What Do Maltese Dogs and Puppies Look Like?

While few realize it, the toy Maltese dog is actually a member of the Spaniel family. Weighing a mere 4-6 pounds as a healthy adult, he is the ideal size for an adorable lap dog and is well-known for his affectionate nature and eager personality.

Covered from head to toe in an abundance of long, white silky hair, the toy Maltese has long held a place in the hearts of celebrities and non-celebrities alike. While he is often jokingly called a dust mop, most find the long coat of the Maltese beautiful to look upon, and their faces being nothing short of angelic. In addition to his being coveted as an adorable lap dog, the little dog of Malta is commonly said to be one of the hypo-allergenic breeds, ideal for those who cannot tolerate most shedding members of the canine world. The Maltese is considered a non-shedding breed and, due to the likeness of his coat to human hair, the Maltese’s “fur” is always referred to as “hair.”