Maltese

COUNTRY: Italy
WEIGHT: Less than 7 pounds, 4-6 pounds preferred
COAT: Long, flat silky hair hanging nearly to ground, no undercoat
COLOR: White; light tan or lemon on the ears only is allowed although not preferred
OTHER NAMES: Bichon Maltiase
GROUP: Gun Dog


Small dogs referred to as "bichons" have been present and popular around the Mediterranean for thousands of years. The question of which breed is the oldest and which came first follows the puzzle of the chicken and the egg. They are all, essentially, miniaturized water retrievers, coming from the same stock that produced the Portuguese Water Dogs, the Barbet, the Poodles and others. Those that lived on Tenerife were called Bichon Tenerife, those from Bologna called Bolognese and dogs on Malta were known as Maltese. Some may have developed independently, but all have similar type and character. All bichon varieties are cute, cuddly and coaty, giving them a winsome appeal.

Pets that fit the description of the Maltese have been known since very early times. The island of Malta, off the southern coast of Italy, was colonized by the Phoenicians about 1000 BC. These small, white dogs could have been brought to the area by the Phoenicians and/or spread elsewhere by them, since they sailed and traded around the known world. The Maltese dogs were entirely bred as companions and "comforters," being especially favored by the ladies who often carried them in their sleeves or held them in their laps when in their carriages "taking air." But they won the hearts of more than the women; the Roman governor of Malta in the first century AD so adored his Maltese that he requested a portrait painted and poems written about her.



The Maltese maintained its demand as a companion through the centuries. Dr. Caius describes these small white dogs in the 1500s, and, in 1607, a writer described one that sold for $2,000! At that time, they were described as the size of a squirrel or a common ferret, as small as today's tiniest specimens.

The Maltese remains a much-loved pet and glamorous show dog. They are fastidious, refined and loyal. Devoted to their owners, they are friendly with everyone. Their snowy white, soft coat is without undercoat so they don't create yearly shedding problems, although they definitely require frequent combing to keep out tangles. Their tails are natural length and curve gracefully up over the back. The Maltese is playful and sturdy, despite its petiteness.