The Maltese is an active companion breed that requires regular grooming. A good pet for allergy sufferers, the Maltese’s single coat makes them nearly hypoallergenic.

Physical Characteristics

• Coat: Long, white hair; may have tan or lemon markings on ears
• Feathered, drop ears
• Tail curves to side
• Large dark, round eyes that protrude slightly
• Black nose
• Height: 8-10 inches
• Weight: 4-7 pounds
• Average lifespan: 14 years

Temperament

• Brave, loving, energetic, gentle, polite, sweet-tempered, playful, trusting, responsive, eager to please.
• Interaction with people: Excellent family dog. Reserved with strangers.
• Bark: Can be vocal with strangers

At Home

• Likes quiet activities indoors, as well as active outdoor recreation
• Needs daily walk

Grooming

• Nonshedder; good breed for allergy sufferers
• Daily brushing needed
• Needs weekly bath and brushing to prevent the coat from matting
• A ribbon at top of the head allows for uninhibited vision
• May trim coat overall to create a "pajama" or "puppy" cut

Brief History

• Known as a canine aristocrat for 2,800 years
• Most likely brought to Malta by the Phoenicians more than 2,000 years ago
• Documented throughout ancient texts and artwork as creatures of beauty
• Paintings and ceramics of the Maltese date back to the 5th century; the Greeks erected tombs in honor of this bred

Fido's Facts

• The Maltese was known as "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta"
• An intricate model of the Maltese was unearthed in the Fayum tomb in Egypt, signifying that the Egyptians may have worshiped this breed
• Companions to the Queen Elizabeth I's ladies of the royal court