The Maltese breed of dogs make delightful companions, with a reputation for being gentle yet bold. They are "toy" dogs and thus will be happy companions who will sit by your side, hour after hour, while you read a book or watch television. Your Maltese will live well into its teens and you can expect it to be its same playful and mischievous self for most of those years. While they make good pets, Maltese are not suitable for all households. Think carefully before acquiring any dog, but also be aware of the specific needs of the Maltese breed, particularly its grooming needs.