Toy Breeds - Maltese

This is the first installment of my new weekly segment on different dog breeds. Just a little basic information to familiarize you with each different breed, where they originated from and their general characteristics. Hope this will prove helpful! I also would like to encourage anyone with any extra info to please feel free to contribute.

So today we will start with the famous well loved Maltese, which is one of the toy breeds.

Area of Origin : Malta
Original Function : Lap dog
Coat : Long and silky
Color : White
Height : 9-10"
Weight : Under 7 lb


HISTORY

The Maltese seems to have originated from the Island of Malta. There is mention of them in writings as early as 300 B.C. Though the Maltese's hallmark is it's long silky white hair, early Maltese came in colors other than white. By the early 14th century Maltese had been brought to England originally as a gift to Queen Victoria, but they quickly passed into other hands and quickly became the darlings of upper-class ladies as lap dogs. There is an 1830 painting entitled " The Lion Dog from Malta - Last of His race " which suggests that the breed came close to extinction around that time.

TEMPERAMENT

This breed is known to be bold, feisty and playful and at the same time sweet and amiable but they are reserved with strangers and are barkers!

HEALTH

There are a few things to look out for in this breed being - patellar luxation, hydrocephalus, liver shunt, eyelid problems and dental problems. Suggested tests include the knees. Their life span is said to be approx 12-14 years although I have known Maltese to live as long as 27 years.

UPKEEP

Generally they don't need too much exercise, just a short walk or romp each day. Their hair does take more looking after, they need to be kept clean and brushed regularly as their hair tends to matt easily. For easier care it is suggested to clip their coats. Also make sure to keep their ears clean as the hair in the ears tends to grow quickly and cause them irritation.

In my opinion an exellent little companion dog, very devoted, loyal, intelligent and clean. Definitely suitable to life in a apartment.

Any extra information on these wonderful little bundles of love is welcome!