This was once called the Maltese Terrier. It does not shed its hair and develops a long luxurios coat. This creates a matting problem especially when the puppy coat changes to adult hair when it is 8 months of age. Daily grooming is compulsory. The breed is very good with children. It was probably brought by Phoenician traders to Malta 2000 yrs ago, but the present days Maltese has miniature Spaniels and Miniature Poodles in its blood. It weighs 2-3 kgs and is about 20-25 cms tall.