The Maltese is a small dog breed that is known for their silky, white coat. As a companion breed, they also tend to have a loving and affectionate demeanor. Here are a few more interesting facts about the Maltese:

1. The Maltese is the Oldest Toy Breed

The Maltese is an ancient dog breed that can be traced back to ancient Greece over 2,000 years ago. This makes them the oldest toy dog breed that we know of today. They are also related to other toy breeds like the Havanese and the Bichon Frise.

2. The Breed Almost Disappeared

The race to make tiny dogs is not a new concept. Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, there were attempts to make the Maltese into a “tea-cup”-sized breed. Due to a lack of the veterinary care, knowledge, and experience needed to care for such a tiny dog, this almost caused the Maltese to disappear completely.

British dog breeders are credited with saving the breed and creating the lines that led to the modern Maltese we know today. Although the Maltese is a breed that has been around for a long time, it wasn’t until the latter half of the 19th century that they first came to the United States.

3. Maltese Are Super Cuddly and Affectionate

The Maltese is a true companion breed, which is why they are one of the most popular dog breeds. They are incredibly loving and affectionate dogs. They love nothing more than cuddling and getting attention and affection from their favorite humans. These little dogs also thrive at being the center of attention.

They do tend to be initially reserved around strangers. However, because they love attention and making friends, they tend to warm up quickly once they are introduced. As long as children are loving and gentle with them, a Maltese will get along with them well and will often love having a playmate.

4. Puppy Training Classes Can Be a Good Idea

A first-time dog owner may not need puppy training classes with a Maltese. These little dogs are eager to please and are intelligent, so they are motivated and do tend to pick up on things quickly.

At the same time, they are incredibly sensitive, and training them requires patience. Because of this, it’s generally recommended for first-time dog owners to enroll in puppy training classes to build a strong foundation from the start.

Regardless of whether you need them, puppy training classes can be a good idea. Not only do they build your skills as a trainer, but they also help reinforce the training you do at home and help keep it consistent.

In addition, these classes can help strengthen the bond you have with your Maltese puppy. Because these dogs are so loving, affectionate, and tend to be quite sensitive, a strong bond is important. Plus, puppy training classes are a great opportunity to socialize a puppy as well.

These are just a few facts about the Maltese. If this small dog breed seems like a good fit for you, learn more about them, and then check out the available Maltese puppies. You could end up finding the perfect addition to your family!