Characteristics

The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair. He is gentle-mannered and affectionate, eager and sprightly in action, and, despite his size, possessed of the vigor needed for the satisfactory companion.

Owning

The coat requires daily brushing to keep its elegant appearance. Despite his size the Maltese is without fear. The Maltese is a good choice for people who live in small apartments because of his size, but for the same reason it is not a good candidate for those with small children, unless the owner can provide constant supervision

Did You Know

The Maltese is known as ''ye ancient dogge of Malta,'' which for more than 28 centuries has been an aristocrat of the canine world. The first Maltese exhibited in the United States was white and listed as a Maltese Lion Dog at Westminster's first show in 1877. The American Kennel Club accepted the Maltese for registration in 1888.