They were bred as companion dogs.
They were bred to be lap dogs
Breeders are careful not to over breed their Maltese, because when they are over bred they grow up to have severe health problems. Someone who breeds Maltese has to know quite a lot about them and usually only breeds Maltese. Breeders of Maltese also usually don't sell their dogs to brokers (pet stores), so pet boutiques don't always have them. Maltese are bred, but they aren't the most commonly bred dog you will find--some more commonly bred dogs are yorkies and mini poodles.
It's best to cross with a breed that is similar in size and stature to the Maltese. For example, a toy or miniature poodle could be cross bred and would look cute.
Maltese First Division - women - was created in 1995.
A teacup Maltese is a smaller Maltese. The term "teacup" is a marketing tool referring to really small, and often unhealthy, dogs. "Teacup" puppies are often badly-bred puppies, with no concerns to their health or temperament - they are only bred to produce the smallest-sized puppies possible. No responsible breeder will breed or even sell a very small or unhealthy puppy.
The F1, F2, and F3 designation on a dog breed designates the breeding. A Pure Bred Poodle and a Pure Bred Maltese makes a F1 MaltiPoo. When a MaltiPoo and MaltiPoo are bred, it gets a F2 designation.
They were first bred for hunting otters
They were first bred for hunting.
They were first bred to herd sheep.
they were first bred as hunting dogs
They were first bred as hunting dog
they were first bred as companion dogs.