About Maltese dogs
Maltese are perfectly delightful companions!
According to the American Maltese Association: "It would be really difficult to find a more charming breed than the Maltese. Their intelligence and out-going personality make them a joy to own and their beauty attracts many admirers. Although the Maltese is a toy dog, this small breed is full of delightful personality with a zest for life. Their small size makes them easy to manage and they fit in with nearly anyone's lifestyle - from simple apartment living to being a world-wide traveler with a glamorous owner such as Elizabeth Taylor! The Maltese is happy to be your companion - ready to play and take walks or curl up in your lap."
Our shop, GollyGear.com, specializes in products especially for small dogs. We've gotten to know quite a few Maltese and we understand completely why people can be totally devoted to these delightful dogs!
Maltese information and resources
- American Maltese Association | A National Breed and Member club of the American Kennel Club
The AMA is officially the "Parent Club" for Maltese and currently enjoys a membership of over 250 people spread all across the nation. Members are also residents of Canada, Japan, and Europe. American Maltese Association National Specialites are held - Maltese Puppies & Dogs for Adoption
Local Maltese rescue and adoption to help you find a pet. See photos and adopt a Maltese in your area. - Maltese Dogs Forum : Spoiled Maltese Forums
Maltese Forum : Spoiled Maltese is the leading Maltese breed dog forum site. Discuss your Maltese, find a Maltese breeder, share Maltese pictures, find out why your Maltese sick, and get the best Maltese training secrets. - Maltese Only - The Largest and most complete Maltese dog website and online community in the world
The Largest & Most complete Maltese Dog online community and website in the World! - Maltese Meetup Groups - Meetup
Helps groups of people with shared interests plan meetings and form offline clubs in local communities around the world about Maltese - Great Stuff for Maltese Dogs - Golly Gear
Your Maltese's harness must meet special requirements. Your small dog's toys, treats, and other gear also must suit his needs also! Golly Gear can help with all of your small dog's essentials.
Maltese aren't for everyone
Delightful as Maltese may be in the right situation - it's not an "easy" breed or one for every situation.
Generally speaking, Maltese are not ideal companions for young children and many breeders and rescues will not permit adoptions to families with or planning children. Because of the dogs' diminutive size, it can become fearful and protective around loud noises and sudden movements. Early socialization is crucial for a Maltese to become comfortable around strangers, other dogs, and situations outside the home.
Maltese also require quite a bit of grooming. While pet dogs may not need, or their families want, the long, flowing coat of a show dog, Maltese fur still requires regular brushing and maintenance. Because this is a single, not double-coated breed, Maltese can get quite cold in the winter, and suffer sunburn in the summer.
An ancient breed
The earliest representation of a Maltese was found on an amphora dated to about 500 B.C. and the breed is believed to be descended from a spitz-type dog from Scandinavia, perhaps mixed with equally ancient breeds from China or Tibet. The first mention of these dogs on the Mediterranean island of Malta dates back to the 1st century A.D.
Regardless of origin, the Maltese has always been a companion dog, and while its size may have been reduced by selective breeding through the centuries, Maltese have always served as excellent companion dogs.
© 2009 Hope
