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Maltese - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)

A Maltese is a breed, or type, of dog. It is known for its long, silky white hair. The dog is named for the island of Malta, but people all over the world have raised the breed for centuries.

Maltese - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

The Maltese is a breed of toy dog known for its snowy white, luxuriantly long and silky coat, which owners often festoon with tiny bows or ribbons; ears are long, heavily feathered, and often groomed in such a way as to blend with the rest of the coat; tail is plumed over the rump; eyes are large, round, and very dark black; adult stands 5 in. (13 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 4-6 lbs (2-3 kg); sometimes also called Bichon Maltiase; though they have a reputation for being glamorous show dogs, they are also sturdy and vigorously playful; probably originated thousands of years ago along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and may have been introduced to the island of Malta by the invading Phoenicians in about 1000 BC; thereafter developed as companions, especially favored by upper-class ladies who carried them in their coat sleeves and on their laps during carriage rides,

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