The Maltese are among the favorite toy dog breeds for first-time pet owners for a reason. With their small size, white coat, attractive face, and warm personality, they’re the best companion. Many families would want to adopt Maltese puppies.
Besides their beauty, they have a pleasant temperament. Their loyalty, energy, and intelligence have made them popular with crossbreeders. The most popular Maltese mixes are: The Malshi (mix of Maltese and Shih Tzu), the Maltipoo (mix of Maltese and Poodle) and the Malchi (mix of Maltese and Chihuahua)
Here’s all you need to know about this small dog breed.
Maltese Dog Breed Pictures
Appearance
What Does a Maltese Look Like?
Maltese puppies stand out with their beautiful looks, making them just the best pet. You can’t miss their silky white fur, lovely dark eyes, drooping ears, black button nose, and fluffy tail. It is a ball of energy with its small, fast body.
Do Maltese shed? Despite their fluffy coat, they are among the dog breeds that don’t shed too much. They’re hypoallergenic dogs, ideal for people with allergies.
How Big Do Maltese Get?
The Maltese average weight is between 4 to 6 pounds. A full-grown puppy should weigh 7 pounds and below. Females are mostly a bit shorter than males. Their height is usually around 8 to 9 inches. Males stand about 9 to 10 inches tall. A grown dog weighing below 4 pounds is likely to be a teacup Maltese. These under-sized dogs are more likely to suffer from health conditions.
Temperament
Maltese is one of the more sociable small dog breeds. Their bubbly personality makes them a favorite of many. Tender, clever, and loving as they are, they bond well with everybody. This type of dogs also get along well with cats and other canines.
As with any other dog, precaution is necessary. Children have to be taught how to relate to the animals. Ensure constant supervision, especially when you have young children dealing with puppies.
Living Needs
Playful as they are, these dogs will do just fine with little exercise. A small apartment is good enough. A Maltese owner needs to prioritize spending time with the dog.
While Maltese dog breed doesn’t mind spending some time alone, their best moments are those spent with the family. Constant barking is often a sign of loneliness or too little exercise. Check on these two, and the barking will reduce.
Care
How To Groom Maltese
You should brush the beautiful coat of your Maltese dog daily to prevent twisting and dirt. Their locks require regular bathing and treatment for a silky shine. To keep the fur from covering their eyes, make sure to give your pet haircuts frequently. It is very important that the whole family learns how to take care of a Maltese puppy. The care routine should include teeth brushing and ear cleaning.
How To Get Rid Of Tear Stains On Maltese
Tear stains leave brown marks on the hair surrounding the eyes of the white Maltese. Clean and dry their hair regularly. This will make the stains less visible. Sometimes, tear stains mean your pup may suffer from other health issues. Visit your vet to confirm everything is fine.
How To Train A Maltese
Maltese breed are clever dogs who can quickly get their owners to do as they wish. Although they can be stubborn, they are also gifted and fast. If you’re looking for a competitive dog for sports, this is a good match. When training your doggo, you’ll need to repeat the instructions over and over again.
Health
How Long Do Maltese Live
The average Maltese lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. Their long life makes them an ideal family companion.
How Much Exercise Does A Maltese Need
Even as lively as they are, working out every once in a while is enough for them. Running around at home or going on daily walks will keep them healthy and happy.
Maltese Health Issues
Maltese are normally quite healthy. There’s a chance of teeth issues, though, as is the case with many small dogs. Let your vet guide you on how to take care of a Maltese puppy. Cleaning often will ensure their teeth stay in good shape.
Bone conditions could also be a problem. Some diseases affect the hips of Malteses younger than a year. You should also watch out for knee problems that weaken the knee cup, finally making it slip. The vet should advise you on measures to keep your pup healthy.
When buying a Maltese, check if the breeders meet all the health requirements. If you opt for adoption, ensure that the rescue provides you will the relevant health details.
Feeding
How Much To Feed Maltese Puppy
Generally, a puppy should consume two meals a day. A quarter to a half cup of good dry food is enough. Fill the bowl only at mealtime. Stick to the feeding schedule to avoid too much weight gain. The hands-on test should tell you if your pooch is too fat. The correct amount of food for adult dogs varies. It depends on age, size, level of activity, and metabolism. An active Maltese definitely eats more than a calm one.
What To Feed Maltese Puppy
Go for the best quality Maltese food that is available. Selecting the best dog food ensures that your puppy gets all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
History
Where are Maltese dogs from? Well, their name is actually drawn from Malta, where they first lived. These are islands located south of Sicily. Romans and Greeks who lived here held this small dog in such high regard that it became a status symbol.
This dog breed has been a privileged dog from a long time ago. Even Aristotle described it as ‘perfect in its small size.’ People even engraved them onto ceramics. However, they almost got extinct when Maltese breeders cross-bred them with toy Chinese dog breeds.
The AKC recognized the Maltese in 1888. Since then, the breed has become a common guest in American homes and dog shows. In the 1877 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the breed was named the lion dog. this dog breed have won the toy group many times, although they’re yet to attain the top position of best in show.
Fun Facts About Maltese Dogs
- How much is a Maltese? Despite being tiny, the normal dog price is quite high – between $600 and $2,000.
- Maltese may be obedient, but they’re not easy to train. Crate training is your best bet.
- If you have small kids, a Maltese puppy may not be your best option, as they’re tiny and sensitive.
- A normal Maltese pregnancy produces 2-5 puppies. Once in a while, you can have one puppy or six or more puppies.