DOG HAIR
I participate in another forum (only occasionally because it no where near as fun or nice or enjoyable or as interesting or full of as many wonderful people as this one  ) specific to Maltese Dogs because I occasionally have Maltese specific questions. I often get frustrated because there is no such thing as a friendly "discussion" there but it seems to be my only source for Maltese information.
HOWEVER, I digress............................. The issue is HAIR, Maltese hair specifically. In two fairly reputable books, one recommended by the American Kennel Club the other written by a well know breeder of Maltese dogs, there is a statement that Maltese hair, unlike human hair, grows from both the base (folicle) AND the end. There is actually what appears to be a magnified picture of a hair in one book showing what appears to be growth of a hair out the end of the hair. I have always been of the understanding that hair (and nails) is DEAD and only grows from beneath the skin. However, I recently noticed that Ty has some areas of tan hair which he was born with with that have stayed tan close to his body and turned white out away from his body. Which means either; the hair is growing white out from the tan tip OR it is growing out tan and turn white as it ages. I brought this question up on the forum and apparently hit a nerve because I was told that the two books I cited were wrong, end of discussion. I do agree it is an odd concept, hair growing from the tip but am wondering if anyone else has ever heard this theory or one like it. It seems odd that a book recommended by the AKC and widely sold would have such "misinformation" I searched on the internet and was unable to find any additional information. |
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I don't know anything about maltese, but it is worth looking into. The only way I could think of that happening would be if each hair were hollow, like deer, but I don't think that is the case. Even with hollow hairs I don't think that happens, I've always been told, and read, that hair is indeed from dead cells being pushed to the surface and adding to the folicle from the base. I'll see what I can find  |
| I've looked around and couldn't find anything in regards to the hair growing that way. |
| I have had a couple discussions with two patients of mine who are vets at Cornell. They said that some animal hair, possibly some breed of dog is actually hollow and that the hair may be growing from the follicle but be growing up through the hair shaft and therfore appear to be growing frin the tip. Neither of them were sure if Maltese fit that catagory but I guess it would makes sense. I wish I had a microscope and could examine a hair. Purely out of curiosit at this point!! |
| Taskers Mom-
Found this informative site about Maltese... www.bhejei.com Enjoy! |
| Great site!!
I joined their list serve!! Ginny |
| I know various species of deer have hollow hair... I had never heard about any breed of dog who shares this trait. Interesting though.... |
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