About Maltese dogs

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!

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.

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.