With their flowing, white coats -- the Maltese appears to float over the ground when it is running.
These small lapdogs love little more than to relax with their owner at home.
MALTESE HISTORY
The Maltese is an ancient breed of dog that originated on the island of Malta as early as 300 B.C.
These dogs were widely distributed throughout Europe and Asia by the merchant ships of the time and may people became enamoured with these small, affectionate pets.
MALTESE TEMPERMENT
The Maltese is the model lap dog, though they also love to play and run.
Even though they appear small and meek, they will challenge larger dogs when threatened and are reserved with strangers.
MALTESE HEALTH CONCERNS
Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: patellar luxation, open fontanel, hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus, distichiasis, entropion
Occasionally seen: deafness, white shaker-dog syndrome