely and ripe as well - not a very appetizing sight! Naughty dogs!!!

I'm sorry but Pugs (well bred ones) are actually very active and do not have problems breathing. My parents have one (she is now 12 years old) and she was very active until now when she has had to slow down due to health complications related to a moldy sandwich she ate (nearly killed her and left her with slight ataxia). The vet has comments (when viewing X-rays) that her trachea and palate are both excellent and very well formed - he commented that she obviously came from a good breeder who knew what they were doing. Most pugs that you see at the park are from bybs and pet shops - they are poorly bred and therefore have structural issues that cause issues with breathing. Whilst they aren't my cup of tea - there are lots of perfectly healthy and ACTIVE pugs from responsible breeders. There are even some who participate in sports such as flyball, agility etc. Steve - I never knew there was SM in Maltese - is there anything to read on this? I'm interested! I think the idea of getting purebred dog owners more involved in their promotion is an excellent idea! I would love to help promote Maltese - as an owner! I think it's also important to get more young people involved - in showing, breeding, promoting purebreds. This means that people may need to be more accepting at letting people (newbies) enter the sport. It would be a great idea to get a "famous" outspoken person to be the face of purebred dogs in the media - someone to go on shows and talk about them. Get them on the tv etc. I would love to see more organized "dog activities" in inner city suburbs - there are lots at say Erskine Park but hardly any in the eastern suburbs etc of Sydney. Another idea would be to hold "meet the purebred" at pet supply stores - similar to "meet the rescue" days. I think alot of the bad press is because people see purebreds as unapproachable - all being bred for shows etc and being very $$$. I'm not quite sure why dog shows are seen in a different light to horse shows etc. I don't know why this is - but I do think it needs to be addressed. People need to see the show dogs as fantastic pets whom are shown as a hobby or way of evaluating the dog for future breeding etc. A show dog's role as a pet in their owners home is just as important as the number of wins/titles which they hold (imo). Alot of breeders are doing their best to use health testing technologies to help breed healthy dogs - unfortunately sometimes sick dogs are born (this happens in all animals including humans) and sometimes it's not preventable. I think one of the main draw cards for purebreds is that they are fairly consistent - you choose a small breed and you will generally get a small dog. This is increasingly important for people living in high-density housing i.e. cities. I know this is why I turned to purebreds during my search for a dog - I wanted a small, quiet, calm dog that likes people and was a good companion but that could handle living in a high rise. I came up with the Maltese - and I have to say she is exactly what I wanted! We have had no health problems yet (I was initially scared of a liver shunt but it turned out my vet was overreacting.. specialist put to rest any fears). I'm can be quite suspicious of breeders now - after having found out that my dog's "breeder" has been exporting dogs to Hawaii, telling me incorrect information concerning parentage and failing to register my dog (breaching coe). However I know that there are people out there doing the right thing... This is one of the reasons I want to get involved in Maltese showing and breeding in the future - I want to be there to breed good healthy dogs that are excellent pets and companions (and hopefully good show dogs). I want to help promote the breed that I love and keep it alive for future generations to enjoy as I have.

Im quite passionate about this - with dogs and cats definately. I dont see a problem for special fish shops to sell fish though. I would be willing to take part in this!

This is a very hard issue to solve. There are alot of public people with strong opinions on breeders often fueled by that horrible tv show. Ive had friends tell me that they deliberately bought a dog which is 'purebred' from a non- registered breeder to avoid unreputable breeders (what a joke)! I think purebred dogs need some publicity on the positives, the good things breeders do and an expose on puppy mills and pet shops. We need more events with purebred dog open to the public where people can meet the dogs and people. Also there needs to be more encouragement of newbies in the hobby. All of this is hard to do but i think we need to do it. Mdba is doing a good job so far but i think you guys need some more publicity so that people (not in the dog world) learn about you etc

Wow - what a rude name. The breed names MALTESE and SHIH TZU. I really hate it when people talk about the Maltese or Shih tzu breeds (or their crosses) in such manners - it's so over done. False. I bet you haven't met many purebred (I mean from registered breeders) Maltese - because they are absolutely wonderful. Shih tzu's are also wonderful BUT they have very different temperaments. It's probably the most common mix of dogs that I groom. I have heaps on my clients list, and for the most part they are nice little dogs. Of course, in my biased opinion that is the Shih Tzu coming through, if they ever snap then I blame that on the Maltese parentage Again - you must not have met many "real" Maltese then. Maltese are not generally snappy, yappy or nasty. If they are it's more likely due to improper socialization - and all dogs have this issue. Why blame it on the breed... when it's more likely to be the owners fault. There is no such thing as the "Maltese gene" and the breed is supposed to be white - with no markings. Tear staining is a problem is most white/light coloured coated dogs - particularly those with large eyes. It generally depends on the diet, environment, eye shape etc on whether a dog will stain not just the breed. Well, hardly. You are more likely to get an unattractive Maltese than you are to get an unattractive cross or pure Shih Tzu. What is with these comments. Both Breeds (Maltese and Shih Tzu) are lovely in their own right. Rating them against each other is subjective. How can you not just love that face (yes she does seem to be glaring at the camera) Just realised this is a really old thread... sorry!

Maltese: (1) Are not Terriers - they are actually spaniels and related to the Bichon family (2) Are not yappy, snappy, nasty dogs - at least if you train, socialise etc mine hardly barks except to alert if something strange is going on and loves all people - have yet to see her growl or snap. (3) Yes they are real dogs - mine even plays fetch. (4) Yes she does have a personality - just because she is calm doesn't mean she has no personality. (5) Yes she can walk on the ground on a leash - contrary to popular belief Maltese can walk on leash and do not have to be held/picked up by their owners. (6) Yes she does look prissy but she is actually quite a grot - will find the most disgusting thing on the beach/yard and will roll in it. She loves mud (7) No a topknot is not cruel - and no she doesn't hate it. (8) It is not hard to keep a Maltese in good condition - you do have to brush regularly, cut the coat short if you don't want to brush the hair. Matts are not the normal state and yes they are painful! (9) Yes Maltese are small and no mine is not a puppy - she is 3 years old!

the reason for her name - Loony Tunes I Iz coldz Cousin It! ;) :D Loving everyone's photos!

It sounds to me like it could be some kind of marking - I sometimes have this problem with Luna (or other dogs coming into my house). Just continue being vigilant and if you catch her in the act clap you hands loudly (do something to distract her) and take her outside - note this may not work super well if she is already "going" but if she is just "picking out a spot" it might work. But I'm not expert - somebody else might know better or have better advice! I also have the issue of Luna acting differently when she is a "guest" but normally she calms down after a few days. Of course Luna is 3 years old now and Mindy is still a puppy. This is a good experience for her to learn how to act in guest houses etc for her Guide Dog Training.

hehe - it looks like it's snowing? I 'love' going to my parents house - if wearing anything dark I always come back wearing something light coloured... Pugs do that!

The state of that dog is appalling - seriously. My parents dog doesn't get anywhere close to that bad and I rant at them about it :D She must have been sooo happy to be rid of all that hair/matted filth.

That one is a cross breed! Even the breeders of them acknowledge that as fact. Also known as 'confetti schnauzers' Yes but isn't that the case with all purebreds? All purebreds started off as a concoction of different breeds. Wouldn't take too long for merle schnauzers to breed "true".... Ugh. I'm so sick of that argument. Some breeds have been around for thousands of years - often older breeds were created not by mixing 'breeds' but rather breeding 2 dogs which had the traits they wanted i.e. were smaller or were good ratters or were fast... eventually this resulted (after many generations) in a true-breeding 'breed'. Yes some more recent dogs were created by crossing - BUT they were developing a breed by mixing certain TRAITS not just willy nilly adding a 'colour' in to make more $$$$. As someone said before in this thread - Selection is how new breeds are formed. Most xbreds do not breed true, do not have a standard to which they are being bred and are bred as F1 crosses only (i.e. nobody is breeding generations of them to try and develop a breed).

Agree. I'm not trying to promote oodles but my MSx poodles coat is MUCH easier to care for than my pure MS's coat. She has knots if she isn't brushed every second day. I never need to brush him between grooms and he doesn't knot at all. I don't agree with oodle breeders making claims about easy to care for coats, just as I don't agree with generalisations that oodle coats are somehow harder to manage than any long coat. No truer comment has been made...long coated dogs of the maltese, poodle genre is just the same as so far as management is concerned irrespective of whether it is purebred or crossbred. This is completely un-true. A true silky Maltese coat is quite easy to look after - even in a longer cut I only have to brush every 2-3 days and then it's generally just where the harness rubs that gets knotted. In a short cut ... I haven't brushed Luna since Saturday (though I have re-done her top knot every 2 days) and she has no knots or mats. Of course cottony coats are common in Maltese as well and can be harder to maintain. A show coat is also equally difficult given the length of hair and wanting to prevent hair breakage. Poodles and Maltese have very different coats - crosses have unpredictable coat types - generally not being similar to either a Maltese or Poodle. Additionally Poodles and Maltese require different brushes, combs, methods of brushing etc etc. A curly coat isn't the same as a straight (and silky) coat - neither is maintenance. I also find that Luna might get sandy, muddy, wet but generally once she is dry (I don't ever brush her when wet) the sand/mud drops off and I am left with a white dog again (of course not a pristine dog). Note if she literally rubbed herself in a mud patch she would need a bath - but so would a short haired dog :D

I was more upset because the puppy was soooo young - I mean seriously bordering on 8 weeks (possibly 6-7). Parvo has been out this year and having had a puppy who died of it I get really worried about it. Plus it drives me crazy when other dog owners don't have their dogs on a leash in this particular park (which is more of 2-3 paths through a heavily wooded area down a steep hill).

There is a new puppy owner who lives near me - I've seen the guy "walking" his puppy now a few times in the last week and it makes me It is a TINY little toy poodle - looks maybe 8 weeks old MAX and he has it off lead near a shopping centre ramp (where cars are driving in and out) and everyone is walking past going to the train. Puppy obviously is excited by all the people and running around - completely oblivious to 'owner' telling it to come and follow him back to his house. Nearly ran into the road. :D Not only should it not be offlead it's also way too young to be fully vaccinated. Yesterday I saw him talking to another toy poodle owner about how he hopes that his puppy stays tiny etc (again puppy off lead) and this time playing with other dog (who is on lead). I nearly said something to the guy - seeing as Parvo has been out in strength this year - but I doubt he would listen. It is soooo cute though - it's black with tan points - makes me melt! Sigh I wish there was some sort of test which people were required to do before purchasing a puppy.

Great news

This is probably because when the standard was written people didn't know that genetically it was impossible to get a blue dog with black pigment.