Facts About Maltese Dogs

Maltese dogs belong to the toy class of dog breeds. They make excellent companion dogs and are ideal for dog lovers that live in small spaces with limited yard access. Interesting facts about Maltese dogs include the ancient origins of the breed, its unique physical characteristics and their lovable personality.

History

1. • One of the lesser-known facts about Maltese dogs is that their origins date to antiquity. While it is believed Maltese dogs have been in existence for thousands of years, the first known documentation of the dog comes from a Greek vase painting dating from 500 B.C.

   Size

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     More commonly known facts about Maltese dogs are their small size and stature. Maltese dogs typically weigh between 6 1/2 and 9 pounds and stand between 8 and 10 inches in height.

   Features

   • Prized for their liveliness and devotion and affection for their masters, Maltese dogs make excellent companions. They can also serve as watchdogs, as Maltese are generally very alert and bark at unfamiliar sounds or strangers at the door.

   Prevention/Solution

   • Maltese dogs have long, white coats of fine, straight, silky hair. While this is their most beautiful feature, it does take considerable maintenance to keep it in top form, making daily combing and regular bathing essential.

   Time Frame

   • Maltese dogs have a life expectancy of 15 or more years. However, Maltese dogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures and dampness, so in order to minimize exposure to these elements, Maltese should be kept indoors much of the time.