| Maltese | | | | a loyal companion. Maltese love to be given plenty of |
| Description: The Maltese is a toy dog used exclusively | | | | attention. They are bright little dogs and are often |
| as a companion. It is only 8 to 10 inches at the shoulder | | | | eager to learn tricks. The Maltese does not mind other |
| and tips the scales at 6 to 9 pounds. The Maltese is | | | | dogs or household animals and will generally welcome |
| usually pure white, although some cream or ivory | | | | people to the home. However, it should be noted that |
| coats may occur. The long coat has no undercoat and | | | | these dogs tend to bark quite a bit, which can be a |
| the Maltese is considered to be hypoallergenic. The | | | | problem with some. |
| Maltese is also referred to as the "Roman Ladies' | | | | Health Issues: As Maltese are delicately boned dogs, |
| Dog", the "Maltese Lion Dog", and the "ancient dog of | | | | care should be exercised to prevent any injuries to the |
| Malta". Maltese usually get along with children, but may | | | | skeletal structure. The owner should be aware that the |
| get snappy if bothered by younger children. They are | | | | Maltese can be sunburned on its hair parting. Although |
| excellent companion dogs and become highly bonded | | | | the Maltese experiences few problems with health, |
| to their owner. | | | | and can easily live to be 15, certain things should be |
| History: A Greek amphora from 500BC shows a dog | | | | watched. Irritation leading to eye infections can be |
| very similar to the Maltese. The dog is referred to a | | | | caused by hairs turning into the eyes. Maltese can also |
| 'Melitaie'. A type of Spitz from Switzerland was | | | | experience an ailment, retinal atrophy, that restricts the |
| probably what originally gave rise to the Maltese. | | | | dog's ability to see in conditions of low light. The |
| Careful breeding reduced the size of the dog. The | | | | Maltese is uncomfortable in damp or wet areas and |
| Maltese was much beloved by the Romans and was | | | | should be kept out of these to prevent colds. Care in |
| mentioned by both Roman and Greek writers. | | | | feeding should be observed as the dogs are sensitive |
| However, breeders were determined to reduce the | | | | digestively. |
| size of the dog and by 1792 the Maltese had been | | | | Grooming: The coat of the Maltese is long, silky, and |
| reduced to the size of a squirrel, according to the | | | | soft. Gentle brushing is recommended on a daily basis. |
| naturalist Linnaeus. These undoubtedly unsound dogs | | | | The dog should have any tear stains removed either |
| almost vanished, but out breeding with small poodles | | | | with warm water or a commercially prepared solution. |
| and spaniels revived the breed. | | | | The muzzle should be wiped after eating. The Maltese, |
| Temperament: The Maltese is a playful and energetic | | | | if it is not going to be shown, can be given a 'puppy |
| dog. It becomes very attached to its owner and will be | | | | cut' to save grooming time. |