The Maltese is a very special sort of dog, with the spirit, heart and loyalty of a much larger animal contained in a very small body. Anyone who has become acquainted with a well bred member of this breed has a respect and affection for its attributes and its history.

This spirited little breed is very intelligent, sensitive and responsive. Most of all they are extremely loving.

What Can You Expect From A Maltese
Your Maltese will constantly want be your companion. He will be happy sitting by you side while you read a book or watch television. But he will also like to accompany you wherever you go. They enjoy a walk with their owners and a trip in the car is always welcome. Maltese make good watchdogs and will sound alarms when a stranger comes to the door. Your Maltese will live well into his teens and you can expect him to be his same playful and mischievous self for most of those years.

How Many Years Will My Maltese Live ?
Maltese are a breed that relatively free of many of the serious genetic diseases that can cause premature death. With good veterinary attention and loving care of its owner many Maltese will live well into their middle teenage years.

Hairy Fellows :
Maltese are one of several long coated breeds, but they are the smallest and the only one with pure white coat. The coat is much more like human hair and people who may be allergic to other breeds of dogs or cats may find that they can get along just fine with a Maltese. They do not shed their coats seasonally like dogs with short coats, with the few dead hairs failing out periodically when they are groomed. Because of the long hair they do require more maintenance than a short hair dog and owners should expect to provide these frequent grooming sessions or regular visits to a professional groomer.

Sunshine and Fresh Air :
Sunshine is good for the overall health of your Maltese. All dogs need to go outside daily for fresh air. If you don't have a fenced yard or exercise area a walk around the block on his leash will give him his needed daily outside exercise but caution must be taken as the Maltese is such a friendly fearless little dog, he meets no strangers and could be hurt by an approaching larger dog who is not so friendly.

Not A Playmate For Small Children :
Maltese are definitely entertaining little characters and with their love of people and small size many children are naturally drawn to them. While they may look like a stuffed toy they are not. Maltese can break -- if you have children that wish a dog to ruff house with, to roll and play with on the floor you may wish to consider a different breed. Because of their delicate bone structure they can easily break bones falling off chairs, tables and when caught in the middle of pile of overly zealous children. Many reputable Maltese breeders will not sell puppies to families with children under six or seven years of age.

Getting Along with other Pets :
Maltese because of their lively personality get along well with most other animals in the household. But do remember that your Maltese will probably be the smallest of the animals and you may need to supervise a rambunctious larger dog more closely when playing with a Maltese. Maltese will get along well with cats in the household however do be cautious as a cat may choose to use her claws in play which can cause severe damage to the eyes of a tiny Maltese.

Take Your Maltese With You :
Maltese as adoring little companions love to travel with their owners. The easiest and safest way for your Maltese to travel with you is in his crate. If you will be going on a trip for an extended period of time remember to take a few of his favorite toys, his food and water dishes, a collar and leash and his food.