Physical Characteristics

The small-framed Maltese comes with dark round eyes and black button noses. Their exclusively white coat is actually long and silky hair, not fur, which makes them great for people with allergies.

Personality Traits

Maltese are easy to train, but you should start early. They make great companions, but are not advisable for families with small children due to their fragile frames. They are a playful breed that loves attention.

Health Concerns and Other Considerations

The Maltese is very adaptable and it does well in different climates. While it's easy to want to pamper your Maltese, if you do too much of it, they will become overly dependent on you. Their long coats are high maintenance with daily brushing and weekly bathing. This is why many people have their coats trimmed. Overall this is a healthy breed with few health concerns other than dental issues, so be sure to have them cleaned on a regular basis.

Maltese History

It is believed that the Maltese originated on the island of Malta. The breed is believed to be nearly 3,000 years old and has been mentioned by Roman poets and revered by ancient Greeks. The Maltese made its first appearance in the U.S. for Westminster's first show in 1877.