Look up Maltese dogs or dog breeds anywhere on the internet or telephone book and you are likely to see the term fur baby before long. Rescue groups, breeders and pet lovers frequently use the term to describe their beloved canine companions. It is not known who invented the term, but, like many accurately descriptive terms, it has rapidly become part of the language over the past few years.
Actually dogs of any breed can be, and are, called fur babies if their families consider them their babies with fur, but Maltese dogs probably have the term applied to them more than some others because of their cuddly appearance. Large brown eyes and button noses surrounded by white fur naturally make us think of plush toys and baby dolls.
Thinking of Maltese dogs as fur babies likely dates back to ancient times. In England the Maltese dog was once known as the Roman ladies’ dog. Swiss lake dwellers were said to breed Maltese-type dogs for their small appearance. The image of a Maltese-type small dog is seen on an ancient Etruscan amphora. Egyptian artwork shows a dog resembling a Maltese that was likely worshipped by the Egyptians, and the Roman Emperor Claudius kept a Maltese dog, as did the Roman governor Publius of Malta.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) the dog breed standard for the Maltese dog is preferably four to six pounds, and not over seven pounds, the average weight for a newborn human baby. Maltese dogs should be covered from head to tail with long, silky white fur, another good reason for the fur baby appellation. The head should be of medium length, proportionate to the rest of the Maltese’s body, with a skull slightly rounded on top. A rounded appearance is another thing that human beings find cute and babyish, because human infants have rounded heads and facial features. The Maltese dog’s ears hang down, giving the face and head an overall large appearance, which is another feature of human babies. The body is described as compact, clearly another feature of human babies that also applies to Maltese dogs. The hair is silky and when it is tied up into a topknot it emphasizes the rounded, babyish head. The Maltese dog’s temperament is described as gentle and trusting, yet lively and playful, endearing him as a babyish companion.
Perhaps the best way to see why a Maltese dog is often referred to as a fur baby is to see members of the dog breed in action. If you are lucky enough to know someone with a Maltese dog, watching the family playing with their friend will give you some idea. Watching Maltese dogs in the window of a pet store, playing with their littermates, will warm your heart and have you thinking of what cute furry puppies they are. Videos of little fur babies taking treats from their human parents or still images of the cute little guys and girls showing off their grooming illustrate the point better than any words.
Camille Goldin, a dog lover, shares her thoughts on why Maltese Dogs are called fur babies. Visit TrainPetDog.com to learn more about Dog Breeds.
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