Maltese was probably the world’s first lap dog. It developed on the Mediterranean island of Malta nearly 3,000 years ago. Ladies in Greek and Roman noble families were fond of these dogs. They carried them in the sleeves of their robes and waited on the dogs as though they were babies. The Maltese grew to be one of the gentlest of all toy dogs. It usually weighs from 4 to 6 pounds (1.8 to 2.7 kilograms). Its black eyes have dark rims that make the eyes look large. Its white coat falls from a part down its back, and may grow so long it trails on the ground.
