The Maltese dog is a member of the toy dog breed. The name of the breed comes from the Mediterranean island nation of Malta. Some researches; however, have found name references to the Adriatic island of Mljet and the Sicilian town of Melita. If you are considering adoption, your veterinarian Raleigh, NC can help you learn more about this breed in detail. In general, the Maltese has a silky, long and straight coat. They are most often a pure white color with a pale ivory tinge to the ear area. Some may have curly hair. The Maltese generally weighs between 3 to 10 pounds though the breed standard is set between 5 and 8 pounds. They are typically between 7 and 12 inches tall. The Maltese is recommended for people with allergies as they do not shed. It is said the Maltese is bred to be a “cuddly companion dog.”