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12 Amazing Fun Facts About Maltese Dogs You Probably Didn't Know!

illustration of maltese
Dive into the charming world of the Maltese, where size doesn't matter, but a whole lot of fluffy fun awaits!

1. Energizer Bunny Lifespan

Who says tiny packages can't have lasting effects? Maltese dogs are like the Energizer Bunny of the canine world, with more life in them than one might expect from such petite furballs: These small wonders boast an impressive lifespan of 15 to 17 years, ensuring a long-lasting, loving companionship that defies their dainty appearance.
Source => pethelpful.com

2. Size-veillance Pups

Who says size doesn't matter? Maltese pups give another meaning to "size-veillance" as they play weighty tricks on unsuspecting pet parents: Although typically reaching their adult weight of 4 to 6 pounds by 9 months, the starting weight of these tiny furballs doesn't determine their final adorable heft, proving bigger isn't always better, just quite unpredictable!
Source => raisedrightpets.com

3. Ultimate White Cotton-Candy Dogs

Whoever said "good things come in small packages" must have had a Maltese dog in mind, for these tiny fluffballs pack quite a grooming punch, making a silent case against cotton-mimicry with their coats: Maltese dogs are renowned for their silky, pure white fur, which demands regular brushing and grooming sessions to maintain their signature plush-like appearance, and despite their petite size (weighing only 4 to 7 pounds and standing under 10 inches tall), these pups' black button eyes and nose ensure their status as one of the most iconic white dog breeds.
Source => thesprucepets.com

4. Fluffy Roman Status Symbol

Forget Caesar and his shaggy dog stories, the Maltese breed was the ultimate status symbol for Roman aristocrats, and even Emperor Claudius couldn't resist their fluff: This ancient breed, among the oldest in the world, could have been introduced to Malta by the Phoenicians, who ruled the Mediterranean before Greece's fame. As surprising as it seems for a lapdog, these tiny but mighty canines are fearless watchdogs too, embracing their inner 'Napoleon complex' like pros.
Source => akc.org

Oscar-Winning Separation Anxiety

5. Oscar-Winning Separation Anxiety

If a Maltese dog won an Oscar for Best Drama, it would deliver one tearful, heartfelt acceptance speech: Little fluffers are not only expert cuddlers, but they also hold a master's degree in emotions, especially when it comes to separation anxiety. The serious reveal: Maltese dogs are exceptionally loving and gentle, making them excellent family pets, but they can suffer from separation anxiety and require sufficient attention and stimulation to prevent disruptive behavior.
Source => thegoodypet.com

6. Pint-sized Watchdog Heroes

Who needs a bite-sized muscular superhero when you can have a pint-sized fluffy one? These petite pooches will have you rethinking the term "tiny but mighty": Maltese dogs may be small in stature, but they possess a powerful bark and exceptional watchdog abilities, using their keen senses to warn their owners of any impending danger and providing an extra layer of security at home.
Source => ilovedogscute.com

7. Hypoallergenic Heroes

Hold onto your tissues, allergy sufferers: Maltese dogs may be the hypoallergenic heroes you've been waiting for! Serious reveal: While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, Maltese canines, with their single-coat hairdo and minimal dander, are less likely to send sensitive folks into a sneezing frenzy compared to other breeds.
Source => rockykanaka.com

8. Canine Royalty

Whoever said diamonds are a girl's best friend clearly never met a Maltese: these classy canines have been turning heads and melting hearts among royalty since the days of ancient Rome. Fancying themselves as the ultimate fashion accessory, Roman noblewomen would don their very own "Roman Ladies' Dog" aka the Maltese to complete their ensemble, while even Emperor Claudius couldn't resist their charm. Jumping to 1798, Napoleon, that cunning canine connoisseur, cherry-picked the finest Maltese on the island of Malta as a gift for his one and only Josephine. No wonder these little living luxuries have been thriving for over three millennia!
Source => akc.org

9. Allergy-Friendly Hairdo

If the phrase "hair today, gone tomorrow" makes you sneeze instead of laugh, then put a Malteser -- we mean Maltese -- at the top of your "must-have" dog list: These tiny bundles of joy are hypoallergenic due to their single-layer hair that lacks an undercoat, grows straight, and sheds minimally, making them perfect for allergy-sufferers seeking a low-dander canine companion.
Source => hypoallergenicdog.net

Workout-loving Chatterboxes

10. Workout-loving Chatterboxes

Don't be fooled by their pint-sized packaging, Maltese dogs boast a workout regimen that would put your lazy Netflix binges to shame: These tiny furballs need not one, but two walks a day to ensure their happiness, and stopping their overly chatty barking habits.
Source => enduraflap.com

11. 80's Rockstar Topknots

Taking hair-spiration from 80's rock bands, Maltese pups truly know how to turn heads with their daring and fabulous topknots - they're just tangled up in blue (or any other color) and fur: In reality, Maltese owners creatively style their pups' hair in various ways, using hair gel or tiny barrettes to keep it out of their eyes, with the topknot being one fashionable option to showcase their canine's unique personality.
Source => spoiledmaltese.com

12. Enchanting Eye Halos

Say halo to my little friend: Maltese dogs sometimes have a distinct "halo" surrounding their eyes, a desirable trait in show dogs that consists of solid black eye rims highlighting their large, dark peepers – although, not all Maltese have the enchanting rings since it depends on the strength of their black points.
Source => petmaltese.com

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