American Toby Jug Museum 

Mr. Toodles medium toby jug produced by Lefton China of Chicago, Illinois, circa 1970. Mr. Toodles is a cute young Maltese dog with his silky, pure-white coat, hanging ears and a tail that curves over its back and forms the handle of this jug. Maltese dog refers both to an ancient variety of dwarf canine from Italy and generally associated with the island of Malta, and to a modern breed of dog in the toy group. The contemporary variety is genetically related to the Bichon, Bolognese, and Havanese breeds. The modern variety traditionally has a silky, pure-white coat, hanging ears and a tail that curves over its back. The Maltese is kept for companionship, ornament, or competitive exhibition.