The name Maltese comes from the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. This elegant small dog has long been a favourite breed all around the world.
Nature
The friendly Maltese is a good companion dog. He is also brave and fearless, which makes him a trustworthy guardian. He enjoys learning new things and is vivacious and playful as long as he receives a reward.
Trait
Under his rich, smooth, silky white coat, this toy breed moves with ease. The dark eyes and black nose stand out against the white coat.
Life
12 to 15 years
Colour Collection
White is the common colour in Malta. The American Kennel Club also considers black spots on the eyes and nose, which are present in the majority of dogs, to be a standard (AKC).
Hair fall
To prevent mats and tangles, this low-shedding breed requires daily brushing and regular baths.
Health
Despite being prone to dental disease, the Maltese breed is generally considered to be healthy. To keep teeth healthy, brush them frequently. Heart issues and patellar luxation are possible additional health issues. To provide the healthiest breed possible, responsible breeders check for these issues.
Congenital liver problems in Maltese puppies should be investigated. Another risk is encephalitis, although unlike the other health issues, there is currently no test for it.
Breed History
The Maltese is a breed that has existed since before the time of the Bible. Malta, a Mediterranean port, is where the breed first appeared. Over 2,000 years, a variety of historical peoples, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and others, invaded and controlled Malta.
In-demand goods like spices, pearls, silks, and the gorgeous Maltese lapdog that won the hearts of ladies of nobility all over the world were traded often on the island of Malta.
Before Greek domination, the breed was presumably brought to the island by the Phoenicians. The Maltese was so beloved by the Greeks that the dog served as an inspiration for art on pottery from the heyday.
Aristotle himself talked about the breed’s ideal dimensions.
Roman aristocrats strengthened the breed’s prominence as a prestige symbol. Romans included the Maltese in their stories, poetry, and tales as a representation of loyalty.
Chinese breeders in the Dark Ages saved the breed from extinction after the Roman Empire fell. They further developed the breed by breeding the Maltese with some of their own indigenous toy breeds.
The Maltese made its public debut in New York at the first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1877.
