WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR

Some things to look forward to….

• We will be profiling 2 dog breeds every week and a cat of the month profile. Follow on

• BHAH Facebook• BHAH Website• Exam Room Information

• Monthly Specials starting in FEBRUARY • EXTENDED HOURS coming in 2014

DOG OF THE WEEK

Maltese

MEET THE BREED• A toy dog covered from head to toe with a

mantle of long, silky white hair, the Maltese is gentle-mannered and affectionate, known for being lively, playful and fearless despite its small size. Maltese are intelligent little dogs that are very fast learners if they feel sufficiently rewarded. Today, their refinement, cleanliness and portability make them a popular choice as a companion dog.

HISTORY• The Maltese is one of the oldest known pet dogs. Known as "Ye Ancient Dogge of

Malta," the Maltese breed has a history that traces back at least 28 centuries! -- making this lively and playful companion an aristocrat of the canine world. Descended from a Spitz-like dog which was bred for hunting rodents in the marsh and wooded areas. The exact origins of the breed are still debated today

• As the Maltese was developed using miniature spaniel and poodle blood, and was primarily bred as a hunting dog, they were much larger in size than their present-day counterpart.

• From relatively obscure beginnings, the long history of the Maltese has followed a storied path -- through prominence in the early cultures of Greece, Rome, and Egypt, through its station in the Royal houses of mainland Europe and Great Britain through the Renaissance, and into the present world, where it is known as "the aristocrat of the canine world."

CHARACTER TRAITS• Maltese dogs are very cuddly, friendly and full of affection for their

master and family. They need attention and can suffer from separation anxiety if neglected. These little dogs are full of energy and are very playful. Highly intelligent, it should be relatively easy to train the Maltese. This breed is quite vocal and wary of strangers, making it a good watchdog.

• Toy Group• Weight: 6-9 pounds • Height: 8-10 inches • Life Span: Average of 15 years• Popularity: Rank 25th

DID YOU KNOW

• The Greeks erected tombs to their Maltese. • A fine model of the Maltese was unearthed in the

Fayum in Egypt, making it not unlikely that this breed was the kind of dog worshipped by the Egyptians.

• The first Maltese exhibited in the US was white and listed as a Maltese Lion Dog at WKC's first dog show in 1877.

• The AKC accepted the Maltese for registration in 1888.

CAT OF THE MONTHPERSIAN

MEET THE BREED• The Persian cat is a longhaired cat breed, with their

luxurious coats and open pansy-like faces are the number one breed in popularity. Their sweet, gentle, personalities blend into most households. Creatures of habit, they are most at home in an atmosphere of security and serenity, but can easily adapt to the most noisy of households. Their quiet, voices are pleasant and non-abrasive. They communicate delightfully with their large expressive eyes and make charming pets for all ages.

HISTORY• The Persian is an old breed. To those who love this

elegant cat, it will come as no surprise that the longhaired beauty originated in the cradle of civilization: Mesopotamia, which was later known as Persia and is now modern-day Iran. It’s striking appearance attracted the attention of 17th-century Italian nobleman and world traveler Pietro Della Valle, who is credited with bringing the first longhaired cats to Europe in 1626. At that time, the cats had shiny, silky gray fur, but thanks to selective breeding Persians are now found in a variety of colors.

PERSONALITIES & TRAITS• Stocky body, long full coat, round head with a

short nose; broad face; available in a variety of colors and patterns

• Sweet, affectionate, quiet• Weight: Ideal weight between 7-12 lbs• Height: 10 - 15 inches • Life Span: 15 years and up• Popularity: Most popular cat in USA

INTERESTING FACTS• “Duchess”, a Persian cat in Disney's "The

Aristocats“• “Sassy”, from the movie Homeward Bound II:

Lost In San Francisco

DOG OF THE WEEK

Borzoi

MEET THE BREED• A graceful, elegant hound, the Borzoi is a sight

hound, meaning he hunts by sight rather than scent. The breed's tall and rangy body allows him to chase quarry for long distances. Today, they are popular in the lure coursing field, and are often seen in the show and companion event rings as well. Their long, silky coat can be flat, wavy or curly and may be any color or combination of colors.

HISTORY• Developed by crossing Arabian greyhounds with a thick-coated, Russian breed,

the Borzoi has been bred by the Russian aristocracy for hundreds of years. They were created to hunt wolves, fox and hare over the open plains of Russia, often in hunting parties of more than 100 dogs. Until 1936, the Borzoi was known as the Russian Wolfhound in America.

• By 1861, hunting with Borzoi reached the level of the national sport of the aristocracy, and development of the breed was unequaled. Hunting parties would consist of over one hundred Borzoi representing several kennels, with many kennels breeding their dogs for a specific coat color.

• In 1889, the first Borzoi arrived in America from England. In 1903, Joseph B. Thomas went to Russia 3 times to import dogs from kennels that became part of the establishment of the breed in this country. Today the Borzoi is highly prized for its beauty, intelligence and gentle nature, making it a wonderful companion

CHARACTER TRAITS• Even though the Borzoi is large, the breed makes a great

house pet. Although affectionate with their owners, they are rather catlike and have independent and undemanding natures. They need daily exercise, but will chase anything that moves, so they need to be kept on leash or in a fenced area.

• Hound Group• Weight: Males 75 - 105 lbs / Females 60 - 90 lbs • Height: Males – 28” Tall / Females – 26” Tall• Life Span: Average of 10 – 12 years• Popularity: Rank 95th

DID YOU KNOW• The Borzoi originated in 17th-century Russia, when Arabian

greyhounds were crossed with a thick-coated, Russian breed.

• As far as is known, the first Borzoi that came to America was brought over from England in 1889 by William Wade of Hulton, Pennsylvania, this hound being purchased from Freeman Lloyd.

• In the past, Borzois would hunt in packs of over a hundred dogs, as many foxhounds, and as many people to assist. The most popular game? Wolf.