| 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 |
