The other half of me is Maltese, which I get from my mother. Breeders typically breed female Maltese with male Yorkies, since they are generally a little larger, and can carry a litter of puppies more easily.
History
One of the oldest known pet dogs, the Maltese are generally associated with the Isle of Malta, a tiny island off the coast of Italy. It was primarily bred as a hunting dog, which has miniature spaniel and poodle blood. The original Maltese were much larger than they are today. A dog with a long history, the Maltese were first seen in the U.S. in the late 1800's as a show dog, and through time, have evolved to be the loyal pets they are today.
Appearance
The first Maltese in the U.S. were pure white with black ears. They can vary in color, but Maltese are typically pure white with a silky white coat that needs to be groomed daily. They can also vary in size. However, the average adult Maltese weighs in around four to eight pounds. It has a cute little face with a tapered snout, floppy ears, round dark eyes and a black nose.
Personality
A gentle breed, the Maltese can be very outgoing and energetic. They can also be very curious, and a little yippy at times. However, this is an intelligent, quick learning breed that can be easy to train if done properly with positive reinforcement.
