| The Maltese Breed in
Brief: |
Maltese: Everything About
by:
Joe Fulda
Click to purchase online from
The Dog Lover's Bookstore!
The Maltese : An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy
Pet (Happy Healthy Pet)
by:
Bobbie Linden
Click to purchase online from
The Dog Lover's Bookstore!
The Essential Maltese
by:
Howell Book House
Click to purchase online from
The Dog Lover's Bookstore!
Maltese 2006 Calendar
2005-01 |
| This beautiful little
dog can be seen in art objects dating back as far
as 3,000 years!
The Maltese dog breed's exact origins are
uncertain - they may have obtained their name from
the Island of Malta, or from the Italian town of
Melita. Maltese dog fanciers were widespread
throughout most of continental Europe, and Maltese
dogs were especially popular in Britain during the
reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603), having
been brought to Britain at the time of the Roman
invasion or by returning Crusaders. The Maltese
dog was one of the first of the purebreds to be
exhibited at dog shows in North America.
The Maltese dog is affectionate, intelligent
and sturdy, and loves to romp and play -
especially with children. This tiny breed measures
up to 10 inches at the shoulder and weighs up to
seven pounds maximum. The Maltese dog has a
gorgeous, long, pure-white, silky coat that hangs
straight to the ground from a center part running
from nose to tip of tail. It's expressive dark
eyes and dark nose, lips and eye rims enhance the
Maltese dog's exquisite face. Grooming
requirements for the Maltese are fairly intensive
- the coat needs daily brushing to stay
tangle-free and frequent bathing to keep it
sparkling white, even if you choose to give it a
shorter 'pet' trim. The Maltese dog is a great
choice for elderly or disabled people, since it's
exercise needs are minimal. A wonderful choice for
apartment dwellers too! |
|
Maltese Breed History: |
| The Maltese dog is
believed to be the oldest European Toy breed. Art
objects dating back 3,000 years bear likenesses of
the dainty little dogs. The Maltese dog was
described in writings of 200 BC under the Latin
name of Canis Melitaeus, which may refer to
the island of Malta or to the Sicilian town of
Melita. From early times, the Maltese dog breed
appears to have been known and admired throughout
Europe and often had its portrait painted as it
lounged on the laps of aristocratic ladies. It was
also well known in Britain at the time of
Elizabeth I (1558-1603). Some historians claim the
Maltese dog breed was brought by Roman invaders
while others theorize returning Crusaders brought
the small charmers back as gifts for their ladies. |
| Maltese
Breed Description: |
|
Height/Weight: The Maltese dog should weigh
under 7 lb (3 kg) with 4-6 lb (2-3 kg) being
considered ideal. Height may be up to 10 in (25
cm) at the shoulder.
Coat: The Maltese
single coat (no undercoat) is flat, silky and
hangs straight to the ground from a centre part
running from nose to tip of tail.
Color: The
glamorous Maltese coat is white. Dark, luminous
eyes and pigmentation of nose, lips and eye rims
enhance the breed's beautiful expression. |
| Maltese
Breed Temperament: |
| The Maltese dog is said to be
among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs.
The breed is intelligent, affectionate and
seemingly fearless. |
| Maltese Breed
Exercise Requirements: |
| A vigorous canine, the Maltese is always ready
for a romp. Its small size makes the Maltese a
fine dog for limited accommodations. His exercise
needs are minimal. |
| Maltese
Breed Grooming Requirements: |
| That lovely Maltese coat needs
daily brushing to stay tangle-free and frequent
bathing to keep it sparkling white. |
Life
Expectancy: 15 to 18 Years
Good with Children:
Yes
Dog Breed Group:
Toy Dogs Group
Size Group:
Small |
