The Maltese is the quintessential lapdog. These pups have long, flowing white fur and a petite frame perfect for lounging at home and showing off on the go. While the breed is small, the Maltese (like many other small dogs) makes up in personality what it lacks in size. Get to know this toy breed to help you decide if you’d like to make one a part of your family.
The breed is named for its island of origin: Malta. These dogs originated on this Mediterranean island, located to the south of Italy, 2,800 years ago, making them a well-established part of the canine family. You can even see depictions of the breed on the pottery of ancient Greece, according to The Spruce Pets.
The luxurious white coat and pint-sized bodies have made the Maltese a popular breed.Over the years, this distinguished breed has been a favorite of royalty and members of the aristocracy.
