Possibly the oldest European toy breed, the Maltese has been documented for over 2,800 years — favored by ancient Greeks and Romans, painted in Renaissance portraits, and beloved by Queen Elizabeth I. Weighing 3–4 kg with a long, pure-white silky coat that floats around them like a halo, they are gentle, affectionate, and hypoallergenic. Long-lived (12–15 years), apartment-perfect, and great for allergy-prone owners. Daily brushing (or a regular pet trim) is mandatory; tear staining is a daily cleanup task.
