It is a popular breed, which originated in the island of Malta. There are a number of opinions about when the breed originated. Some people place the breed to be at least two to three thousand years old.
An adult Maltese dog weighs between four to nine pounds. It has a beautiful coat of long white or cream colored hair. They normally do not shed hair. Regular grooming is required to prevent their long hair from getting entangled or matted. This breed is a hypoallergenic one that is recommended for people who are allergic to dog hair.
In spite of their small size, the Maltese are almost fearless dogs. These dogs are not shy or afraid of dogs that are larger in size. As a result, they get along with other dogs.
The Maltese is a nice dog that to have as a family pet. It is usually tolerant of young children but may snap if children play pranks or tease the dog. However, it is not very reliable in the company of infants and needs to be supervised.
These dogs have an average life span of 10 to 12 years. There are not many diseases to which these animals are susceptible. Premature dental decay and heart disease are two of the health problems that they may suffer from.
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