| Maltese | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Maltese groomed with overcoat | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Origin | Italy[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Maltese dog refers both to an ancient variety of dwarf, white-coated dog breed from Italy[1] and generally associated also with the island of Malta, and to a modern breed of similar dogs in the toy group, genetically related to the Bichon, Bolognese, and Havanese breeds.[2] The precise link, if any, between the modern and ancient breeds is not known. Nicholas Cutillo suggested that Maltese dogs might descend from spitz-type canines, and that the ancient variety probably was similar to the latter Pomeranian breeds with their short snout, pricked ears, and bulbous heads.[3][4] These two varieties, according to Stanley Coren, were perhaps the first dogs employed as human companions.[5]
The modern variety traditionally has a silky, pure-white coat, hanging ears and a tail that curves over its back, and weighs up to 3–4 kg (7–9 lb).[1] The Maltese does not shed.[6] The Maltese is kept for companionship, ornament, or competitive exhibition.
- ^ a b c d e f AISBL 2015.
- ^ Gorman 2021.
- ^ Cutillo 1986, pp. 190, 199.
- ^ MacKinnon & Belanger 2006, p. 43.
- ^ Coren 2006, p. 167.
- ^ Alderton 2010, p. 59.