Maltese Dog Breed

Italy

This precious Maltese dog, white and little, is the most ancient luxurious dog in the West. It is not native from Malta, as one may think, but from the other Mediterranean island that has a similar name, Melita, where it was represented in many relics since 900 B.C.

For periods of centuries, the Maltese dog has been the most preferable luxurious dog of the nobility, even when it has changed a little during time, it is still in general the same breed as of that age.

Under its exuberant coat, one can tell that the Maltese is really of the Terrier type, even with a flattened body. The nose is jet black, which shows under the coat in contrast with the eyes, which are hidden by the abundant hair. The coat is the most important feature in the breed: it must have this very long in every part of the body, which should be straight and silky.

The color is most preferable in white, but every other color is accepted – according to the stipulations ruled by the Italian breed – but the dog must not be multicolored (all light lime-colored spots over white are acceptable.) As in the case of most luxurious breeds, the Maltese must be as little as possible. It should not weight more than 4 kilos and its height at withers must not be over than 25 cm.