Highland Maltie

 By reading the history of the parent dogs, we can see the traits that your Highland Maltie may have inherited. The Maltese has a fascinating history dating back at least two millennia. They are mentioned in the early cultures of the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians as prized dogs in ancient times. While his exact origin is unknown, some argued from the Isle of Malta, others Italy, while others claimed Asia as its birth place. But one thing is sure - this little dog flourished and enjoyed great popularity. In the  16th century it arrived in England to claim the hearts of royalty such as Queen Elizabeth 1, Mary Queen of Scots, and Queen Victoria. During the 17th and 18th centuries, attempts were made to breed them to be the size of a squirrel - this proved disastrous for the breed who were nearly destroyed. Dedicated breeders saved the breed by developing the Maltese as we know it today. The Maltese arrived in the United states of America in the late 1800s and has since slowly gained a foot hold in peoples hearts. The West Highland White Terrier originated in Scotland, and was used extensively to hunt foxes, badgers and to dig out and kill vermin such as rats. While there is limited data as to the Westie's exact history, they can be traced back to the 17th century. A local tale describes how the West Highland White Terrier gained its famous white coat. According to lore, Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was out hunting for foxes with his favourite wheaten colored Cairn dogs. During the excitement of the hunt, he accidentally shot and killed one of his dogs, believing it to be a fox. He was devastated and vowed it would never happen again and began breeding only white dogs and so the Westie was born. These loveable dogs even went by the name of the Poltalloch Terrier for some time, but in 1906 they were officially recognised by the Kennel Club of England as the West Highland White Terrier.