Known for more than 28 centuries as "the ancient dog of Malta," the Maltese definitely holds honors as one of the aristocrats of the dog world. Their place in history well documented, it is known that the Maltese has been immortalized in rhyme, as well as art, and it is believed that this unique little breed of dog may have been worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. Century after century, this dainty little dog has been a symbol of outstanding taste, wealth, refinement and cleanliness. Few people meet a Maltese and don't fall under his spell.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Maltese Size
Variations: One size only
Maltese Colors:
White only
Maltese Height: Up to 10 inches at the shoulder
Maltese Weight:
4 to 6 pounds
Maltese
Exercise Needs: Minimal
Maltese
Grooming Needs: Demanding
Maltese Life Expectancy (Lifespan):
12 to 15 years
Are Malteses Child-Friendly? No
Maltese Training:
Medium Difficult
Breed Group: Toy
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
The Maltese dog breed originated in United States of
America. This beautiful little dog can be seen in art objects dating back as far as 3,000 years! The Maltese dog breed's exact origins are uncertain - they may have obtained their name from the Island of Malta, or from the Italian town of Melita. Maltese dog fanciers were widespread throughout most of continental Europe, and Maltese dogs were especially popular in Britain during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603), having been brought to Britain at the time of the Roman invasion or by returning Crusaders. The Maltese dog was one of the first of the purebreds to be exhibited at dog shows in North America.
The Maltese dog is believed to be the oldest European Toy breed. Art objects dating back 3,000 years bear likenesses of the dainty little dogs. The Maltese dog was described in writings of 200 BC under the Latin name of Canis Melitaeus, which may refer to the island of Malta or to the Sicilian town of Melita. From early times, the Maltese dog breed appears to have been known and admired throughout Europe and often had its portrait painted as it lounged on the laps of aristocratic ladies. It was also well known in Britain at the time of Elizabeth I (1558-1603). Some historians claim the Maltese dog breed was brought by Roman invaders while others theorize returning Crusaders brought the small charmers back as gifts for their ladies.
While few realize it, the toy Maltese dog is actually a member of the Spaniel family. Weighing a mere 4-6 pounds as a healthy adult, he is the ideal size for an adorable lap dog and is well-known for his affectionate nature and eager personality.
Covered from head to toe in an abundance of long, white silky hair, the toy Maltese has long held a place in the hearts of celebrities and non-celebrities alike. While he is often jokingly called a dust mop, most find the long coat of the Maltese beautiful to look upon, and their faces being nothing short of angelic. In addition to his being coveted as an adorable lap dog, the little dog of Malta is commonly said to be one of the hypo-allergenic breeds, ideal for those who cannot tolerate most shedding members of the canine world. The Maltese is considered a non-shedding breed and, due to the likeness of his coat to human hair, the Maltese's "fur" is always referred to as "hair."
Most Maltese are outgoing, playful, and friendly, though they must be watched carefully around children, due to the fact that they are very delicate and may be hurt easily. A Maltese has an incredible memory and, following a slight, may become very timid and wary if treated poorly or accidentally harmed.
A vigorous canine, the Maltese is always ready for a romp. Its small size makes the Maltese a fine dog for limited accommodations. His exercise needs are minimal.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
That lovely Maltese coat needs daily brushing to stay tangle-free and frequent bathing to keep it sparkling white. Most people who have pet Maltese either make frequent trips to the groomers or opt for a short puppy cut that makes caring for the Maltese much easier!
The Maltese is a very sweet and happy breed that enjoys learning tricks for treats. They can be a bit tricky to housebreak, however, so it's essential to be patient and start them on a routine as soon as you bring your Maltese puppy home. Obedience courses are also a good idea, helping to keep him safe as he learns to behave around other dogs.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Whether you call them Pocket Maltese, Teacup Maltese, Tea Cup Maltese, Toy Maltese, Miniature Maltese, or Mini Maltese, buying the smallest Maltese puppy you can find is a sure recipe for a teacup full of heartache! Responsible breeders occasionally will have a puppy that is smaller than its littermates (it's what we once referred to as the "runt" of the litter). Any breeder that selectively breeds to create a smaller and smaller puppy is not a breeder with whom you want to do business. The reason for this is that smaller puppies usually have a number of health problems. They can suffer from Hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar), knee and hip problems, brain defects, kidney problems, heart problems and more. What's more, these itty bitty dogs are as delicate as flowers, and can easily be injured or killed by being accidentally stepped on or kicked, or from something as seemingly innocent as a fall off of the sofa or bed. Don't buy into this unfortunate trend! Dogs are pets - not fashion accessories or toys. Be sure to buy your Maltese puppy only from a responsible, reputable Maltese breeder. Avoid any breeder who advertises Pocket, Teacup, Miniature, Toy or Mini Maltese puppies.
There are several factors to take into consideration, before rushing out to get a pet Maltese. Will he fit in with your family and other pets? Think carefully before you make a hasty (and often a rather expensive) decision.
Do you have the time commitment to make to a small dog? Maltese are very affectionate little dogs and do not do well, if left alone for long periods of time. They enjoy companionship and affection, and can easily become very lonely and prone to barking, having accidents on the carpet, and showing other symptoms of canine separation anxiety. While short periods of time alone are fine, it isn't fair to get a Maltese if you have too hectic a time to be able to pay much attention to a small dog. If your life is that busy, save yourself some money and your little dog some heartbreak and buy a fish instead.
What about your other pets? This should always be taken into consideration, as well. The Maltese, while friendly and rambunctious, is still a delicate little animal and can easily be hurt by larger, more aggressive dogs, or large-breed puppies who have yet to learn their own strength and what not to bite. Provided you are bringing him into a safe environment, however, the little Maltese toy can often fend surprisingly well for himself.
How does the Maltese get along with children? In truth, the Maltese is wonderfully affectionate and he loves almost everyone. The only problem is that, being as small and dainty as he is, he can be easily hurt if squeezed to hard or dropped. Because of this reason, many reputable breeders will refuse to sell a Maltese puppy to anyone who has a small child, under 5 years of age. Maltese puppies are especially huggable and sweet, but it's very easy for one to be easily hurt. For this reason, hold off on getting your Maltese puppy until you know that your son or daughter is old enough to realize what hurting is, to know better than to hurt, and can actually help care for the new puppy, rather than just feeding it.
The Maltese is an adorable and sweet little member of the canine world and, if you have the time to properly care for him, will make a wonderful addition to your family. As with adopting any pet, be sure to give it time and thought, as well as making sure to get agreement from all members of the household before bringing home a new puppy. If you've done all this and you know you're bringing a puppy home to friendly and safe surroundings, then a Maltese puppy may just be the one to steal your heart.
Now that you have decided that the Maltese is the right breed
for you, it's time to start the process of finding a responsible
Maltese breeder from which to buy a healthy, well-socialized
puppy. Not all breeders are alike; there are good breeders - and bad
breeders. Don't be in a hurry to buy the first Maltese puppy
you find at the cheapest price available! To buy a puppy from a
responsible Maltese breeder, you may need to pay more and wait
longer. The additional money and waiting time will be well worth it.
Buy a puppy in haste from a newspaper ad, pet store or "backyard
breeder", and you'll likely also purchase a great deal of additional
expense and heartache, since you will likely end up falling in love
with a puppy with health and behavioral problems that will likely
need special care, plenty of veterinary visits, regular medication -
or even euthanasia. But do your homework and find a responsible,
caring Maltese breeder who home-raises their puppies with
love, screens their breeding dogs for health problems, offers a
health guarantee and post sale support, and who genuinely loves the
Maltese breed and is in it for the love of the breed, rather
than profit, and you can be fairly well assured of getting a
healthy, happy, long lived and affectionate family companion that
will provide you and your family with many years of joy, laughter
and companionship.
Further information about choosing a responsible breeder...
Here are a few breeder directory sites that we recommend. These
sites attempt to screen advertisers to ensure that the breeders
listed are responsible and sell healthy, home-raised Maltese puppies to carefully screened buyers. There are many, many
sites now online that advertise dog breeders - many are a Mecca for
puppy mills and backyard breeders. We recommend that you steer clear
of these resources in favor of sites that are more selective in the
breeders whom they allow to advertise.
We Highly Recommend:
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Choosing a name for your Maltese puppy can be a daunting
task! There are so many names to choose from that it can take a lot
of thought and research to find just the right name for your
Maltese. Usually, it's best to get to know your puppy for a
few days or weeks. Often your puppy's personality will help you
decide on just the right name to choose. Does he have a sense of
humor? A serious side? A goofy way of cocking his head to one side?
A strange love of cantaloupe? By observing your new Maltese
puppy over the first days or weeks, you should at least have a clue
about what type of name you want to give. There are a ton of dog
names and pet names web sites on the internet. Some are wonderful
information resources, while others, unfortunately, are just
"garbage" sites set up with the sole purpose of cashing in on
visitor hits for this popular subject.
We recommend the following sites to assist you in choosing a name
for your new Maltese puppy. These sites offer inventive,
unique, original and creative pet names suggestions that have helped
thousands of new puppy owners in selecting just the right name for
their new baby!
Maltese Dog Names
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Malteses are a very photogenic dog breed. By looking at
Maltese pictures, you can usually gain more insight into
what these dogs and puppies are like as a breed, and this can help
you decide if you really want to become an Maltese owner.
The following sites below offer pictures of Maltese dogs,
Maltese puppy photos, funny Maltese photos and
more. Enjoy!
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
There are a wealth of resources online that can help you learn
more about the Maltese dog breed. We've compiled a list of
Maltese information sites to assist you in quickly locating
quality information about the Maltese dog breed, while
avoiding the "garbage" sites that are nothing more than poor
attempts to capitalize on the popularity of dog breeds in general.
If you know of an Maltese information site that offers
unique, quality information and photos of the Maltese
breed, please contact us with the URL and a brief description so
that our editors can consider it for inclusion in our list below.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Maltese clubs and rescues web sites can help you learn
even more about the Maltese dog breed, help you locate a
responsible Maltese breeder, or help you find an Maltese dog or puppy in need of a second chance for a loving,
forever home. We've compiled the following list of Maltese
clubs and Maltese rescues web sites for your convenience:
Maltese Clubs -
Maltese Rescues
