CKC Classification

Maltese

CKC Classification:

The Maltese breed is classified by the CKC as being part of the “toy” category of dogs.

Country of Origin and Use:

Maltese have no definitive place of origin, but is labeled as being of spaniel origin. Originally known as the Canis Melitaeus, some believe the breed may have originated around the island of Malta. Maltese dogs had no specific use; instead, they were kept as household pets.

Appearance:

The Maltese is well known for its long, silky single-layer white coat. Their fur is generally kept straight, hanging evenly on either side of the center part. This part will run all the way from the tip of the animal’s nose to the tip of its tail.

The head of the Maltese is slightly rounded, containing small (but not

Country of Origin and Use:

As indicated by the name of the animal, the Finnish Spitz originated in Finland, and is often noted as being the national dog of the country. They have been used throughout the years as hunting dogs. In Finland, it is also known as Suomenpystykorva (pronounced Swoh-men-pi-stih-kor-vuh).

Appearance:

The Finnish Spitz stands in the range of 1 foot 3 to 1 foot 8, and the healthy weight is anywhere from 20 to 35 pounds. This breed has a double-layer coat, and are commonly reddish-brown or reddish-gold in colour. On the legs and main body, the fur is coarse and shorter than in other areas; the hair on the back of the thighs and tail is longer and dense.

The head shape of this breed is of medium-size, and is fairly long. On that note, however, it is not very broad. It contains an arched forehead and narrow muzzle, dark, almond shaped eyes and a black nose.

Distinctive Characteristics:

As a breed of the “hound” category, the Finnish Spitz needs lots of exercise. When used for hunting, they are considered “bark pointers”; this means that as a family pet, the Finnish Spitz will be an excessive barker unless well

As records of these short-legged felines have them appearing throughout history, it’s hard to say exactly where they first originated. The first feline considered to have mothered the breed is Blackberry, found in 1983, who, along with one of her male kittens, both had the genes for the shortened legs.

Appearance:

The Munchkin is a small breed, sporting short or average length legs, and long or short fur in a variety of colours and patterns. It has a maximum weight of around 9 pounds, but the average is usually somewhere around five to nine.

Distinctive Characteristics:

The most distinctive characteristic of the Munchkin breed is their short, stubby legs. Though some Munchkin cats will be born with legs of the normal length, much of their popularity lies in their shorter-legged brethren.

Owners like the breed due to their high intelligence and their ability to deal well with children, dogs and even strangers. They are very affectionate, and therefore need lots of socializing and time to play.

Veterinary Notes:

The Munchkin breed is actually quite healthy; they are susceptible to very few health issues. However, they are susceptible to Lordosis. This disease causes the spinal muscles to grow too short, and therefore the spine is able to sink