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NEWS FLASH : 2009 BRISBANE ROYAL (EKKA) RESULTS
Fenella Liza With A Zee wins BEST BABY PUPPY OF BREED (Maltese)
at the 2009 Brisbane Royal under an English Judge .. Go Liza!
She did me really proud taking the whole day in her stride which is amazing considering it was her very first show, at the age of 5 and a half months. She strutted round the big ring like she owned it and didnt put a foot wrong :o) even wanting to play with all the other winners when we had to do our lap of honour with them!
2009 PUPPY NEWS at Fenella Maltese Kennels
DOLLY "Roejen Hello Dolly and PORTIA "Roejen Porcelain Doll" were both mated to WILLIS "Ch Cosyvista Hollywoodhero" for their 2009 litters.
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DOLLY produced two beautiful happy boys who joined their new families in April.
DEXTER "Fenella Dexter I Am" is now owned and loved by Gail and Ray ..
Hi Deb, Thanks for the photos. Well DEXTER has settled in very well, and eating okay, not so much the first day but slowly he got better and now he loves every meal. We love him to bits and I know that he loves me too I get so many kisses and his little tail wags when I speak to him. He is actually returning the ball to me as I throw it to him so I am quite impressed. Only a few toilet accidents, but we have had the house closed up with the air-conditioning going over the last few days, so what can you expect. He is sleeping well and hasn't cried since the first night so he is a very good little man. Just thought I would keep you in the loop. Love and thank you, Gail
CHARLIE "Fenella Charlies N Angel" is now owned and loved by Fiona, and mum Marie, who say Charlie has bought so much fun, happiness and devotion into their lives.
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PORTIA produced a spectacular litter this year of five beautiful babies, 2 girls and 3 boys
MURPHY "Fenella I Am Murphie" is now owned and loved by Angela, Greg, and daughter Margot ..
Deb, we just have to tell you how much we love Murphy (and so does everyone he meets!!)
You've bred such a lovely dog.
He's enthusiastic but patient, sweet (if that's a word to describe a dog), he's loyal, obedient and just an all round good guy. We marvel that he never walks - he bounds, prances or trots - such is his enthusiasm. He's so curious - we go down the back yard each arvo and he explores thoroughly. He loves Margot, which is wonderful.
He's getting indulged royally - but probably always will be!! Angela
DYLAN "Fenella Starring Dylan" is now owned and loved by Kaela
FLYNN "Fenella Hollywood Idol" is now owned and loved by Karen and family, and will be seen around the show rings in Victoria, and then Queensland when the family moves back up here later this year .. Good Luck with the dear little man Karen, have fun!
MISSY "Fenella Prissy Missy" is owned and loved by Fiona, and lives in my home town so I'll get to see beautiful little Missy often :o)
LIZA "Fenella Liza With A Zee" aka 'cheeky brat' has been retained here at Fenella Kennels and will make her show ring debut in July and at the Brisbane Royal (the Ekka)!
Thank You to all the wonderful families who have purchased this year's puppies
from Fenella Kennels, for providing them with the very special, loving and
caring family that each and every Maltese derserves.
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2008 .. PUPPY FROM MY FIRST LITTER TAKES "BABY OF GROUP" AT HIS VERY FIRST SHOW!
Wills and Harry have well and truly started their show careers with a BANG.
My precious boy Fenella Wills I Am (Wills) won "Baby of Group" at two of his first three shows!
Fenella Top Gun is co-owned with, and handled by Moya Spurr. Harry was shortlisted to the final 3 for Baby of Group at Durack recently under an ENGLISH Judge. As his breeder, I am thrilled that he was considered amid such stiff competition at Durack under an International Judge. Way to go Harry!!!
Moya loves Harry's outgoing and bombastic temperament .. he is "Mr Personality" (their words). Wills' nature is quieter and more reserved, but still capable of some extreme mischief when he gets the chance :o) my nickname for Wills is "Mr Perfect" and he truly is just that, I have never owned a more devoted, obedient dog.
Moya, Wayne and myself are having such fun with our 'little princes' .. we are off to the Brissie Ekka (Brisbane Royal) with them in August.
GO Wills! GO Harry!!
UPDATE: Harry was BEST MALTESE PUPPY at the 2008 Brisbane Royal Show! WayToGo Harry and Moya!!
Thank You to everyone who purchased puppies from my first litter/s, they have all gone to DREAM homes where they are loved and treasured like they deserve. My next planned litter/s will be March 2009 and orders and deposits are being taken now.
HOW I GOT 'INTO' THE MALTESE BREED
In 2005 I lost my last IWS, my soul mate Magick, and was without a dog for 14 months. It was the first time in 35 years I had been without a dog and I was determined to put a lot of thought into which dog I got when I was ready to get another. As a Groomer, I had slowly become enamoured with the Maltese breed. At their very worst they were uncooperative and morose, but at their best (and they usually 'came around' after getting to know me a little better) they were cheeky, happy, fun and a delight to work on. After having had Gundogs for 30+ years, and them being biggish dogs, the Maltese appealed because of their smallness and most of all their lovely nature.
I said to friends I might consider a Maltese after getting to know the breed through grooming so many. I even rang a few breeders in 2003 and made some tentative enquiries. Then in 2006 a litter was born just around the corner from me, bred by a friend who had been in the breed for quite a few years. I only would have had a girl, and there was one girl available, she was adorable. Better still, had some well known bloodlines in her pedigree.
Thank you Jenni of Roejen Kennels for entrusting me with this little white furry rascal, I've only had the breed for 2 years now and I know I will always have one. Portia (Roejen Porcelain Doll) has converted me to Maltese, they are such a delightful little dog/companion/family member.
THE HISTORY OF THE MALTESE BREED
The Maltese descends from one of the most ancient dog breeds to be found in recorded history. It's been estimated the breed originated around 6,000BC .. or 8,000 years ago. Although ancient Greeks and Romans thought the dog originated on the Island of Malta (they called the dog the Melitaie Dog, Melitaie being the ancient name of Malta) there is no evidence which proves the dog was indigenous to the Island, but rather that the Maltese is descended from a Spitz type dog bred by the people of the area which is now South Central Europe.
The breed was eventually distributed as an exotic article of trade from the ancient island trading centre of Malta, hence the name. From there, it migrated by caravans to the furtherest reaches of the civilised world, including the Middle East, Tibet, China, the Phillipines and Japan.
The earliest known depictions of Maltese dogs on artifacts were found at Fayum, Egypt 600-300BC, suggesting the Maltese was one of the dogs worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. Numerous pictorial representations of the Maltese occur in Greek ceramic art, such as the vases found at Vulci 500BC. Maltese are mentioned in the writings of many Greek and Roman philosophers, and other ancient poets and historians including Aristotle, Timon, Callimachus, Aelian, Artimidorus, Epaminodus, Martial, Strabo, Pliny the Elder and Saint Clement of Alexandria. Notable ancient owners of Maltese include Roman Emperor Claudius and the Roman Governor of Malta, Publius.
From the mid 1800's to the early 1900's there was debate among the noted dog writers and dog authorities concerning the question of "which dog family the Maltese belonged". A large group, especially the dog fanciers of England, felt the Maltese belonged in the Terrier family due to their Terrier-like temperament. As with the English Terrier breeds, the Maltese of the period was an excellent ratter and exhibited great fearlessness despite its small size. Others disagreed and felt the Maltese was Spaniel in nature, because of its body and coat type. Ultimately, in the early 1900's it was concluded that the "Maltese Dog" was neither Terrier or Spaniel. Rather, he should be correctly referred to as the "Maltese dog".
The Maltese breed emerged intact from the Dark Ages and continued to be recorded as the dog prized by the upper class, aristocrats, statespersons and royalty. The Maltese was even believed to possess medicinal powers of healing, the ailing would place the dog on their stomach or chest for comfort. Because of this practice and the dog's warm, affectionate nature and small size (which made it easy to hold in one's arms or lap) the Maltese became known as the "Comforter". The breed was particularly popular in England during Elizabethan times (late 16th century). Two notable owners of Maltese then were Queen Elizabeth the First and Mary Queen of Scots.
LIFE EXPECTANCY and HEALTH ISSUES
Depending on how they are bred, reared, fed and cared for, around 15 or more years. They may live as long as 18 years. They remain playful well into old age.
Health problems for the Maltese breed are minimal, Luxating Patella (slipped stifle) is the most common health problem.
Prone to teeth problems so it is very important you maintain their teeth by regular cleaning and by feeding raw bones.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MALTESE BREED
The Maltese is a hardy little companion dog with a luxurious silky white coat hanging straight to the ground on each side of a centre part line. The coat is single, with no undercoat, and should not be wavy, curly or kinky. It should be made of shiny, thick, heavy hair which can be up to 8 and a half inches long (22cm).
The only colour is PURE WHITE, although light ivory is acceptable. The long pendant ears and tail are thickly covered with hair and the tail curls up and over, and drapes over the back. The eyes are dark, round, large and deep with dark rims. The muzzle tapers slightly and should be one third the length of the total head. It should have a black nose with open nostrils and a distinct stop. The body is slightly longer than tall with a level topline. The Maltese is fine boned, but sturdy. A properly built Maltese seems to float along the ground under its cloud of white hair.
TEMPERAMENT
The Maltese is spirited, lively and playful. Gentle, loving, trusting and devoted to its master/s. Highly intelligent. Good at learning tricks if they feel sufficiently rewarded. Bold and quick to sound the alarm if suspicious noises are heard. It is a classical Companion Dog, graceful and lovable. They get on well with all other animals and love to play outside, however they are not an 'outside' breed, in as much as they would not cope with being left outside all the time. Some Maltese seem to like a more adventurous life than others, for example: going around the farm with their owners all day, while others are more into being couch potatoes but really its more to do with them wanting to BE WITH YOU rather than wanting to be outside. They truly do prefer to be with YOU, wherever you are, whether it be next to you on the couch, on your bed, or at your feet, even when you go to the Toilet, the Maltese is happiest when it can simply be with you or near you.
The breed can be a little difficult to housetrain, persistence is the key. They are clever and learn quickly as puppies, some quicker than others. Some people paper-train their puppies I prefer to towel-train them using old towels left on the floor (in case of accidents, or when you are not there, or when they dont make it downstairs). I dont allow my Maltese unlimited access to the garden and back yard, mainly because I live in the country and there is the odd snake about, I prefer them to be with me and they only go downstairs when we take controlled exercise in the garden several times a day.
Do not overprotect or overpamper these little dogs, this can turn them into a dog who will control you because they are very intelligent and quick to learn how the dynamics work in their home environment. Kind persistant discipline will reward you with a stable happy Maltese who, as they mature, are more and more keen to please you, the centre of their world.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT
Height: Dogs 8 to 10 inches (21-25cm) .. Bitches 8-9 inches (20-23cm)
Weight: from 6 and a half pounds (approx 3-4kg)
TEACUP MALTESE : do not be fooled by this so-called variation of the Maltese. Some people, in an effort to produce something unique, select weedy and undersized specimans to breed what they term a Teacup Maltese. The TRUE Maltese is a hardy, healthy little dog who conforms to the above mentioned size and weight schedule. Whilst there is always some variation in size even in the same litter, a well bred Maltese should fall within those measurements above.
GROOMING
The Maltese sheds little or no hair and is GOOD FOR ALLERGY SUFFERERS. Having said that, in some cases people are allergic to the dog's dander as opposed to the hair, and in this case no breed is really suitable.
Daily combing and brushing of the long coat is important as the coat will form knots and matts within a matter of days if left uncombed. Never wash a Maltese who has a knot or matt as washing will only make it worse. Spray the coat with water (you can add a little conditioner or grooming spray to this) as you brush and comb, pay careful and gentle attention to the areas behind and under the ears, and the armpits. Bathe or dry shampoo regularly making sure your dog is thoroughly dry and warm afterward. Get your puppy used to being dried with a blowdryer from an early age.
Grooming Equipment : it is essential to buy yourself a good quality small Pin Brush, and a 6 inch Half and Half comb .. the right tools will save you much frustration and time. Later you can add a small slicker and a face comb to your grooming kit. Then scissors to trim under and around the feet if you're confident to do this.
Its vitally important to train your puppy from an early age to accept and enjoy grooming, the lessons you teach them in the first few months are essential for a dog that will require grooming for the rest of its life. You must train them to lie quietly to be groomed, this can be done on your lap, or if they are too naughty, on a towel on the table. Puppy should be firmly held down on their side using the command STAY, give a little comb, or brush, then verbal reward .. Good Boy/Girl. Build on this until they are relaxing and staying put, it takes a little time, be patient and try to make it fun. Always give a treat when finished.
Clean the ears and clip the nails regularly, I take a little off my Malts nails every 2 weeks which keeps them nice and short and results in less risk of cutting the quick.
Clean the eyes DAILY to prevent staining. Tear staining is a whole subject on its own which I shall cover under another section.
The hair on the top of the head is often tied up in a topknot to keep it away from the eyes. Some pet owners opt to keep the hair in a shorter style for easier and less time consuming grooming, but even with a shorter style the Maltese must still be brushed and combed at least every other day.
PUREBRED PEDIGREED MALTESE versus MOODLE, MALTIPOO etc
Why buy a Purebred Maltese?
As in life, so it is with Maltese ... you generally get what you pay for. Whilst you will certainly find puppies for sale cheaper than mine, can you be sure they have been bred and reared as carefully as my puppies are? I liken it to the difference between buying a beat up old Commodore and buying a BMW .. the Commodore will get you from A to B, but the BMW will also do that AND give you Sheer Driving Pleasure.
It costs the same amount of money to own, feed and care for a dog whether its a Moodle, pet Shop Maltese or a purebred puppy from a Registered Breeder like me. If you spend a little extra initially and buy a quality puppy from a reputable Breeder, you will have a companion/pet who is guaranteed to have certain attributes that are only found in a quality animal (as with a quality car), an animal who will delight the eye and heart, one who will give you Sheer Ownership Pleasure. PLUS you have the backup of the Breeder 'being there' for you, to help you, advise you and communicate with you about your Maltese .. for the rest of its life. You will not get this level of After Sales Service from a pet shop or a backyard breeder.
As a Groomer I have seen a multitude of 'Designer Breeds' and Maltese seem to be the most popular breed to use in these crosses. The problem doesn't lie with the other breeds used, but with the quality of the male and female used for breeding. Usually the breeding stock used by back yard breeders lacks quality and whilst some combinations can produce really stunning looking dogs, this only occurs when a really nice male and female were used to produce the litter. A large majority of the 'crosses' I see have been bred from dogs who should NOT be bred from, and usually their offspring have bad structural faults for example .. really crooked front legs, very straight upright hindquarters (both of which affect the mobility and structural soundness of the dog), jaw very undershot, the list goes on. Whilst you may not think these things are important if you do not intend to show the puppy, these faults can predispose a dog to joint problems and large Vet bills in later life.
TEAR STAINING
Much more information about Maltese will be coming here as time permits.
In the meantime, please contact me if you have any questions about upcoming puppies, or wish to place an order for a Pedigreed Registered Maltese. |
