Once known as “Ye ancient dogge of Malta”, the gentle and elegant little Maltese has been gracing the laps of aristocrats for 28 centuries. They have retained their tiny size throughout their long history as a breed, never having been bred down in size as have some other toy breeds. They continue to delight today with their affectionate and lively personalities, portable size, and long, white, silky coat. Even with their genteel and diminutive size, they tend to be quite fearless and energetic and make excellent family pets. Their iconic tresses, if kept long, require daily brushing and frequent grooming to maintain their beauty and keep them mat free.
Each AKC approved purebred breed has its own national club. The mission of these “parent breed clubs” is to improve and preserve a particular breed by advancing knowledge about its history, its health and care requirements and by assuring that the breed’s form and function remain true to its historical physical type and character: A Dalmatian, for instance, should be athletic and have a natural affinity for working with horses. A Fox Terrier should have the right body size and shape, and a drive to go after vermin.
Pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and others with a special love for a breed, join the parent breed club to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to support the club’s mission.
The national parent breed club is the first place for the public to go to learn about a breed or find a knowledgeable, experienced breeder.
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
