Q 01/05

The modern Maltese is placed in which kennel-club group?

A) Herding

B) Toy

C) Terrier

D) Non-sporting

Answer · why

B) Toy

The AKC ranks it 37th of 210 breeds in popularity and calls it 'Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta'.

Q 02/05

The Maltese is genetically related to which trio of breeds?

A) Yorkie, Silky and Australian Terrier

B) Pug, Pekingese and Shih Tzu

C) Bichon, Bolognese and Havanese

D) Chihuahua, Papillon and Pomeranian

Answer · why

C) Bichon, Bolognese and Havanese

They probably share a common ancestor from a severe bottleneck when a handful of petite varieties were selected for mating around two centuries ago.

Q 03/05

Which slight variation is permitted on the Maltese's otherwise pure white coat?

A) A grey saddle

B) Tan eyebrows

C) Black ear tips

D) A pale ivory tinge

Answer · why

D) A pale ivory tinge

Light brown spotting is also tolerated, and like other white dogs the breed may show tear-stains.

Q 04/05

How much does an adult Maltese usually weigh?

A) 3–4 kg

B) 9–10 kg

C) 7–8 kg

D) 5–6 kg

Answer · why

A) 3–4 kg

That is about 7–9 lb; the AKC standard asks for dogs under 7 lb.

Q 05/05

What does the Maltese notably not do, which makes it popular with allergy sufferers?

A) Sweat

B) Drool

C) Shed

D) Bark

Answer · why

C) Shed

The single silky coat has no undercoat, which is why it drops so little hair.