The Maltese breed is among the group of toy dogs today that enjoys a patrician reputation and takes pleasure in an actual lavish lifestyle. However, this extravagant life did not happen just lately because even then, at the time as early as 500 B.C., the Maltese breed enjoyed the favor of people of culture, class, and taste. This breed was so well-loved by patricians and high-ranking families in this era that there are lots of historical evidence to prove it.

Centuries old poems and paintings had been unearthed depicting and illustrating this pearly white haired creature, and all artifacts evidenced a well-adored Maltese. One account, at the time of Queen Elizabeth I, even described this breed as tiny as a squirrel and are being fashionably held by ladies in their bosoms, in to their beds, and arms during carriage rides. These accounts are indelible proofs to the title "the aristocrat of dogs" of the Maltese.

This breed is a clear embodiment of everything upper-class: finicky, loyal, absolutely clean and blue-blooded looking. Its little body sashays in floor-length long and shiny hair which definitely adds to its patrician frame. And for a bit more information, the Maltese, during the 16th century are priced for $2000, now that's a hefty sum of money considering the value of dollars then.

The origin of the Maltese is, up to this day, arguable since parties suggest that the breed either hailed from Malta or a Sicilian town called Melita. Both theories have historical evidence to back them up, additionally; these evidences suggest the existence of the Maltese in both places at the same era! The adjective Maltese, too, is a Semantic word which means "malat", the root name of both Malta and Melita.

The standard color of Maltese is pure white, however, there appears to be a cream-colored and lemon-colored Maltese; these colors are permissible but not in the competition field. Its average weight ranges from 3 to 7 lbs and its coat is generally long and silky; Maltese doesn't have a second layer of coat. The Maltese's hair is also not prone to excessive hair fall and so those who have allergies are safe to adopt this breed.

As for grooming, the Maltese requires regular brushing, cleaning, shampooing and the works. Their eyes have large tear ducts so they get watery eyes very often; this contributes to tear staining, an ugly dark stain on the hairs around their eyes. To remove this stain, use a fine-toothed metal comb to comb out the tear stain; do this every three days.

This breed, all throughout the centuries, had been known by different names including Melitaie Dog, Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta, Majestic Creature, Maltese Lion Dog, Maltese Terrier, Spaniel Gentle, and so much more! The things that never changed, however, are this dog's ferocity, extreme liveliness, playfulness, and tireless energy. These levels of life and spirit of Maltese are known to remain as is even as they become older.

Just like a true classy creature, the Maltese rather enjoys being calm and relaxed and therefore a vigorous activity is never recommended. This breed is happy to romp, play, and chase in a confined space like living rooms and small areas. These elegant attributes of the Maltese makes them suitable for an urban type of living meaning townhouses and apartments.