| Maltese
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 Maltese with a well-groomed coat |
| Alternative names
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| Country of origin
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| Malta
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| Classification and breed standards
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A Maltese is a small breed of dog with white fur that does not shed.
Appearance
Adult Maltese range from around 3 to 10 lb (1.4 to 4.5 kg), though breed standards call for weights between 4 and 8 lb (1.8 to 4 kg), with slight variations depending on which standard is being used. The standard coat is straight and silky and lacks an undercoat. White is the preferred color, although cream or light lemon ears are not rare and are tolerated. Some individuals may have curly or woolly hair, but this is considered to be outside the desirable standard. Characteristics include slightly rounded skulls, a black nose, drooping ears with long hair, very dark eyes, and short straight legs. Maltese have hair, not fur, so they do not shed. Regular grooming is required to prevent their coats from matting.
Their noses can fade in color and turn pink, which could indicate illness. Standard Maltese have black or pink paws and clear nails.
Puppies weigh less than a pound each when they are born, but by twelve weeks have more than doubled in weight and often approach their full adult weight.
Temperament
Maltese can be extremely energetic and are known for their occasional wild outbursts of physical activity, bolting around at top speed with amazing agility. They are strong dogs for their size and their cleverness can sometimes lead them into trouble. They are easy to train and enjoy playing. These intelligent dogs learn quickly, and pick up new tricks and behaviours easily.
The breed has a reputation for being good-natured but may be intolerant of children and other pets. They are protective of their owner and will bite if animals or people infringe on their territory or are perceived as a threat. The Maltese is also fearless and might bolt out of the house and under the wheels of a moving car.
Maltese are small dogs and appear fragile, but are very tough for their size. Children might not realize that they are not toys and could play too rough with them. This could result in the child getting bitten if the Maltese decided to protect itself.
