BREEDER’S FORUM MALTESE
with BARBARA BERGQUIST
1. When and where did you first become interested in your breed? In the late 50s I was breeding/show- ing Poodles and was attracted to the few pretty little Maltese being shown. A few years later I watched as the infamous “Poona” and Frank Oberstar hit the Toy and Best in Show ring and it was then I literally fell in love with the breed. 2. What attracted you to the breed? The whole package: proud carriage, long flowing coat, mesmerizing dark eyes and comedic personality. 3. Do you inbreed, linebreed or outcross? Why? I line breed to keep the type and qualities I prefer. 4. How do you house your dogs? My dogs are housed in various ways. Some together, some separate runs/x- pens etc. My males are always separat- ed from 5 months on from the females. Show “kidz” are separated at about 5 months to preserve and maintain show coats. 5. Do you feed supplements? I do not find the need to feed supple- ments but would if necessary. I feed a quality well balanced diet and am fortu- nate to have good healthy eaters. 6. Where do you whelp your bitches? My girls are in my family room for 2 to 3 weeks before whelping date and whelp there. She and pups are moved to a quiet room with no dogs or dis- tractions around until the babies are 4 weeks old then they come to the kitch- en where most activity goes on. 7. How and when do you deter- mine a show quality puppy? I assess my puppies at approx. 8-10 weeks of age, again at 4-5 months and final evaluation is made at 6-7 months of age or when the perm teeth are in enough to determine the bite. 8. At what age do you begin train- ing? Please share training tips.
I handle my babies at a very young age—I begin at about 4 weeks with short sessions, stacking them, baiting with a squeaker toy, teaching them to lie on their backs and sides for short grooming sessions. At approx. 10-12 weeks I try to introduce them to the lead. I find the younger they approach show training, the easier it is on both puppy and handler. Just keep all ses- sions short and fun and give a reward at the end. I usually use a small piece of cheese or chicken. 9. Do you think your current standard is adequate? If not, what changes would improve it? In 1964 our Breed Standard was revised and in my opinion serves the breed well. It is not so restrictive that the breeders must turn out “cookie cut- ter” dogs to conform, yet it covers well the important basics to produce a beau- tiful Maltese capable of reproducing and stamina for showing. 10. What is the greatest health concern to breeders today? I believe our greatest health concern is liver issues. 11. Is dental care important? Explain Yes dental care is VERY IMPOR- TANT. Dirty teeth and infected gums can lead to many health problems not the least of which is comprised heart health. 12. What do you enjoy most about owning this breed? I so enjoy watching puppies and moms interact, their willing- ness to please and accept anything we ask of them and their loyalty and devotion. 13. What grooming tips or hints would you like to share? My grooming tips would be to start early handling the babies teaching them to lie on their sides and back on the table while receiving a gentle brushing/combing and face washing.
Even if the pup is going into a pet home he should know the basics of grooming making it so much easier on the novice owner and the pup. 14. What makes this breed a great show dogs as well as a companion? Their willingness to please. 15. What tips or advice would you offer the newcomer? Form a good relationship with your breeder and let her experience with the breed guide you. 16. How do you determine the stud dog you will select to breed to your bitch? The stud and his pedigree must com- pliment my bitch. 17. If you were starting a ken- nel would you buy a bitch first or a dog? I would first buy a bitch. A dog is what he is but a bitch can be bred to several males for a variety of results in the offspring. 18. What three words best describe your breed? Loyalty, Beauty, Fearlessness. 19. What is the most defining characteristic of your breed? The unique flowing white coat. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I have been captivated and dedicated to this beautiful breed since the early 60s. My “show career” in Mal- tese began with a little 4-pound girl I named Robin
that I finished quickly and then spe- cialed her a bit putting a few groups and group placements on her before I bred her. Robin was bred twice and produced 3 Champions for me the most notable being Ch. Su-Le’s
70 • T op N otch T oys , A pril 2017
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