Maltese Dog Breed Quiz

Welcome to the Maltese Dog Breed Quiz! Ready to test your knowledge?

When you finish, explore photos of Maltese shared by our users and share a picture of your awesome pup. Explore the Maltese user gallery

Want to learn more? Check out our Maltese breed facts.

Add your name to see if you make the quiz leaderboard (optional).

Question of
The Maltese originated in Malta.
- TRUE
- FALSE
Question of
In genetic research on modern dog breed development, the Maltese has shown the most common DNA with an ancestor of which of the following breeds?
- West Highlands White Terrier
- Hananese
- Toy Poodle
- Lhasa Apso
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> In landmark research on modern dog breed development, the Maltese has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds: Havanese Coton De Tuelar Bichon Frise </div>
Question of
As timed by the AKC in Fast Cat running trials, what is the average running speed of Maltese?
- 15 mph
- 9. 81 mph
- 11.8 mph
- 13 mph
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Maltese is about 15 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Maltese was by a dog named Sawyer Brown at 21.21 mph! </div>
Question of
According to the AKC, breed standard coat colors for the Maltese are white and light gray.
- TRUE
- FALSE
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> The AKC only recognizes pure white as the official coat color for the Maltese. While a very light tan or lemon shade on the ears is allowed, it's not preferred in show dogs. Colors like gray, black, or heavy patches do not meet the breed standard, so dogs with those colors cannot win in conformation shows. </div>
Question of
Where did the Maltese rank in attention-seeking behaviors out of 124 breeds, according to the C-BARQ Dog Temperament Research study?
- 10
- 20
- 31
- 46
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> In the C-BARQ study from the University of Pennsylvania—one of the largest temperament studies ever done, analyzing over 300 dog breeds and more than 60,000 individual dogs—the Maltese ranked 20th out of 124 breeds in attention-seeking behaviors. That's a high ranking! This confirms what many owners already know: Maltese dogs crave human interaction and love being the center of attention. They may be small, but they have big feelings—and they'll let you know when they want affection, playtime, or just to be near you. So if you have a Maltese, expect a little shadow that follows you everywhere and always wants to be involved! </div>
Question of
Where did the Maltese rank in excitability out of 124 breeds, according to the C-BARQ Dog Temperament Research study?
- 26
- 16
- 41
- 59
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> In the same C-BARQ study from the University of Pennsylvania, the Maltese ranked very high—16th out of 124 breeds—in excitability. This means Maltese dogs get "worked up" when something stimulating happens, like the doorbell ringing, getting ready for a walk or car ride, or guests entering the house. And once they're excited, it takes them a while to calm back down. So while they're sweet little companions, they're also highly excitable—expect plenty of happy bouncing and spinning when anything fun is about to happen! </div>
Question of
According to the book, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, by Stanley Coren, where does the Maltese rank in working/obedience intelligence?
- 59
- 39
- 98
- 74
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> In the landmark book The Intelligence of Dogs, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the working and obedience intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. According to his findings, the Maltese ranks 59 out of 138 breeds—placing them squarely in the "fair working and obedience intelligence" category. In practical terms, this means they typically learn a new command after 40 to 80 repetitions and will obey a known command on the first attempt more than 30% of the time. </div>
Question of
The Maltese dog breed is classified as a Spaniel by the AKC.
- TRUE
- FALSE
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> The Maltese is a proud member of the AKC's Toy Group, but its classification wasn't always so clear. In 19th-century England, the breed was often called the "Maltese Terrier," which sparked a big debate: was it a Terrier or a Spaniel? In the end, fanciers decided it was neither—it would simply be known as the "Maltese dog," and that name stuck. </div>
Question of
The Maltese has pale and fair skin beneath their coat. They tend to sunburn easily.
- TRUE
- FALSE
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> Maltese dogs have a single, fine white coat and fair, unpigmented skin, which makes them very prone to sunburn. The most vulnerable areas are the nose bridge and nostrils, the tips and edges of the ears, the belly and groin (where fur is thinnest), and parted hair lines along the back if exposed to direct sun. So it's important to limit their time in strong sunlight and protect these areas—especially during peak sun hours. </div>
Question of
What is the single most common hereditary condition in Maltese dogs?
- Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap)
- Dental disease
- White Dog Shaker Syndrome
- Liver shunts
<div class="snax-quiz-answer-explanation"> The single most common hereditary condition in Maltese dogs is patellar luxation—a slipping kneecap. It happens when the groove the kneecap sits in is too shallow or the leg bones are misaligned, causing the kneecap to pop out of place. It has a strong genetic basis, and about half of affected dogs have it in both knees. Responsible breeders screen their dogs' knees to help reduce it. Note: Dental disease is actually the most common health issue overall in Maltese—but it's mainly caused by their tiny mouths and crowded teeth, not genetics. When looking strictly at inherited conditions, patellar luxation takes the top spot. </div>

<div class="snax-slim-midpoint-ad" aria-label="Advertisement"><div class="petrage-ad-wrap">
  <div class="petrage-ad-label">Advertisement</div>

.petrage-ad-label {
      font-size: 12px;
      color: #777;
      margin-bottom: 6px;
    }

.head_home {
      width: 320px;
      height: 100px;
    }

@media (min-width: 500px) {
      .head_home {
        width: 468px;
        height: 60px;
      }
    }

@media (min-width: 800px) {
      .head_home {
        width: 728px;
        height: 90px;
      }
    }
  </style>

Leave your vote

594 Points

Upvote

Maltese Dog Breed Quiz

The Maltese originated in Malta.

In genetic research on modern dog breed development, the Maltese has shown the most common DNA with an ancestor of which of the following breeds?

As timed by the AKC in Fast Cat running trials, what is the average running speed of Maltese?

According to the AKC, breed standard coat colors for the Maltese are white and light gray.

Where did the Maltese rank in attention-seeking behaviors out of 124 breeds, according to the C-BARQ Dog Temperament Research study?

Where did the Maltese rank in excitability out of 124 breeds, according to the C-BARQ Dog Temperament Research study?

According to the book, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, by Stanley Coren, where does the Maltese rank in working/obedience intelligence?

The Maltese dog breed is classified as a Spaniel by the AKC.

The Maltese has pale and fair skin beneath their coat. They tend to sunburn easily.

What is the single most common hereditary condition in Maltese dogs?

Leave your vote