The Maltese (also known as the "Roman Ladies Dog" or "Comforter Dog") belongs to the toy breed group. They feature a silky white coat. The breed first came into existence in around 500BC where they were first used as an exotic item of trade. They are a highly popular choice as a companion dog today. Features like their playfulness, high energy and need for attention are things they can be known for. They are known to have been created in the Isle of Malta and their breeding lineage is largely a mystery but were breeds believed to be used for catching rats.

They are classed as a tiny sized breed of dog. The suggested male dimensions are 9-10 inches high with a weight of 4-6 pounds. The breed is well-known for their gentle, playful and fearless personality. They are unsuitable as a protection dog, as along with their size they are typically friendly with people they haven't met. The breed ranks equal 59th compared with every other dog when learning new commands, and are tested as being fairly smart.

They are not the best towards kids, which can make them not highly suitable as a family pet. Other pets like other dogs, cats and smaller animals do get along well with them. Looking after their coat is a demanding assignment. They require proper grooming every 4 weeks, and a high amount of brushing once every day. They can very easily be suited to living in an apartment, but prefer a small yard so they have plenty of room.

They're primarily long-lived, as is the case with a good number of tiny sized dog breeds, with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Their most common health risk is teeth problems, and they can also be susceptible to sensitive skin, eye issues or respiratory problems. They love activities like play sessions or runs around the yard. They have a high degree of energy, and that means they need moderate walks each day to prevent the development of bad habits.

You ought to be ready to spend plenty of time grooming and giving them attention if you choose to buy the Maltese. They're not an ideal choice for families with small children, but an excellent choice for retirees, apartment dwellers, allergy sufferers or families with older children. One reason why dog owners find this dog so appealing is it loves attention and has a playful and energetic nature that makes it a very good companion.