Maltese Dogs and Puppies
Welcome to the Dog Pages Guide to Maltese Dogs (Malteses). If you are thinking about adding a Maltese puppy to your family, our informative guide will help you learn all about the Maltese dog breed.
Find out what a Maltese dog or puppy looks like by viewing our growing collection of Maltese pictures. Learn all about Maltese dog history, Maltese temperament and personality, Maltese grooming and exercise needs, Maltese health problems and more on our in-depth Maltese dog breed information section.
Find a responsible Maltese breeder offering healthy, home-raised and well socialized Maltese puppies for sale on our Maltese Dog Breeders Directory.
Pick out a grrreat name for your new Maltese puppy through the use of our dog names and puppy names guide, featuring thousands of unique pet names.
Our Maltese rescues and clubs lists will help you learn more about the Maltese dog breed, as well as help you find dogs and puppies in need of a second chance in a loving, forever home.
And be sure to check out our online store, featuring plenty of Maltese merchandise, including books, t-shirts, collectibles, Maltese figurines, art posters, calendars and more - all available for online ordering at greatly reduced prices and convenient home delivery.
We hope that you enjoy your visit to our Maltese site today, and that you'll drop by again soon and often to see what's new on this growing portal for Maltese dog lovers!
Maltese Dog Breed Blip
An well groomed Maltese exhibiting the characteristic "Maltese smile".
The Maltese dog is affectionate, intelligent and sturdy, and loves to romp and play - especially with children. This tiny breed measures up to 10 inches at the shoulder and weighs up to seven pounds maximum. The Maltese dog has a gorgeous, long, pure-white, silky coat that hangs straight to the ground from a center part running from nose to tip of tail. It's expressive dark eyes and dark nose, lips and eye rims enhance the Maltese dog's exquisite face. Grooming requirements for the Maltese are fairly intensive - the coat needs daily brushing to stay tangle-free and frequent bathing to keep it sparkling white, even if you choose to give it a shorter 'pet' trim. The Maltese dog is a great choice for elderly or disabled people, since it's exercise needs are minimal. A wonderful choice for apartment dwellers too!
Maltese Dog Breed History:
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.
Maltese Dog Breed Description:
Height/Weight: The Maltese dog should weigh under 7 lb (3 kg) with 4-6 lb (2-3 kg) being considered ideal. Height may be up to 10 in (25 cm) at the shoulder.
Coat: The Maltese single coat (no undercoat) is flat, silky and hangs straight to the ground from a centre part running from nose to tip of tail.
Color: The glamorous Maltese coat is white. Dark, luminous eyes and pigmentation of nose, lips and eye rims enhance the breed's beautiful expression.
Maltese Breed Temperament:
The Maltese dog is said to be among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs. The breed is intelligent, affectionate and seemingly fearless.
Maltese Breed Exercise Requirements:
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.
Maltese Breed Grooming Requirements:
TThat lovely Maltese coat needs daily brushing to stay tangle-free and frequent bathing to keep it sparkling white.
Life Expectancy: 15 to 18 Yearsbr /> Good with Children: Yes
Dog Breed Group: Toy Dog Breeds
Size Group: Small
Teacup Maltese ALERT!!
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 it's 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.
More Maltese Dog Breed Information ...
