The cute little white Maltese. The dog that you see walking down the street and immediately want to grab and cuddle them. These pups only weigh up to 7 pounds, but don’t be surprised if you see them barking at an 80 pound German Shepherd because they are fearless!
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, their history dates back to at least 2000 years ago. While their location of origin is not certain, they were extremely popular in the art, poetry, and writings of early Greek history. Even Aristotle has given them a mention! It was also widely believed by many Europeans during this time that the Maltese had the ability to cure disease, and they would often place these little guys on the pillow of sick people.
The Maltese of today makes a great companion and therapy dog. They absolutely love being with their people. These pups are ready to take just about as much attention as you are willing to give them. It is important(while difficult) to not overly pamper these doggos. This will lead them to become overprotective of you, which will result in them barking at every other animal and person.
These dogs are so much fun to be around, they love to play and learn new tricks. They are very trainable however it is important to know that they respond best to positive reinforcement. If you create a fun and playful atmosphere, your Maltese will be ready to perform any trick. These dogs make excellent house dogs because their small size allows them to burn off most of their energy in the house. This does not excuse any owner from taking them on walks as well unless you want them to turn your living room into a bathroom.
