Average Height: 5-8 inches
Average Weight: 6-8 lbs.
Average Life Span: 12-15 yrs.
Breed Group: Companion Dogs

Overview
  The Maltese is a gentle, playful, affectionate dog that loves to be the center of attention.
   It is very receptive to gentle training based on positive reinforcement. Early socialization with people outside the family and with other dogs helps counteract a tendency to be nippy with strangers and to take on larger dogs.
  The Maltese will tolerate gentle children over about eight years old and is friendly with cats. This is an ideal dog for city or apartment dwellers because of its diminutive size and minimal exercise needs.

Appearance
  The Maltese's coat is long and silky. The hair on its head may be tied or left hanging. Coat color is pure white, sometimes with light tan or lemon on the ears.

Grooming & Exercise Needs
  The Maltese needs to be brushed and combed daily. It is highly energetic indoors but requires only short daily walks outside.

Origins
  As its name suggests, this breed originated on the island of Malta. It was a favorite home companion of the upper classes of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
  More recently, in Victorian times, women matched the color of the satin ribbon they tied around the Maltese's topknot with their own wardrobe.

Special Alerts
  Breed-related health concerns: hypoglycemia, patellar luxation, deafness, undescended testicles, dental disease.