| The Maltese is lovely, intelligent and playful as well as | | | | at learning tricks. Though small, they can be rather bold |
| being cute cuddly - all characteristics that make a | | | | and will let you know if there are any suspicious noises |
| great pet! This breed originates from Italy and it is | | | | about. They typically get along quite well with other |
| thought that it was first introduced in England by | | | | animals, however some can be snappish and they |
| Crusaders returning from the Mediterranean. They | | | | may be difficult to house train.with the Maltese Sea to |
| were exceptionally popular with women who would | | | | need to watch out for a few health problems the |
| carry them in the sleeves of their dresses! Not only a | | | | strangest of which is that they can get sunburned a |
| wonderful pet, this breed is also one of the most | | | | long the part down the middle. Other problems could |
| sought after show dogs. | | | | include skin problems, eye problems, respiratory |
| A member of the American Kennel Club Toy Group, | | | | problems, tooth problems and slipped stifle. |
| the Maltese was admitted to the AKC in 1888. They | | | | The Maltese is active indoors but can do fine in an |
| stand eight to 10 inches tall and weigh between 6 1/2 | | | | apartment as long as you take them for regular walks. |
| and 9 pounds. They can be long-lived if cared for | | | | This dog will be playful well into its older years so it |
| properly and may have a life span of 15 years. | | | | kind of creates its own exercise and a yard is not |
| Though small, the mall tease Is fairly hearty and is | | | | necessary. |
| well-known for his beautiful long white, silky coat. this | | | | This breed does require a bit of grooming and should |
| breed has a single code of thick shiny hair which is | | | | be brushed daily as well as have his eyes cleaned |
| very heavy and drapes down to the floor being over | | | | daily. Since the hair does fall into the eyes, some |
| 8 inches long. The ears and tail are also thickly | | | | owners will tie the hair on the top of the head in a |
| covered with hair and the tail drapes over the dogs | | | | ponytail to make cleaning the eyes easier. To avoid |
| back. The eyes are rather large, rounded and dark. | | | | staining of the hair, you should clean your Maltese |
| This is a small dog but sturdy. Acceptable colors for | | | | around the mouth after each meal. You also need to |
| the Maltese include white and light ivory. | | | | clean the ears regularly and remove hair growing |
| The Maltese makes it great bad as it is gentle and | | | | inside. They can be bathed or dry shampooed as |
| loving as well as playful and lively. Devoted to their | | | | often as you wish. The good thing is that despite their |
| owners, these dogs are very intelligent and quite adept | | | | mass of hair they do not shed much. |