Maltese breed guide

Despite aristocratic bearing, Maltese are hardy, adaptable pets and alert watchdogs, fearless in a charming toy-dog way.

Very intelligent, they have learned over centuries as companions how to get exactly what they want from their people, so training must be consistent. They are athletic and talented enough for competitive dog sports.

Maltese live 12 to 15 years. Breeders screen for luxating patella and heart anomalies such as patent ductus arteriosus.

AKC recommends bile-acid testing of young Maltese to rule out congenital liver issues such as liver shunt and microvascular dysplasia.

The long white coat needs daily gentle brushing and combing to the skin to prevent mats and tangles, along with regular baths and coat conditioning. Nails grow fast and should be trimmed regularly.

Maltese are full of energy but need only occasional exercise: daily walks, bouncing around a fenced yard or play indoors keep them fit.

Malta lies 60 miles due south of Sicily in the middle of the Mediterranean, a crossroads in ancient times for pilgrims, mariners and merchants from three continents. As far back as 3500 B.C. it was a thriving seaport.

For 2,000 years from 1500 B.C. the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs and Normans conquered and occupied the island in turn, using it as a clearinghouse for spices, silks, gemstones and, AKC adds, a certain little white dog.