If you are looking for a
small, cute dog that also makes a great friend and
companion, the Maltese may be just the pet for you.
Considered a toy dog, the Maltese is known by its
long, white hair that has a silk-like quality. The
coat hangs softly down each side of the dog from a
center part, making for a very photogenic
appearance. The breed originated in the
Mediterranean near Italy and the island of Malta,
becoming quite popular in the United States.
Keep in mind that apart from the beauty of the
breed, the Maltese is a gentle and affectionate pet
as well, eager to please its owner. People who bring
a Maltese into their homes find that this breed is
lively and playful and, despite its size, seems not
to be afraid in most situations.
Temperament
This little dog is sometimes described as “jaunty”
when it moves because of its lively and energetic
gait. The Maltese is one of the gentlest of breeds
as well, though your pet will probably not be timid.
In fact, some owners report that their Maltese is
generally without fear in spite of its size.
Sometimes, the Maltese can have trouble tolerating
children or other dogs while being thrilled to be
around older people in the family. Therefore, early
socialization is essential.
They will do well in an
apartment and should be reasonably easy to train.
They are quite intelligent and enjoy learning,
especially if the tasks are in the form of a game.
They will be protective and bark at people or other
animals that seem to threaten their territory.
Size and Color
Think of a small dog, considered a toy breed, and
think of long, silky white hair, and you will have a
good picture of the typical Maltese. The long coat
generally falls to each side from a center part.
They can weigh from 3 pounds to 10 pounds with
adults in the 4 to 8 pound range most common.
The color should be white, though some have a light
yellow or lemon tinge to the ears. The Maltese has
long ears that drop down and very dark eyes. One
interesting note on the appearance of this breed is
that the nose can become lighter in color, even
pink, in winter and then turn darker again with
exposure to the sun in summer.
Feeding and Grooming Requirements
The Maltese coat is considered hair, not fur, and
shedding is seldom a problem, according to many
experienced owners. In addition, those who are
allergic to dogs in general may not have problems
with the Maltese. They are one of the few breeds
considered hypoallergenic. Regular grooming and
attention is necessary to keep the long coat from
matting. However, there is no undercoat to handle.
It may be necessary to watch for tear staining
around the eyes, a common condition with this breed
but regular cleaning should take care of most of
this.
The Maltese is a very healthy breed, with few
natural health problems. However, some individual
dogs can be prone to progressive retinal atrophy, an
eye disease that can gradually worsen. Some may have
difficulty with digestion, so it may be best to
consult with your breeder and veterinarian to get
your pet on a proper diet. They may not tolerate
very rich diets or diets that are heavy in grain
content.
Exercise Needs
Though the Maltese may be subject to sunburn along
the part in its long coat and does not do well in
extreme cold, they will enjoy the occasional walk
outside. This dog is very active indoors, doing well
without a large yard. Now, the Maltese does not
handle damp conditions so make sure your pet is
always comfortable. Generally, your Maltese would
enjoy regular walks and love to play and jump about.
Most owners say that it takes very little effort to
keep this breed satisfied in the exercise department
because it is so active indoors and seem to be
constantly in motion.
