Height: 5-8 inches
Weight: 6-8 lbs.
Life Span: 12-15 yrs.
Breed Group: Companion Dogs
Overview
The Maltese is a gentle, playful, affectionate dog that loves to be the
center of attention.
It is very receptive to gentle training based on positive reinforcement.
Early socialization with people outside the family and with other dogs helps
counteract a tendency to be nippy with strangers and to take on larger dogs.
The Maltese will tolerate gentle children over about eight years old and
is friendly with cats. This is an ideal dog for city or apartment dwellers
because of its diminutive size and minimal exercise needs.
Appearance
The Maltese's coat is long and silky. The hair on its head may be tied or
left hanging. Coat color is pure white, sometimes with light tan or lemon
on the ears.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The Maltese needs to be brushed and combed daily. It is highly energetic
indoors but requires only short daily walks outside.
Origins
As its name suggests, this breed originated on the island of Malta. It was
a favorite home companion of the upper classes of ancient Egypt, Greece,
and Rome.
More recently, in Victorian times, women matched the color of the satin
ribbon they tied around the Maltese's topknot with their own wardrobe.
Breed-related health concerns: hypoglycemia, patellar luxation, deafness,
undescended testicles, dental disease.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
