Breed Description: The Maltese is one of the oldest and hardiest of the toy breeds. Its small, elegant body is covered with a silky white coat that is contrasted by dark eyes and a black nose. This breed has courage and an acute sense of hearing, which makes it a good watch dog. The Maltese has a playful and affectionate demeanor that makes him a wonderful companion.
Group: Toy Group.
Purpose of Breed: Ratting, Companionship
Country of Origin: Malta.
Average Size: Range from 9 inches to 10 inches and 4 to 6 pounds. Color(s):Typically white, but beige and lemon markings are sometimes seen.
Coat Type: Very long (floor length), silky and dense.
Grooming: The coat of the Maltese takes considerable care and must be brushed daily and kept dry to prevent matting. This breed requires standard care for pads and nails. Ears and eyes need to be cleaned and examined frequently.
Exercise Needs: The Maltese needs moderate amounts of exercise and adapts very well to apartment living.
Temperament: The Maltese is an intelligent little dog with a charming personality. They are outgoing and lively and make wonderful lap dogs. This affectionate breed is a good choice for the elderly, but may not be suitable for young children prone to rough-housing. The Maltese is friendly and alert. It is naturally suspicious of strangers and makes a good watch dog.
Common Ailments: Susceptible to eye problems and patellar luxation.
Life Expectancy: Averages 12-14 years.
Trivia: The ancient Greeks erected tombs to honor their Maltese.
More Information: American Maltese Association, Inc.
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Olive is a 1 and a half year old Maltese. My daughter bought Olive when she was 9 weeks old from a breeder. Olive is the best dog. She loves everyone and loves to play with her toys, to go to dog parks, and go into stores.
Max is 8 month old Maltese. Max was a bit unplanned. We'd (my fiance and I) planned on getting a dog later in the summer once we'd moved and settled.
Sophie is a 5 month old Maltese. She likes to play with chew toys and fetch. She is just adorable! She gives me a lot of company and laughter!
Lady is about 13 years old. Not really sure what breed she is but I have been told she was a Maltese. We got her from the Animal Shelter about 4 years ago.
This is Snowball an 8 year old Maltese. I got Snowball 8 years a go. Snowball liked to run, chase, play tag, chew on plastic bottles and loved to eat crackers. RIP Snowball, we love you.
Lulu is a 9 year-old Maltese. We got her nine years ago in Brooklyn. She likes to run round and around the dining room table. She just loves to snuggle.
Lucia is a 12 year old Maltese that I got her on Valentines Day. She was a Valentine's Day present. She likes to get dressed up. She is a Diva Doggie!
We got her almost 2 years ago, from a breeder. She is very quiet, didn't have the opportunity to play or even learn how to jump at her previous home, so she is happy to be where I am. She likes to sleep. She likes her cat brother and they get along really well. He is an 11 year old Himalayan.
I got Chloe Mae from a friend that I worked with back in 2004. She was 8 weeks old and weighed only 8 ounces. She likes to play with her babies (stuffed toys).
Cookie is a 6 year old Maltese. We adopted each other when her her owner passed and her niece didn't want another dog. Her dog would just nip at Cookie if she barked at anything.
Lulu is a 9 year old Maltese. We all missed our Snowball who passed away and knew we needed another furry family member to fill our heart. So 9 years ago my family and I saw Lulu and it was love at first sight. She has been a true joy and the love of my life ever since.
Misty was just a puppy in this picture. She is now 11 years old and we love her very much. Sadly she has gone blind and just likes to sleep most of the days now.
This is Desiree (Desi) and she is six. She is a Maltese and she has a twin sister Danielle (Dani) who lives with her and their momma dog, Chanel. What do they do for fun? BARK BARK BARK!
I got my pet from a friend of mine 5 week ago. He likes to run outside, swim, play fetch, and make friends! He has a habit of taking items of clothing out of the laundry room to play with.
Lola is a 5 year old Miniature Maltese. She weighs 3 pounds. I gave Lola to my daughter when she graduated from high school, but now my daughter is in University and can not bring Lola with her, so I now have Lola all to myself.
Fluffy is a 5 year old Maltese. We bought Fluffy at a pet store in Oct of 2000.
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My dog's name is Snowball. He is a Maltese. We got him when he was just a baby. He loves cheezies and plastic bottles to chase around.
