Height: 8 to 10 inches at shoulder
Weight: No more than 7 pounds
Coat: long and silky
Life span: 12 to 15 years
Breed Group: Companion Dogs

Gentle and fearless, the Maltese greets everyone as a friend. His glamorous white coat gives him a look of haughty nobility, but looks can be deceiving. This is a sprightly, vigorous dog who excels not only as a companion but also as a therapy dog and competitor in such dog sports as agility, obedience, rally, and tracking. But most of all, he loves to be with his people.