Maltese

Appearance: Tiny toy dog (under 7 lbs). Show-stopping, floor-length, straight, silky white coat. Compact body beneath mantle, moves with smooth, effortless gait. Free-flowing elegance/balance. Irresistible face: big dark eyes, black gumdrop nose. 'Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta'.

Traits & Characteristics: Sitting in lap of luxury since ancient times. Playful, charming, adaptable toy companions. Aristocratic bearing, but hardy/adaptable. Alert watchdogs (fearless in toy-dog way). Game little athletes (agility). Low-shedding, long-lived, happy to make friends. Can be stubborn/willful; respond well to rewards-based training.

Origins: Malta (ancient breed of Mediterranean).