Maltese

The Maltese is a small pet dog. He’s cute and affectionate and very close to the members of his social group. He loves being with them and doesn’t deal well with spending time alone. His masters should be present and available to provide him with all he needs. Docile, intelligent and happy, training him is easy and pleasant - don’t think the latter isn’t necessary simply because he’s small.
Key facts about the Maltese
Origins and history
The Maltese is an ancient dog, dating back to 500 BC. He was particularly popular among Roman women. Against all odds, his Maltese name actually has nothing to do with the island of Malta, and instead originates from the word “Màlat”, meaning “refuge” or “port” in the Semitic language (spoken in the Mediterranean). Unsurprisingly, the Maltese’s ancestors lived largely in Mediterranean ports, and were tasked with chasing away mice and other pests. The Maltese dog has therefore been around for thousands of years in the Mediterranean, particularly in Italy.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Bichons and related breeds
Physical characteristics of the Maltese
Adult size
Female : Between 8 and 9 in
Male : Between 8 and 10 in
Weight
Female : Between 7 and 9 lb
Male : Between 7 and 9 lb
Coat colour
The coat should be pure white but the breed’s official standards also recognise pale ivory.
Type of coat
His coat is very long (up to 8 inches).
His head, torso, tail and limbs are covered in silky, very long fur. His coat is straight, never wavy or curly.
Eye colour
His iris is dark ochre.
Description
The Maltese is a small dog whose body is one-third longer than his height at the withers, making him look narrow and long. His skull is flat, his eyes are round and very dark, while his ears are triangular, worn high on his head and hang down on the sides of his face, covered in fur. His limbs are short, straight and very furry. His tail is aligned with his rump. His physique constitutes one long curve, finishing at the rump between his hips; he has very long hair that touches the back of his knees.
Good to know
This little snowball is a hypoallergenic dog. They are therefore particularly good for people allergic to dog hair and saliva, or even houseproud people looking for a pet that won’t moult all over the place.