They may look friendly and loveable, but the little Maltese terrier has joined the NSW government's list of ill-tempered dogs.

The Maltese terrier was involved in 12 attacks on people across NSW in the July-September period, according to the latest Dog Attack Register.

It is the first time the dog has featured in the "top 20 attacking list" on the register launched in January.

"This is obviously a surprising outcome, but nonetheless a reminder that any dog has the potential to attack, regardless of breed," Minister for Local Government Barbara Perry said today.

Another unexpected inclusion was the state's most popular dog, the Labrador retriever, which was reportedly involved in 20 attacks from July to September.