Breed Histories

Training and Learning Rate: The West Highland White Terrier is easy to train and do very well in training classes. They have a high learning rate in obedience and very high problem solving rate.
Activity: Very Active
Living Environment: They love living in the country or in the city, the West Highland White Terrier will do well in an apartment also if they are walked daily. West Highland White Terriers do best with human and or canine companionship.
Health Issues: Most generally known to be healthy and robust. Some problems with skin allergies, patella luxation, hernias and cranio mandibular osteopathy (lion jaw), deafness and congenital heart disease.
Life Span: 15 + Years
Litter Size: 2 - 5 puppies
Country of Origin: Scotland
History: They were developed in the high mountains of West Scotland and the Westie claims ancestry to the Scotch Terrier. West Highland White Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin. They were at one time cross bred with Cairn, Scottish and Dandie Dinmont Terriers.
First Registered by the AKC: 1908
AKC Group: Terrier

THE YORKSHIRE TERRIER

The Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) is one of the world's smallest dogs. Yorkshire Terriers are compact in size, sweet in nature and cheerful in character.  Newborn Yorkshire Terriers are born black in color with tan on the eyebrow, jaws, chest and feet. Fully matured Yorkshire Terriers are a long-haired toy terrier whose blue and tan coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs evenly and quite straight down each side of the body. The Yorkshire Terrier is an independent dog, but a devoted companion. Despite his small size he is more than willing to act as a guardian for his master.
   
Height: 6 - 9 inches
Weight: Up to 7 lbs
Colors:  Black and Tan as puppies, Dark steel blue from back of head to root of their tail. Face, chest and feet are bright tan as adults.
Coat: Silky, fine and glossy.
Temperament: Yorkshire Terriers may be tiny but they are a big-dog in a little-dog package. Yorkshire Terriers are compact in size, sweet in nature and cheerful in character.
With Children: The Yorkshire Terrier can easily be injured by small children; if you are considering a Yorkshire Terrier you must be able to supervise the dog around small children. The Yorkshire Terrier is an independent dog, but a devoted companion. Despite his small size he is more than willing to act as a guardian for his master.
With Pets: Yes, they should be even tempered and co-exist peacefully with other breeds.
Special Skills: Rat catcher and family pet.
Watch-dog: Very High
Guard-dog: Low
Care and Training: Frequently daily brushing will keep the coat of the in beautiful condition. Yorkshire Terriers do best when some type of exercise is given, though it need not be special. A romp through an apartment or house will suffice. Extra care must be taken for the Yorkshire Terrier in cold or bad weather.
Learning Rate: High, easily trained but be careful not to spoil. Obedience learning is medium to low.
Activity: Very High
Living Environment: Apartment, house, urban or rural living.
Health Issues: Eye irritations, patella luxation, premature dental disease and some puppies are born with open fontanels.
Life Span: 12 -15 years
Litter Size: 2 - 3
Country of Origin: Great Britain
History: The Yorkie (Yorkshire Terrier) became a fashionable pet in the late Victorian era in Yorkshire, England. It is said that they were bred from the Manchester Terrier, Skye Terrier, Maltese, Paisley and Clydesdale Terrier. Yorkshire Terriers made their appearance in the United States in the early 1870s and today have become one of the most popular toy breeds.
First Registered by the AKC: 1936
AKC Group: Toy
Class: Toy
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 3), KC (GB), UKC
 

MALTESE

Maltese have a beautiful mantel of long, silky, white hair. This is known as their crowning glory. The Maltese is a member of the Bichon Frise family and is one of the oldest European breeds. Maltese are affectionate and gentle-mannered, yet playful and full of character. Despite their size, they posses the personality needed for an excellent companion. The Maltese is intelligent and easy to train, however, is also known to be very strong-willed. They usually enjoy being groomed, petted and caressed.

Height: 10 inches
Weight: 4 - 6 lbs.
Colors: White, slight lemon or buff markings on ears are permissible.
Coat: Long, straight coat, silky texture.
Temperament: Maltese are friendly and alert little dogs.
With Children: It is said that they do not tolerate very young children, however, some may disagree with this statement.
With Pets: It is also said that Maltese do not mix well with other pets, however if they are raised with them they can do okay.
Care and Training: If you keep their hair long then extensive coat care will be needed for the Maltese. Shampoo once a week and daily brushing is essential. If you decide to keep what is called a puppy cut then the care will be a lot less extensive. You should take care to keep the eyes clean as staining is possible. Maltese will enjoy a walk or a run in the park, however, any indoor activity will also be fine for exercise.
Training: Maltese have a high learning rate in obedience and a high learning rate in problem solving.
Activity: Indoors - Very High, Outdoors - Medium
Living Environment: An apartment is fine for the Maltese as they are a small and usually quite dog. They are commonly known to be a good pet for the elderly.
Health Issues: Generally very healthy. Subject to genetic eye disorders
Life Span: 9 - 11 Years
Litter Size: 2 - 4
Country of Origin: Malta
History: The Maltese origins come from Malta. They date back as far as 1500 B.C. Their popularity rose during the reign of Queen Elizabeth as a companion to the women of the royal court. They first appeared in the United States in 1877.
First Registered by the AKC: 1888
AKC Group: Toy