Maltese Dog Breed Information:
A gentle and fearless dog breed, the Maltese greets everyone as a friend. Their glamorous white coat gives them a look of haughty nobility, but looks can be deceiving. Even though these are purebred dogs, you may find them in the care of shelters or rescue groups.
Maltese Dog Group: Companion Dogs.
Maltese Height: 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
Maltese Weight: Up to 7 pounds.
Maltese Life Span: 12 to 15 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Maltese are prone to chills, especially if they are damp or walking in damp areas. Although your Maltese will want to please you, he can be difficult to housetrain. Crate training is recommended. Because of their small size and delicate structure, Maltese generally aren't recommended for households with toddlers or small children.
Maltese History:
Despite his prominence in history, the exact origin of the Maltese dog is uncertain. Many believe the breed was developed in the Isle of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea from Spitz- or Spaniel-type dogs. Others believe he was developed in Italy, and still others believe that he was originally from Asia and had a part in developing many of the smaller Asian dogs. Maltese were first seen in the U.S. in the late 1800s. They were entered in the earliest Westminster Kennel Club shows in the 1870s. The number of Maltese dogs registered with the AKC grew very slowly until the 1950s.
Maltese Size:
The compact Maltese should weigh no more than 7 pounds at maturity, with 4 to 6 pounds being preferred. Males should be 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder, while females should be 8 to 9 inches tall.
Maltese Personality:
The Maltese is a natural ham with a lively personality. Because he's so people-oriented, he takes well to training and responds to positive reinforcements such as food rewards, praise, and play. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Like every dog, the Maltese needs early socialization exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young.
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Maltese Health:
Maltese are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Maltese will get any or all of these diseases:
Patellar luxation.
Portosystemic liver shunt.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Hypoglycemia.
White Dog Shaker Syndrome.
Collapsed trachea.
Reverse sneezing.
Maltese Care:
Maltese enjoy a regular walk or playing outside. They often remain playful well into old age. Because they are active indoors and don't require a great deal of exercise, it doesn't take a lot of effort to keep them in good shape. Many people paper train their Maltese so they don't have to take them outdoors when the weather is too hot or cold.
Maltese Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Maltese Coat Color And Grooming:
The stunning Maltese coat is pure white, silky, and straight, reaching all the way to the ground. Maltese don't have the undercoat typical to many breeds and don't shed much. Gently brush and comb the coat of your Maltese daily, even if he has a sporty short trim. You should check your Maltese's ears at least once a week. Trim his nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems.
Maltese with Children And Other Pets:
Most Maltesebreeders will not sell puppies to families with young children. It's just too easy for a toddler to injure a tiny Maltese by dropping him, stepping on him, or holding him too tightly. Maltese can get along with other dogs and cats if they are socialized to them at an early age.