Maltese
Toy Group
Height at Shoulders
7-10 in
Weight
<7 lbs
Life Expectancy
12-15 yrs
History
The Maltese is believed to have been brought to the island of Malta by Phoenicians, most likely during the fourth century BCE. They were popular amongst Romans during the 4th and 5th centuries and became a status symbol and fashion statement amongst aristocrats of the Roman Empire. Women would sometimes have the dog displayed in their sleeves or bosom. After the fall of Rome, Chinese breeders kept the Maltese breed alive and refined it by crossing it with their native toy breeds.
Breed Characteristics
While not all Maltese share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★☆
★★★★★
★★☆☆☆
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★☆☆
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★☆☆☆
Intelligence
★★★★☆
Affection Towards Family
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★☆☆☆
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★★★☆
Exercise Needs
★★★☆☆
Energy Level
★★★☆☆
Sensitivity
★★★★☆
Noise Level
★★★★☆
Prey Drive
★★★★☆
Shedding
★★☆☆☆
Common Traits
Lively, curious, spunky, and playful
Eager to please and intelligent which makes training a breeze
Do very well living in apartments but also known to be nuisance barkers
Fearless and alert, making them great watchdogs
As a companion breed, they require lots of attention and affection and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time
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