Maltese Dog Breed
Dog Breeds
Maltese Quick Facts
| Size: |
|
| Grooming Requirements: |
|
| Exercise Needs: |
|
| Good with Other Dogs: |
|
| Watchdog Ability: |
|
Introduction
The Maltese, at one time known as “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” the Maltese Terrier, the Maltese Spaniel, the Maltese Dog, the Maltese Lion Dog, the Ancient Dogge of Malta, the Melita Dog (taken from the Greek word meli, meaning honey), the Melitaie Dog, the Melitae Dog, the Roman Ladies’ Dog, the Shock Dog and the Bichon Maltaise, has been an aristocrat of the canine world for more than twenty centuries. The breed is famous for its long, cascading snowy white coat, its dark oval eyes with jet-black rims and its gentle yet spirited disposition. The Maltese has been cherished as a companion throughout the ages; the Greeks even built tombs in honor of their beloved Maltese upon their death. The Maltese was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 and is a member of the Toy Group.
The tiny Maltese is one of the earliest lapdogs, traceable to the island of Malta off the southern coast of Italy as far back as 3500 B.C., if not earlier. It is thought to be the most ancient of all European toy breeds. Publius, the Roman governor of Malta in the first century A.D., had a beloved Maltese named Issa, who was made famous by the poet Martial:"Issa is more frolicsome than Catulla’s sparrow. Issa
According to the AKC standard, “for all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems to be without fear. His trust and affectionate responsiveness are very appealing. He is among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs, yet he is lively and playful as well as vigorous.” The Maltese has been around since Medieval Times, and has been a companion dog from the very beginning. Whereas other small breeds are often the result of breeding larger dogs
The Maltese is a tiny dog with a long, silky white coat that hangs all the way to the floor. There is no undercoat and the hair should not be wavy or curly. The ears are pendant and covered in hair and the tail, also covered in hair, drapes over the back. The eyes are round, dark and sport dark rims, and the nose is also black. The muzzle is slightly tapered. The neck is
Maltese have no undercoat, and have little to no shedding if cared for properly. Like their relatives the Poodle and Bichon Frisé, they are considered to be largely hypoallergenic and many people who are allergic to dogs may not be allergic to the Maltese.Regular grooming is required to prevent the coats of non-shedding dogs from matting. Many owners will keep their Maltese clipped in a "puppy cut," a one to two inch all over trim
The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Maltese Pictures and Maltese images. Get an in depth look at the Maltese and see the many things that this breed has to offer.