Straight-Haired Bichon
Breed Description

The Straight-Haired Bichon is known by several names across different regions and languages, reflecting its ancient Mediterranean heritage and widespread popularity. The name Maltese is the most commonly recognized designation in English-speaking countries. In Italy, the breed has historically been called Melitaie Dog or Cane di Malta. French references include Bichon Maltais, while in Germany the breed is sometimes referred to as Malteser.

Historical documents have used variations such as the Ancient Maltese Dog, Roman Ladies' Dog, and Comforter Dog, the latter referring to its role as a companion and lap warmer in centuries past. The breed has also been called Maltese Lion Dog due to its flowing coat and regal bearing. Regional affectionate nicknames include Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta and Maltese Terrier, though the breed has no terrier ancestry. These diverse names reflect the breed's long history as a treasured companion across Mediterranean cultures and European nobility.

The Straight-Haired Bichon is an elegant toy breed distinguished by its flowing, silky white coat that cascades to the ground. This small dog presents a refined, aristocratic appearance with a compact yet balanced body structure. The breed displays a gentle expression created by large, dark, round eyes that convey intelligence and alertness. The black nose and eye rims provide striking contrast against the pure white coat.

The head is slightly rounded with a moderate stop and a tapered muzzle. Ears are set low and hang close to the head, heavily feathered with long hair that blends into the neck coat. The body is compact with a level topline and good spring of rib. The tail is plumed and carried gracefully over the back. Despite their diminutive size, these dogs move with a smooth, flowing gait that demonstrates both elegance and confidence. Their overall appearance suggests centuries of breeding for companionship and beauty.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

General Appearance: The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair. He is gentle-mannered and affectionate, eager and sprightly in action, and despite his size, possessed of the vigor needed for the satisfactory companion.

Size, Proportion, Substance: Weight under 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 pounds preferred. Overall quality is to be favored over size. Proportion: The body is compact, the height from the withers to the ground equaling the length from the withers to the root of the tail. Shoulder to rear point of buttocks slightly longer. Substance: Notwithstanding the size, the Maltese seems to be without fear and possesses considerable spirit.

Head: Of medium length and in proportion to the size of the dog. The skull is slightly rounded on top, with well-developed stop. Drop ears rather low set and heavily feathered. Eyes very dark and round, not too far apart, with black eye rims. Nose is black. Muzzle of medium length, fine and tapered but not snipy. Teeth meet in an even, edge-to-edge bite, or in a scissors bite.

Coat: Single coated, with hair that is long and silky in texture, hanging long over the sides of the body almost to the ground. The long head hair may be tied up in a topknot or left hanging. Any suggestion of kinkiness, curliness, or woolly texture is objectionable. Color is pure white. Light tan or lemon on the ears is permissible but not desirable.

Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Classification: FCI Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 1 (Bichons and related breeds). Without working trial. The Maltese is an ancient breed that has long been a companion dog prized for beauty and disposition.

Overall Appearance: Small sized dog with elongated trunk, covered with very long white hair, very elegant and with a proud and distinguished head carriage. Behavior/Temperament: Lively, affectionate, very docile and very intelligent. Important Proportions: The length of the body exceeds by about 38 percent the height at the withers. The length of the head is equal to 6/11 of the height at the withers.

Head: Cranial Region - Skull: The length of the skull is slightly more than half the length of the head. The bizygomatic width is greater than its length. Facial Region - Nose: In the prolongation of the nasal bridge, seen in profile the front face is vertical. The nose is voluminous with open nostrils, rounded and absolutely black. Eyes: Lively, alert expression, larger than one would expect, with a rounded aperture, the eyelids adhere perfectly to the eyeball which must not be deep-set but rather level with the skull, slightly protruding. The eyes are ochre-dark in colour with black eye rims.

Coat: Dense, shiny, glossy, of heavy texture, very long on the whole body and straight throughout its length without any trace of wave or curl. On the trunk the coat must be longer than the height at the withers and fall heavily to the ground like a cloak adhering to the trunk without opening, forming flocks or tufts. Colour: Pure white, a pale ivory tinge is tolerated.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

General Appearance: The Maltese is a small, hardy dog with a compact, square body, covered all over with long, flat, silky, white hair hanging almost to the ground. The expression is gentle yet alert. He is a vigorous dog, with a jaunty, smooth, flowing gait. The well-bred Maltese does not have a coarse, snipey or foreign appearance.

Characteristics: The Maltese is an ancient companion breed. They are affectionate, intelligent dogs that respond well to reward-based training. They are alert and will bark at strangers. Despite their small size, they are relatively hardy and vigorous. Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and fearless in manner. Size and Weight: The Maltese should be from 7 to 9 inches at the withers. Weight is from 4 to 6 pounds for mature dogs. Faults: Over 9 inches or under 7 inches at the withers.

Coat: Single-coated, the coat hangs long, flat, and silky over the sides of the body almost, if not quite, to the ground. The long head-hair may be tied up in a topknot or left hanging. Any suggestion of kinkiness, curliness, or woolly texture is objectionable. Colour: Pure white. Light tan or lemon on the ears is permissible, but not desirable.

Other Organizations

The Maltese is recognized by all major kennel organizations worldwide including The Kennel Club (UK), Canadian Kennel Club, Australian National Kennel Council, and New Zealand Kennel Club. Standards across these organizations maintain consistent emphasis on the breed's elegant white coat, compact size, gentle expression, and lively temperament. The Continental Kennel Club and smaller registries also maintain breed standards closely aligned with FCI guidelines.

All standards emphasize the importance of the pure white, long, silky coat as a hallmark of the breed, along with the characteristic gentle yet spirited temperament. Size specifications remain remarkably consistent across organizations, maintaining the Maltese as one of the smallest recognized breeds. Minor variations exist in acceptable markings and precise measurements, but all standards prioritize overall type, soundness, and the breed's historic role as an aristocratic companion.

The Straight-Haired Bichon ranks among the world's most ancient toy breeds, with documentation of similar small white dogs dating back over 2,800 years. Archaeological evidence from ancient Egypt includes artifacts depicting small white companion dogs that may represent early ancestors of the breed. Greek pottery and decorative items from the 5th century BCE show small dogs closely resembling today's Maltese, suggesting the breed's presence throughout the Mediterranean basin during classical antiquity.

The exact origin remains debated among historians, though most evidence points to the central Mediterranean region. Ancient writers including Aristotle referenced small dogs called Melitaei, though whether this referred to the island of Malta or the Adriatic island of Mljet remains unclear. Pliny the Elder mentioned these dogs in his Natural History, and Strabo wrote of their exportation from the island of Malta. Roman culture particularly valued these dogs as status symbols among the patrician class, where they served as lap dogs and companions to wealthy women.

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the breed maintained its association with European nobility and aristocracy. Italian and Spanish nobility particularly favored these dogs, and they appear frequently in Renaissance paintings alongside noble ladies. Artists such as Titian, Goya, and Rubens included them in formal portraits, cementing their status as symbols of wealth and refinement. The breed spread throughout Europe via trade routes and diplomatic exchanges, becoming established in France, Spain, and Britain by the 16th century.

The breed faced near extinction during the 17th and 18th centuries when fashion shifted toward larger breeds and selective breeding practices declined. British fanciers took particular interest in preserving and refining the breed during the Victorian era, establishing more consistent type through careful breeding programs. The breed gained recognition with the establishment of formal kennel clubs in the late 1800s. The Maltese was among the earliest breeds exhibited at British dog shows and was one of the first toy breeds registered with the American Kennel Club following its founding.

By the early 20th century, dedicated breeders had stabilized the breed type, emphasizing the characteristic flowing white coat and gentle temperament that define the modern Maltese. World War I and II disrupted breeding programs across Europe, but the breed survived through the efforts of dedicated fanciers, particularly in Britain and North America. Post-war breeding programs successfully rebuilt breed populations while maintaining genetic diversity and breed type. The latter half of the 20th century saw the breed gain tremendous popularity as an urban companion dog, well-suited to apartment living while maintaining its historic role as an affectionate, devoted companion. Today the breed remains a popular choice worldwide, prized for its beauty, adaptability, and loving nature.

The Straight-Haired Bichon was bred exclusively as a companion dog throughout its long history, distinguishing it from working breeds developed for specific tasks. From ancient times through the present day, this breed has fulfilled the singular purpose of providing devoted companionship to humans. Roman ladies of the patrician class kept these dogs as lap warmers and constant companions, establishing a pattern that would continue for millennia. The breed's small size, gentle nature, and stunning appearance made them ideal companions for the wealthy and noble classes throughout European history.

During medieval and Renaissance periods, these dogs served not only as companions but as status symbols among European aristocracy. Nobles used them to display wealth and refinement, with the breed appearing regularly in formal portraits alongside their owners. Beyond symbolism, they provided emotional comfort and companionship during an era when close animal-human bonds were less common among working breeds. Their presence in palaces and manor houses throughout Europe demonstrated their value as devoted household companions rather than outdoor working animals.

In modern times, the Straight-Haired Bichon continues to excel in its historic role as a companion animal, particularly suited to urban and apartment living where space constraints prevent keeping larger breeds. Their small size, moderate exercise requirements, and adaptable nature make them ideal for various living situations including apartments, condominiums, and small homes. They thrive in environments where they receive ample human interaction and attention, as their temperament remains strongly oriented toward human companionship.

The breed has also found success as a therapy dog in recent decades, with their gentle disposition, manageable size, and hypoallergenic coat making them particularly suitable for visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Their affectionate nature and intuitive responsiveness to human emotions allow them to provide comfort to individuals experiencing stress, illness, or emotional difficulties. While not originally bred for this purpose, their natural temperament traits align perfectly with therapeutic work. Today's Straight-Haired Bichon remains true to its ancient purpose, continuing to serve as a devoted companion while adapting to modern roles in therapy and emotional support.

The Straight-Haired Bichon exhibits a personality characterized by affection, intelligence, and a spirited yet gentle demeanor. These dogs form intensely strong bonds with their owners and thrive on human companionship, often following family members throughout the home and seeking physical closeness. Their devotion manifests as a desire to be involved in all family activities, and they can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. This breed requires owners who can provide substantial time and attention to meet their emotional needs.

Intelligence ranks as a defining characteristic, with these dogs demonstrating quick learning abilities and strong problem-solving skills. They respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training methods and can master a wide variety of commands and tricks. However, their intelligence can manifest as stubbornness or manipulative behavior if training lacks consistency. Early socialization and training help channel their intelligence positively, preventing the development of undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking or demanding attention inappropriately.

Despite their small stature, Straight-Haired Bichons display surprising confidence and fearlessness. They approach life with spirit and vigor, often seeming unaware of their diminutive size. This boldness can lead them to challenge much larger dogs if not properly socialized, making early positive exposure to various dogs, people, and situations essential. They possess a moderate to high energy level that requires daily mental stimulation and physical activity, though their exercise needs remain manageable compared to larger, more athletic breeds.

The breed demonstrates natural alertness and serves as an effective watchdog, barking to announce visitors or unusual sounds. While not aggressive, they take their guardian role seriously and will vocalize to alert their family to potential concerns. This tendency toward vocalization requires early training to prevent excessive barking from becoming problematic. With strangers, they typically display initial caution before warming up, especially when properly socialized. Their playful nature emerges through interactive games and activities, and they particularly enjoy activities that engage them mentally while providing physical outlets for their energy. Overall, the Straight-Haired Bichon combines devotion, intelligence, and liveliness in a small but spirited companion.

The Straight-Haired Bichon integrates exceptionally well into various family structures, thriving in households that can provide ample attention and interaction. They form deep attachments to all family members rather than bonding exclusively with one person, though they may show preferences for individuals who spend the most time caring for them. Their affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for seniors, singles, and couples, particularly those seeking a devoted companion who remains physically manageable due to small size.

Regarding children, these dogs generally do well with older, respectful children who understand how to interact gently with a fragile toy breed. Their delicate build makes them vulnerable to injury from rough handling, dropping, or overly enthusiastic play typical of young children. Families with toddlers or very young children should carefully supervise all interactions and consider whether a sturdier breed might better suit their household. When raised with respectful children, these dogs often form wonderful bonds and participate happily in family activities, demonstrating patience and playfulness appropriate to their size.

The breed typically coexists peacefully with other household pets when properly introduced and socialized. They often enjoy the company of other dogs, particularly other small breeds with similar energy levels and play styles. Some individuals may attempt to dominate larger dogs due to their bold nature, requiring supervision during initial interactions until relationships stabilize. With cats and other small pets, early introduction and proper socialization usually result in harmonious relationships, though supervision remains important given the breed's playful energy and chasing instincts.

Living situation flexibility stands as one of the breed's strongest attributes. They adapt beautifully to apartment living, requiring only moderate daily exercise through short walks and indoor play. Their small size and relatively quiet nature when properly trained make them suitable for close-quarter living, though their watchdog tendencies mean they will alert to noises and activities. They do not require yards but benefit from secure outdoor spaces when available. Climate considerations include sensitivity to extreme heat and cold due to their single coat and small body mass, necessitating protection in harsh weather. Above all, they require indoor living with their family, as their temperament and physical characteristics make them unsuited to outdoor or kennel living. The ideal home provides a stable, loving environment where the dog receives consistent attention, gentle handling, and integration into daily family life.

The Straight-Haired Bichon generally enjoys good health with a life expectancy ranging from 12 to 15 years, though some individuals live considerably longer with proper care. Responsible breeding practices, regular veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, and dental hygiene contribute significantly to longevity and quality of life. Prospective owners should work with breeders who conduct health testing on breeding stock and provide health certifications for parents.

Like all purebred dogs, this breed has predisposition to certain health conditions that potential owners should understand. Dental disease represents one of the most common issues, as small breeds often develop periodontal problems due to tooth crowding and retained baby teeth. Daily tooth brushing and regular professional dental cleanings help prevent serious dental disease. Owners should monitor for signs of dental problems including bad breath, difficulty eating, or pawing at the mouth.

Maintaining appropriate body condition proves essential, as obesity places additional stress on their small frames and can exacerbate joint problems. These dogs have relatively modest caloric requirements, and owners must resist the temptation to overfeed or provide excessive treats. Regular exercise, portion control, and high-quality nutrition support optimal health throughout their lifespan. Regular veterinary checkups allow early detection of health issues, and staying current with vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine screenings supports long-term wellness.

If you're looking to adopt a Maltese, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting. "Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Maltese waiting for their forever homes.