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Maltese — Breed Profile, Health & Care Guide | Pet Breeder Hub

Home BreedsMaltese

DogToy

Maltese

Gentle, playful, and charming toy breed with a stunning white coat. The quintessential lap dog.

toySize

12-15 yearsLife Span

Under 7 lbsWeight

MaltaOrigin

About

Gentle, playful, and charming toy breed with a stunning white coat. The quintessential lap dog.

Temperament

GentlePlayfulCharmingAffectionateLively

Breed Traits

Energy Level

Trainability

Kid-Friendly

Pet-Friendly

Grooming

Evolution of the Maltese

Ancient AncestorEarly DomesticBreed GroupPredecessorModern Breed

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Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)

~40,000 BCE

Ancient Ancestor

Proto-Dog

~15,000 BCE

Early Domestic

Toy & Companion Dogs

~500 BCE

Breed Group

Ancient Mediterranean Lap Dog

~500 BCE

Early Domestic

Roman Ladies' Lap Dog

~100 CE

Predecessor

Maltese

1888

Modern Breed

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