LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Maltese: Breeds
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Although Maltese are very good with children, a Maltese puppy would not necessarily be a good choice for families with infants. The breed tends to believe that the infants are other puppies with whom to play, which can be disruptive. Once a Maltese is a bit older and more mature, it is fine around extremely small children and infants.
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The Maltese is considered to be the oldest of the European Toy breeds. Nobles, royals, and aristocracy favored them. They are very well mannered and affectionate. The Maltese displays a graceful and regal demeanor.
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The origin of the Maltese as a distinct breed has never been precisely determined. Images of Maltese have been found on Greek vases approximately 2,500 years old, and there is archeological reason to believe that Maltese may have occupied a prominent place in Egyptian culture as many as 100 years before that. Charles Darwin, who knew something about origins, concluded that the Maltese evolved sometime around 6,000 B.C.
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The Maltese exudes great joy and delight. They are highly intelligent, animated, and playful. They are very social. They are happy and content being the center of attention whether they are with their family or in the show ring. This endearing breed is bright, loving, and a deeply devoted companion.
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Annual registrations of new Maltese stood at more than 4,000 in 1970. During the next two and a half decades registrations quadrupled, and in 1996 the Maltese, with 16,902 new registrations for the year, ranked 23rd among the 143 breeds then registered by the AKC.
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The Maltese is generally a healthy breed with few inherent problems. The most significant issue for Maltese is their dental health. Maltese have notoriously bad teeth and it is not uncommon for animals to begin losing teeth at the age of 8 or 9.
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