The Maltese Duke Is Ready to Receive His Guests. He Has Just One Request.
Snow-white fur, a dark velvet coat, and an air of quiet confidence: the duke is ready to receive his guests. This Maltese sits upright against a deep, shadowy background, his long silky ears falling in soft white locks on either side of a sweet face. Dark, glossy eyes and a button nose give him a gentle but dignified expression. He wears a midnight-blue velvet coat fastened by a neat column of polished gold buttons, its collar and cuffs embroidered with golden leaves and finished with a small lace jabot.
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, with a history stretching back thousands of years in the Mediterranean, where these little dogs were prized as companions by aristocrats and merchants. Maltese are affectionate, playful, and generally happiest when they're close to their people. Their long white coat has no undercoat and sheds very little, but it tangles easily, so daily brushing or a shorter puppy cut is usually needed. Tear staining around the eyes is common and can be managed with gentle daily cleaning. Like many small breeds, Maltese benefit from regular dental care, and they can be delicate, so they should be handled gently, especially around young children.
A duke this polished deserves a velvet cushion and a silver bowl. Fortunately, he seems more than willing to accept both.
