Pet Health And Care >> Dog Breed >> Maltese

Maltese Info:

The Maltese dog is a breed of “toy dog” that has been around for centuries.

The exact origins of the dog are unknown, but it has been mentioned in writings by the Greeks, the Romans, and the British over the centuries. Although sometimes classified as a gun dog, it has rarely been used as a working dog, and is popularity has been primarily as a companion or even as a status symbol. Today, apart from being in demand as a family pet, the Maltese is also very popular as a show dog.

The Maltese’s most distinctive characteristic is its impressive coat – long and silky, its fur grows up to a length of around 8 inches.

The tail, ears, and muzzle also have long fur, although not as long as the rest of the body. Many owners prefer to cut the fur a lot shorter, often in a cut known as a “puppy cut”, for the sake of both hygiene and convenience. Maltese fur is typically white or ivory, and the dogs have no undercoat. These dogs are no more than 10 inches tall, and weigh just about four kilograms.

Maltese puppies are extremely tiny, as you may well imagine.

Maltese dogs are affectionate and playful, and make for wonderful companions. They have been bred primarily for companionship, and therefore love to be around people. These dogs love to be petted and played with, and will often demand attention. It is important to define some rules in this regard, or else the dog may start to become overly demanding. Maltese usually have a pleasant disposition by nature, but if not properly socialized, not trained, and not given a proper place in the pack structure, they can become dominant, aggressive, and snappy. Due to their cuddly appearance and personality, owners often tend to pamper them, eventually resulting in behavioral problems. Keeping them occupied with toys, games, and exciting training activities is also necessary to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. As long as these issues are prevented, a Maltese should be no trouble at all. These dogs can manage quite well in apartments, although they do need a certain amount of exercise daily. They also do not shed much, making them ideal for people with allergies. However, grooming is very important for the health of their fur and skin. The fur should be gently combed and brushed, and the eyes and ears should be kept clean always. Maltese dogs tend to be a bit delicate and are prone to skin infections, digestive problems, and are sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Submitted on November 19, 2009