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Maltese, also called ‘Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta, ’ are small-sized dogs known for their affectionate nature and friendly demeanour. These dogs have an aristocratic look with a charming appearance, sitting in the lap of luxury from ancient times. Despite their small size, they have a confident personality, and they get along well with people of all ages and other pets. Their small size makes them best suited for apartment living, where they can adapt well to small spaces. 

Are you interested in learning more about these charming dogs? In the next section, we shall learn about their origin and history.

Know about the origin & History of Maltese Dogs

Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds, whose history dates back to 1500 BC. Malta is situated 60 miles south of Sicily and was one of the happening seaports during ancient times. It is believed that the Phoenicians were the ones who introduced the Maltese dog breed to Malta. The Greeks from the 4th & 5th century BC were fascinated by their beauty and geometrical symmetry and called them ‘Melitaie Dog’, which is depicted in the Golden Age ceramics. 

Later, the aristocrats from the Roman Empire consciously perfected this breed and made them a symbol of status and luxury. Surprisingly, after the fall of the Roman Empire, it was the Chinese breeder who saved this particular breed from extinction during Europe’s Dark Ages. They crossed Maltese with their local breed and refined this breed to export back to Europe. With their eye-catchy looks and charm,  no wonder Maltese became popular. In 1877, the Maltese were exhibited in New York’s Westminster show and were introduced as ‘Maltese Lion Dog’.

What a fascinating history Maltese dog breeds carry! In our next section, let us learn more about their lifespan.

Lifespan of Maltese

The life expectancy of a Maltese varies from 12 to 15 years. With a balanced diet, medical care, comfortable living, training, and exercise, they can outlive their peers. These gorgeous dogs are believed to live longer because of their small size. Research from Paw Leaks found that the oldest Maltese dog lived for 20 long years!

Let us now look at their physical traits and behavior in our further sections.

Physical Traits of Maltese

• An average adult Maltese dog weighs up to 2 to 4 kgs.
• Their height ranges from 20 to 25 cm.
• They are small dogs covered from head to foot with a long mantle of silky, white hair.

Get the full breed standard of the Maltese dog breed approved by the AKC.  

Temperament of Maltese Dog Breed

• Maltese are friendly lapdogs known for their friendly and affectionate nature.
• They are tiny pocket dogs with charming personalities, they get along with people of all ages and children.
• However, their interaction with children should be monitored as small kids tend to hurt them unconsciously.  
• They are eager to please dogs and need constant human attention, so socialization and training from a young age are the keys.