Maltese Puppies

See Designer Puppies for mixed-breed puppies for this breed

The Maltese is a playful, gentle and affectionate dog, which adores being the center of attention.  Maltese respond very well to gentle training base don positive reinforcement.  Socializing your Maltese early can help counter a tendency to be nippy with strangers and a desire to “take on” larger dogs.  Children, generally 8 – 10 years and older, are tolerated by the Maltese, and this breed is friendly with cats. Maltese make ideal dogs for city and apartment dwellers because of their small size and low exercise needs. 

The Maltese’s coat is long and silky, and the hair on its head may be left hanging, or be tied back.  Coat color is always pure white, though sometimes with a very light tan or “lemon” on the ears. 

The Maltese must be brushed and combed on a daily basis.  While highly energetic indoors, only a short daily walk outdoors is required. 

As expected, this breed originated on the island of Malta.  It was a favorite companion of the Greek, Roman and Egyptian upper class.  In Victorian times, women often went to great lengths to match the color of the ribbon tied around their Maltese’s topknot with their own wardrobe. 
 
Maltese Summary:

Average Height: 5 – 8 inches

Average Weight: 6 – 8 lbs

Average Lifespan: 12 – 15 years 

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