Description: Maltese
The Maltese is a charming and affectionate toy dog breed known for its silky, pure white fur and lively personality. With origins tracing back several centuries to the Mediterranean region, this small companion dog has long been prized for its beauty and companionship. The Maltese is particularly popular with city dwellers and families who value a pet that is both manageable in size and full of loving devotion. Energetic yet gentle, Maltese dogs thrive on human interaction and enjoy being the center of attention. They are intelligent, quick to learn, and, with proper socialization, get along well with children and other pets. Their dainty appearance belies a spirited nature, making them both playful and alert. Because of their small stature and moderate exercise needs, Maltese dogs adapt well to apartment living, provided they receive plenty of affection and stimulation.
Maltese ratings
Properties
The Maltese is a toy breed that has been cherished as a companion dog for centuries. Renowned for its glamorous white, floor-length coat and expressive, dark, button-like eyes, the Maltese is both elegant and adorable in appearance. The breed typically weighs under 7 pounds and stands about 7 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder, making it one of the smallest recognized dog breeds. Despite its delicate looks, the Maltese is known for having a surprisingly lively and courageous disposition. This breed is playful, affectionate, and thrives on human companionship, making it an excellent choice for families, singles, and seniors alike.
The Maltese coat is one of its defining features: it is long, silky, and lacks an undercoat, which means the breed sheds very little. However, the low shedding does not mean low maintenance—daily grooming is necessary to prevent matting and to keep the coat in pristine condition. Many owners opt to keep their Maltese in a 'puppy cut' for easier grooming. While their flowing coats have a reputation for causing allergies, it’s important to note that no dog is truly hypoallergenic—though the Maltese can be a better fit for some allergy sufferers.
Maltese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, which generally makes training a relatively smooth process. Consistent positive reinforcement works best, as harsh methods may cause this sensitive breed to become timid or withdrawn. Socialization from an early age is important to ensure the Maltese is confident around new people and situations. Although small, they have a surprisingly bold temperament for their size and will often alert their owners to any perceived threat.
Healthwise, the Maltese is a robust little dog but can be prone to some genetic conditions such as luxating patella, dental issues, and certain eye problems. Regular vet check-ups and a proper dental routine are highly recommended. With proper care, their average lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years, with some individuals living even longer.
Overall, the Maltese makes an ideal pet for those looking for a loyal, elegant, and affectionate companion, particularly in homes where they can enjoy plenty of attention and daily grooming.
Appearance
The Maltese is a small breed of dog that is well-known for its elegant and refined appearance, making it a popular companion for centuries. This toy breed typically weighs between 4 to 7 pounds (1.8 to 3.2 kg) and stands about 7 to 9 inches (17 to 23 cm) tall at the shoulder. The most distinctive feature of the Maltese is its luxurious, straight, and silky white coat, which falls gracefully down its sides and almost touches the floor if left untrimmed. The texture of the coat is fine and smooth, never woolly or curly, giving the breed a sophisticated and glamorous look. Unlike many other breeds, the Maltese does not have an undercoat, which means shedding is minimal and makes grooming essential for keeping the coat free of mats and tangles.
The head of the Maltese is slightly rounded, with a moderate stop and a straight, black nose. The eyes are round, dark, and set in a way that gives the dog an expressive and alert facial expression. The eye rims are also dark, which contrasts vividly against the pure white fur, further enhancing the breed’s striking features. Its ears are pendant-shaped, set low and dropped close to the head, covered with long, flowing hair. The Maltese has a compact, balanced body with a level topline and a plumed tail that is carried gracefully over the back. The breed’s neck is moderately long, allowing the head to be carried high and proudly, which adds to its noble bearing.
The legs of the Maltese are straight and fine-boned, covered in long hair that blends seamlessly with the body coat, giving the appearance of a floating cloud as it moves. The feet are small, round, and well-padded, also with tufts of hair between the toes. Despite its delicate appearance, the Maltese is a sturdy and spirited dog. Its overall demeanor is lively and bold, often surprising people with its confidence despite its tiny size.
Maltese dogs are only recognized in pure white by breed standards, although light lemon or tan markings on the ears are sometimes acceptable. Their skin pigmentation is dark, particularly the nose, eye rims, and lips, which further highlights the purity of the coat. The breed’s elegant, flowing coat, expressive face, and compact size define the unmistakable appearance of the Maltese.
History
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, with records of its existence dating back more than two millennia. The breed likely originated from the island of Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily, which is where its name comes from.
The Maltese was highly prized even in ancient civilizations. Artistic representations of small, white dogs resembling the Maltese appear in Greek and Roman art, ceramics, and literature. Famous classical philosophers and authors, such as Aristotle, Pliny the Elder, and Strabo, referenced the Maltese. Aristotle described the dog as "perfectly proportioned." The Romans, especially noblewomen, cherished Maltese dogs as fashionable and affectionate lap companions.
Through centuries, the Maltese remained popular among the elite. Queen Elizabeth I of England, Queen Victoria, and Mary Queen of Scots owned Maltese dogs. Because of trade routes through the Mediterranean, the breed spread to the British Isles and continental Europe, especially Italy and France, where it was often depicted in the paintings of Renaissance artists. Its association with royalty and the upper classes helped the breed maintain its refined and elegant reputation.
Though the breed's exact lineage is uncertain, the Maltese is believed to be related to other small, ancient Mediterranean dogs. Throughout history, the Maltese was sometimes referred to as the "Melitae Dog," "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta," or simply as the "Maltese Lion Dog." Due to their small size and charming appearance, these dogs were often presented as luxurious gifts across European courts.
In the 19th century, the breed saw further refinements in Britain. Breeders focused on developing the distinctive pure white coat for which the Maltese is now known. Early Maltese dogs may have come in various colors, but by the late 1800s, white became the breed standard. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Maltese in 1888, confirming its place in canine history.
Today, the Maltese remains beloved for its gentle disposition and striking, flowing white hair. Its long and storied history as a companion dog, spanning empires and centuries, speaks to its enduring appeal and adaptability.