1499) About Dogs (Series II) - 2020, Malta: A set of 16 Stamps brought out by Malta Post: Date of Stamp set issue: 24.09.2020:
About Dog Breeds covered in this Stamp- set:
The Dog is the most widely abundant terrestrial carnivore and the first species to be domesticated. It has been selectively bred over millennia and its long association with humans has led dogs to be uniquely attuned to human behaviour.
Dogs perform multiple roles for humans, including companionship and more recently, aiding the disabled in therapeutic roles.
Their influence on human society has given them the sobriquet of "man's best friend".
1) West Highland White Terrier:
Commonly known as the "Westie", this medium sized terrier is a Scottish breed, intelligent and quick to learn, it is good with children but does not tolerate rough handling well.
"Westies" are an energetic and boisterous breed, requiring regular daily exercise.
2) Cocker Spaniel:
Spaniels are an old breed assumed to have originated in Spain. They were originally bred as hunting dogs in England and America - hence the term "cocker" deriving from its ability to hunt wood-cocks.
Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and have a sweet disposition and are in their elements when around people.
3) Great Dane:
The Great Dane is a German dog, known for its large size. Strong and elegant, with a powerful, well-formed, muscular, galloping body. They were used for hunting boar and deer at princely courts.
Their imposing appearance belies a friendly nature, often seeking physical affection with their owners. Like most dogs, when properly socialised they are gentle and loving.
4) Kelb tal-Kacca:
This hound in indigenous to the Maltest islands. The first record of this dog dates to 1773 when Grand Master Ximenes allowed its use for hunting.
Its dappled beige and brown coat helps it blend into the Maltese countryside, where it is most at home.
Ever faithful and a reliable hunting dog, it is almost always seen at the heels of its owner.
5) British Bulldog:
Bulldogs have a muscular, hefty body, a wrinkled face and a distinctive pushed-in nose.
They are often associated with the UK with which they have a long standing connection. They are one of the most popular pure breeds with a friendly, patient, if sometimes, stubborn nature and have become popular family pets due to their tendency to form strong bonds with children.
6) Weimaraner:
The Weimaraner is a large, energetic dog prized for its physical endurance and stamina. It was originally bred in Germany and used by royalty for hunting large game in the early 19th Century, hence its strong, insctinctive prey-drive.
It requires frequent, vigorous exercise and benefits from play but needs appropriate training to learn how to control its behaviour.
7) Shar-Pei:
With its deep wrinkles and blue-black tongue, the Shar Pei is one of the world's rare breeds. Originating from Southern China, Shar Pei were initially bred as palace guard dogs. They are independent, suspicious and reserved requiring early socialisation with children and especially strangers.
Nevertheless, they can be devoted, loyal and affectionate.
8) English Setter:
Setters are strong-willed, mischievous, gun-dogs bred for a mix of endurance and athleticism and still used to hunt small game.
They have a lovely coat with long, silky fringes. Often known as "Gentlemen By Nature" they are indeed good natured and intensely friendly, people-oriented and well-suited to families that can give them attention and activity.
9) Poodle:
Poodles are known as highly intelligent, energetic and sociable dogs. They are ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed and as such are highly trainable, performing well at dog sports and agility.
They love hiking and camping and are very comfortable in water.
10)Beagle:
The Beagle is a small hound developed for hunting hare. It has s great sense of smell and superior tracking instincts, making it an excellent detection dog for today's prohibited imports.
Beagles have an even temper and a gentle disposition making them popular as pets. However, they can be single-minded and determined making them hard to train.
11) Basset Hound:
Like the Beagle, the Basset Hound was bred for hunting hare. Its sense of smell and ability to ground-scents is second only the the Bloodhound.
Originally, bred in France, Bassets are short legged (hence the word "Bas" meaning low) and famously devoted to tracking. They are friendly, outgoing and playful and tolerant of children and other pets.
12) Siberian Husky:
The term "Husky" was first recorded in 1852 for dogs kept by Inuit people. They soon became popular as sled dogs used in Polar Regions and are most noted for their thick double coat as they are for their fast pulling-style.
They are energetic and athletic and once retired are kept as pets.
13) American Staffordshire Terrier:
This medium-sized, short-coated dog also known as the "Amstaff"is described as being confident, smart and good natured.
"Amstaffs" are well put together - agile and graceful despite their muscularity and keenly alive to their surroundings.
They are known to be well socialised, loyal and trustworthy and their courage if proverbial.
14) Smooth Fox Terrier:
The Smooth Fox Terrier originated in the 19th Century from earlier varieties of British terriers. They are keen-eyed, lively, alert little dogs, exhibiting a lot of strength in a small packet.
They are friendly and fearless boasting a lot of personality and are considered to be one of the best watchdogs.
15) German Shepherd:
This breed originated in Germany in 1899 and is a medium to large-sized working dog used for herding sheep.
They are strong, intelligent, very trainable and obedient and as such are the preferred breed for many types of work, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police and military roles and acting.
16) Rottweiler:
Rottweilers are medium-to-large dogs originally bred to herd live-stock. Today, they are used in many parts of the world as search-and-rescue, guard and police dogs.
They are generally good-natured and placid in disposition but require formal training and extensive socialisation to control aggression associated with terrestrial instincts.
Sixteen Maximum Cards (or Maxi cards) have been issued, one each on individual dog breeds - One group issued with the products contained in the Stamp set and the other without.
A Maximum Card has the Stamp, Cancellation Postmark/Handstamp and the image of the post card -all on one face.
Two Presentation Packs have been issued in this Stamp set, each containing eight stamps each on different dog breeds:
Stamp set issue date: 24.09.2020
Designer: Andrew Micallef
Process: Offset
Stamp Sizes: 35.0 mm x 35.0 mm
8) Ta' Hagrat Temples, Malta: "Maltese Pre-historic Temples Coin Series" depicting UNESCO World Heritage List featured Megalithic Temple Complexes in Malta: Fourth Coin in the Series: Date of issue: 22.07.2019
9) "Suez Canal": Central Bank of Malta issues a 150th Anniversary Silver commemorative Coin of 10 Euros (1869-2019), minted by the Royal Dutch Mint: Coin issue date: 18.11.2019
