| The Maltese was a popular European dog in the | | | | reputation of a lady's favorite lapdog. The Maltese is |
| 1800's and was known as Chien de Malte or Bichon | | | | known as one of the best therapy dogs due to its |
| Maltaise. It was sometimes called the Shock Dog | | | | loving nature. |
| because of the dog's shock of white hair. The white | | | | The Maltese stands about 9 inches tall and weighs |
| coat requires quite a bit of grooming and often | | | | between 4 and 6 pounds. The body is square and |
| once-a-week bathing to maintain the snow-white color. | | | | solidly constructed set upon straight legs. Characteristic |
| The Maltese is a delightful pint-size dog. Its stuffed-toy | | | | of the breed is its dark eyes, black lid margins, lip |
| appearance wins the hearts of many and its natural | | | | margins, and nose rubber. The Maltese carries its long |
| animation makes it appear as a beautiful little | | | | plumbed tail over its back. The coat of a Maltese is |
| mechanical dog. The Maltese is a friendly and loveable | | | | snowy white and parts along the spine covering its |
| pet. More Maltese positive features include charm, an | | | | body with long, flat and silky hair. |
| excellent memory and trainability. The Maltese usually | | | | Although you may be attracted to a Maltese because |
| does well in obedience training. It is an excellent choice | | | | of its long, snowy white coat are you able to cope |
| for older children and those who are carefully taught | | | | with the reality of keeping it clean and well groomed? If |
| the proper manner in which to handle tiny breeds. | | | | the Maltese is not brushed and combed on a regular |
| Some writers claim the Maltese's origin to be around | | | | basis (several times a week it not on a daily basis) the |
| 1500 B.C. Others say the breed as described by | | | | coat will tangle and mat. Some dogs have been |
| ancient historians appeared much different from the | | | | neglected to the extent that they are completely |
| petite little dog we know now as the Maltese. It is | | | | covered in a felted mass that has to be shaved off |
| thought that Phoenician sailors introduced the Maltese | | | | with a fine clipper next to the skin. Therefore, thorough |
| ancestors to Malta making it one of the oldest | | | | brushing on a daily basis or at least three times a |
| European toy breeds. Because of European | | | | week is very often the grooming requirement of a |
| references to its early form the Maltese is believed to | | | | Maltese. |
| be of spaniel heritage like the Bichon. In American it is | | | | As with most toy dogs this size they require minimal |
| sometimes believed to be more closely related to | | | | exercise. Running around your house or backyard is |
| European terriers. Positive facts place the Maltese in | | | | often enough to keep them in tip top shape. |
| Europe during the 18th century. The first class for | | | | Probably the best type placement for a Maltese is in a |
| Maltese was in London at the Agricultural Hall in 1862. | | | | home where they can be pampered and groomed to |
| The American Kennel Club accepted its registration in | | | | perfection. They are probably not a good choice as |
| 1888. | | | | companions to younger children. An older child who is |
| In England the tiny dog was well known as a rat | | | | taught how to handle the Maltese is permissible. |
| catcher. More recently of course the Maltese has the | | | | This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. |