Iris

The Maltese, with their long hair and dark round eyes, have a unique appearance. A sociable breed they often befriend other pets and will warm up to strangers given enough time and interaction Full-grown, they typically weigh 4-7 pounds and stand 7-9 inches tall.

Malteses are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. The Maltese, with their loving personalities and playful attitudes, are great around older children. They are definitely companion dogs who also get along well with other pets. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

The Maltese does not require an abundance of activity , but they do love to play chase and enjoy occasional walks. So strap up your tennis shoes and provide plenty of catch-toys for this toy breed! Overall, their exercise needs are low.

Maltese have a distinctive long, white, silky coat with no undercoat. Some may have cream or lemon-colored ears. They do require daily brushing to remove dead hair and require periodic dental care since they do sometimes have problems with their teeth. Grooming-wise, this breed is fairly high-maintenance. Malteses are considered hypoallergenic, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers.

Malteses are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. This breed can adapt to a rural lifestyle but does best as an indoor dog. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.