When Sasha, a Maltese Gundog, gave birth to seven puppies it was no surprise that the litter all had the same amber eyes and flesh-coloured nose - just like both their parents.
The family of Maltese Gundogs all had the same distinctive traits, such as a low body and light colouring, suggesting that the dog-type evolved into a breed of its own.
This type of dog, originally a mixed breed, has been bred on the island for decades but, despite these dog's unique features and disposition, it is not yet recognised as a pure breed.
Andrew Portelli, who is Sasha's owner and a member of the Federation of Conservationist Hunters, Trappers (FKNK), recently kick-started the process to establish the Maltese Gundog as a pedigree with the World Canine Organisation.
The process can last between five to eight years, Mr Portelli explained: for a dog to be accepted as pure breed by the organisation, the breed's distinctive traits must be proven to have remained consistent over a number of generations.
Before approaching the international organisation, the FKNK needs to gather information about the existing Maltese Gundogs on the island. The federation is calling on owners to come forward and register their dogs that would then be inspected to ensure they fit the breed's description.
On registering their dogs the owners are asked to commit themselves not to mate the animals with any other breed other than a recognised Maltese Gundog.
Once the FKNK collects the necessary information, it will approach the World Canine Organisation through a local kennel club to officially list the Maltese Gundog among the recognised breeds.
"Our aim is to ensure that the Maltese Gundog is not lost and is recognised as a pure breed," he said.
The Maltese Gundog, or kelb tal-kaċċa, is believed to be a descendant of the Maltese Pharaoh Hound (kelb tal-fenek), Malta's national pedigree dog, mixed with an Italian or French pointer, Mr Portelli said.
It has now evolved into a breed in its own right and can be identified from its coat that is white mixed with an orange-brown colour.
The dog is short and has a flesh-coloured nose and amber eyes. It is well suited to withstand the Maltese hot climate since it tends to move around slowly to conserve energy.
"For example, apart from Sasha I have an English pointer. When I took them out recently, the pointer got tired after two hours while Sasha lasted about five," Mr Portelli said.
Anyone who has a Maltese Gundog and wishes to register it with the federation can do so by sending an e-mail to krpe@huntinginmalta.org.mt or phoning 2131 0448.