MalteseCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the name does not mean the breed comes from the island of Malta: the word “Maltese” comes from the Semitic “màlat”, meaning refuge or port, a root found in the names of several places by the sea. Its ancestors lived in the ports and coastal towns of the central Mediterranean, where they hunted the mice and rats in warehouses and in the holds of ships.

A list of dogs from the time of Aristotle (384–322 BC) includes a breed of small dogs called “canes melitenses” in Latin. The dog was known in ancient Rome, where it was the favourite companion of Roman matrons, and it was painted by many Renaissance artists.

How the breed developed

• 4th century BC – “Canes melitenses” appear in a list from the time of Aristotle.
• Ancient Rome – The favourite companion of Roman matrons.
• The Renaissance – It appears in the paintings of many artists.
• 13 April 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 13 November 2015 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC describes it as a small dog, under 3.2 kg, covered in a long, straight, silky mantle. Beneath it lies a compact body that moves smoothly and effortlessly. Its face, with large dark eyes and a black nose, wins everyone over.

General appearance

The coat is dense, glossy, very long all over the body and straight, without waves or curls. On the trunk it is longer than the height at the withers and falls heavily to the ground, like a cape close to the body.

The colour is pure white; a pale ivory shade is permitted. Traces of pale orange are tolerated but not desirable.

The AKC says the Maltese is very intelligent and that, over centuries of living with people, it has learned to get exactly what it wants. That is why training must be consistent. It can be stubborn and determined.

It is athletic and talented, so it can be a fun partner in dog sports such as obedience or agility. The AKC describes it as affectionate, playful and fearless.

Tips for effective training

• Be consistent. It knows how to get what it wants.
• Use small treats. It is very small, and calories count.
• Try dog sports. It is athletic and talented.
• Be careful with small children. It is very small and delicate.

The Maltese has moderate exercise needs: daily walks and indoor play keep it fit. It is well suited to flat life.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits an apartment very well.
• In winter, protect it from the cold.
• Do not leave it alone for long.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the long white coat needs gentle daily brushing and combing, right down to the skin, so that it does not mat. It also needs regular baths and conditioner. The nails grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly, and the ears checked weekly.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is a healthy breed with few problems, which usually lives more than 10 years. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for:

Other care

• Clean its eyes every day to prevent staining.
• Check the ears weekly.
• Brush its teeth often.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in three small meals a day, especially as a puppy.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• Choose small kibble, suited to very small breeds.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• It does not come from Malta. The name comes from a Semitic word for port.
• A former mouser. Its ancestors caught mice in ports and ships.
• The matrons' dog. In ancient Rome it was the favourite companion of ladies.
• A gumdrop nose. The AKC compares its black nose to a gumdrop.
• Painted by Landseer. Wikipedia mentions Landseer's painting “The Lion Dog of Malta”.

“The Lion Dog of Malta”

Wikipedia mentions an 1844 engraving by William Turner Davey, after Edwin Landseer's painting “The Lion Dog of Malta”, which shows a Maltese dog.

Does the Maltese come from Malta?

Not necessarily. The standard says the name comes from a Semitic word for port.

How much does it weigh?

The standard gives 3–4 kg.

Does it shed?

Very little, but the coat needs daily brushing.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–15 years.