Even some of the smallest countries in the world have created their very own dog breeds. And the Republic of Malta is no exception. This Southern European island nation located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea has developed two unique breeds to call its very own. So here are the Maltese Dog breeds and what you’ll want to know about them.
Maltese Dog
One of the two dog breeds from Malta is the Maltese dog. This is a toy breed with a silky, white coat and a charming personality. It was introduced to the Republic of Malta, which in the past was a popular location for trade. The Maltese dog was a favorite among aristocrats of the Roman Empire. The breed even became a symbol of loyalty and was depicted in art and poetry throughout the history of the Roman Empire.
Despite their status as noble dogs, as well as their penchant for being pampered by their owners, Maltese dogs today are surprisingly athletic, and they also make good watchdogs. Yet while they will alert you to danger they aren’t actually big enough to protect you from it, even if they think they can.
This is an affectionate breed that can be stubborn and difficult to train at times, but it’s hard not to fall in love with their charming face and big, sensitive eyes. These are healthy dogs that can typically be expected to live a long time. They are well-suited to life in the city or in an apartment, and while they are energetic, because of their size they don’t need as much exercise as larger breeds.
Pharaoh Hound
Funnily enough, the two Maltese dog breeds look like almost exact opposites. While the Maltese is compact and adorable, the Pharaoh Hound is a graceful dog that looks like a deer. This medium-sized dog has a slim, athletic body, a long muzzle, and adorably pointed ears. Pharaoh Hounds are unique to other dogs because, when they are excited, their face blushes.
In fact, this even earned them the nickname “Blushing Dog” many long years ago. The Pharaoh Hound was introduced to Malta through Phoenician traders, and these fast dogs were used to hunt rabbits over rocky terrain. In 1979, they were so popular in Malta that they were even named the national hound of the island country.
While Pharaoh Hounds are fierce athletes and dedicated hunters, they are also loyal and affectionate family dogs that enjoy curling up on the couch and receiving all sorts of attention. However, they do require a lot of exercise, so you should only consider adopting this Maltese dog breed if you know you can keep up with its high energy levels! A large, fenced-in yard is also helpful if you want to bring a Pharaoh Hound into your home.
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