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A Maltese is a small breed
of white dog that does not shed.
The Maltese is a dog belonging to the toy group that is covered from
head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair. Adult Maltese
range from roughly 3 to 10 lb (1.4 to 4.5 kg), though breed standards,
as a whole, call for weights between 4 and 8 lb (1.8 to 3.7 kg). There
are variations depending on which standard is being used; many, like the
American Kennel Club, call for a weight that is ideally between 4 and 6
lb (1.8 to 2.7 kg), and no more than 7 lb (3.2 kg). The coat is long,
wavy and silky and lacks an undercoat. The color is pure white and
although cream or light lemon ears are permissible, they are not
desirable. Some individuals may have curly or woolly hair, but this is
outside the standard. Characteristics include slightly rounded skulls,
with a one (1) finger width dome. Also, a black nose that is two (2)
finger width long.The drop ears with long hair and very dark eyes,
surrounded by darker skin pigmentation that is called a "halo", giving
Maltese their expressive look. The body is compact with the length
equaling the height. Their noses can fade and become pink or light brown
in color. This is often referred to as a "winter nose" and many times
will become black again with increased exposure to the sun.
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Averages 8 inches. Up to
7 pounds.
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As an aristocrat of the
canine world, this ancient breed has been known by a variety of names
throughout the centuries. Originally called the Melitaie Dog, he has
also been known as "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta", the Roman Ladies' Dog,
the Comforter Dog, the Spaniel Gentle, the Bichon, the Shock Dog, the
Maltese Lion Dog and the Maltese Terrier. Sometime within the past
century, he has come to simply be known as the Maltese. The breed's
history can be traced back many centuries. Some have placed its origin
at two or three thousand years ago and Darwin himself placed the origin
of the breed at 6000 BC.1
The Maltese is thought to have been descended from a Spitz type dog
found among the Swiss Lake dwellers and bred down to obtain its small
size. Although there is also some evidence that the breed originated in
Asia and is related to the Tibetan Terrier, the exact origin is unknown
2. Maltese are generally associated with the Isle of Malta in the
Mediterranean Sea. The dogs probably made their way to Europe through
the Middle East with the migration of nomadic tribes. Some writers
believe these proto-Maltese were used for rodent control before the
cuteness factor was locked in. The Isle of Malta (or Melitae as it was
then known) was a geographic center of early trade, and explorers
undoubtedly found ancestors of the tiny, white dogs left there as barter
for necessities and supplies. The dogs were favored by the wealthy and
royalty alike and were bred over time to specifically be a companion
animal. Some royals that purportedly owned Maltese were Mary Queen of
Scots, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, Josephine Bonaparte and Marie
Antoinette.
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Maltese can be very
energetic and are known for their occasional wild outbursts of physical
activity, bolting around at top speed with amazing agility; given this,
they still do well for apartment dwellers. They are relatively easy to
train and enjoy a playful game of fetch. These intelligent dogs learn
quickly, and pick up new tricks and behaviours easily. Since they were
bred specifically for companionship, they do not do well being left
alone for long hours. The breed has a reputation for being
good-natured.
For all their diminutive
size, Maltese seem to be without fear. In fact, many Maltese seem
relatively indifferent to creatures/objects larger than themselves
(unless of course it is the owner). They are among the gentlest mannered
of all little dogs, yet they are lively and playful as well as vigorous.
The Maltese is commonly
bred with other breeds to further express its temperament and
intelligence.
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Watchdog, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. |
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