Maltese Breed History

Maltese dogs are classified in the AKC Toy Group and weigh less than seven pounds.  Their preferred weight is four to six pounds, but the more important thing is overall quality.  As Toy dogs, Maltese are surprisingly healthy and hardy, possessing good longevity.  They are also gentle, playful, charming and affectionate.  Even as a feisty little watchdog, Maltese still make good companions.  They get along well with children and other pets.  They enjoy attention and like to make friends, so they are not particularly fond of being alone.

According to the AKC, Maltese Dogs are a popular breed, rated 29th most popular.  They have three coat colors:  white, white and lemon, and white and tan.  They have long silky white hair – not fur- that is low shedding and flows from head to foot.  Draped in this beautiful white hair, Maltese have the look of free-flowing elegance with balanced attributes.  Their lovely white coat must be brushed daily and groomed frequently.  Some folks clip the Maltese hair to make the coat more manageable.

Maltese Beginnings:

Maltese dogs are the ancient dog of Malta.  For more than twenty eight centuries, the gorgeous Maltese dog has been considered the aristocrat of the canine world.  Popular with the socially elite, they have been loved, pampered, and sitting in the lap of luxury.  Paintings of the tiny dog can be traced back to the fifth century.  Even Greek tombs were erected to the Maltese.

The first Maltese to be exhibited in the United States was in 1877 at WKC’s first dog show.  The Maltese was all white and listed as a “Maltese Lion Dog”.

Training and Temperament:

Maltese, with all their wonderful attributes, can at times have a stubborn streak and be determined to have their own way.  They respond very well to training based on rewards.  Maltese are bright and like to learn new tricks. They have a medium energy level and like to go for brisk walks, engage in play, and even participate in competitive game agility.  All in all, Maltese are gorgeous dogs and love their families and get along with other family pets.