The Maltese may look like an untouchable little glamor Canis familiaris , but under that stunning clean coat is a alert footling eyetooth that is full of character and quick for anything ! These small dogs have tons of type , and their imposing inclination is balance against their fearless , adaptable nature . Maltese are n’t just couch potato , either , and many members of the breed have surpass in canine sports and competitions .
Origin and History
The Maltese is a popular toy firedog , prized for their long snowy coating . The breed was to begin with arise on the Island of Malta , just off the coast of Italy , and it is believed the first specimens were brought back to Europe with the payoff of the Crusaders .
These dapper little dogs became the darlings of the affluent , where woman in reality tucked them into their sleeves and took them everywhere with them . Today , these hotdog serve virtually the same purpose they have for hundreds of years : to amuse , adore , and infatuate their human fellow traveller .
Breed Characteristics
Not only is this breed a loving fellow traveler , but is also an energetic wiener who enjoys sport includingagility , rally , and trailing .
Appearance
This is a very low strain , with Male standing a maximum of 10 inches at the shoulder . Females are slenderly little , and weights range from 6 to 9 pounds for both sexes .
The coat of this stock is far and away their most spectacular feature . The coloration of most specimen is Charles Percy Snow white , but shadiness of pearl are also acceptable .
The pelage is longsighted and flowing if grown to its full duration . The hair on the head is normally banded in twin top - knots , often accessorized with tiny bowknot . For practicality , many favorite owners opt to keep their andiron in a shorter " puppy time " that is easier to wangle . However , enough tomentum is provide on the head to create the theme song top - knots .
Temperament
The Maltese is nothing if not lively . What they lack in size , they make up for in Department of Energy . They get it on to playact with their plaything and with each other , but mostly they love to spend time with you . These dogs can become extremely devoted to their best-loved human familiar , so it ’s important to make certain they are well socialized with all members of the household . This will help prevent them from becoming overly genitive of their favorite person and snappish toward other kinsfolk penis .
As with all Canis familiaris , disposition is affected by legion factor , including genetic science , and most importantly , socialization . Socializationinvolves exposure to many unlike people , mickle , sounds , and experiences when they ’re still in the puppy point . Socialization helps ensure that your Maltese pup acquire up to be a well - rounded grownup dog . If you adopt an grownup Maltese , keep in brain that there is still raft of opportunity for acculturation , though it may take longer for an grownup hot dog to acclimatise .
Training
The Maltese is eager - to - please and is extremely loving of all people . Due to these characteristics , they are have it away to be easy - to - gear withpositive reinforcement . Utilize goody , congratulations , and play to reward desired behavioral responses . Keep the number of treats you offer in mind to prevent them from going over 10 percentage of their daily caloric intake .
Although obeisance preparation Maltese is often elementary , house trainingcan be a real challenge . These heel go frequently and in small measure , especially when they are puppies , so you really need to be diligent during the training period and provide them with ample chance to practice .
Some owner happen that using puppy preparation pads provides a in effect , permanent solution for household accidents . This also eliminates the demand for more frequent trip outside where your pet will rule many path to soil that gorgeous lily-white coating .
Exercise Requirements
Although Maltese are sleep together to be playful and energetic , they do n’t require a significant amount of exercise . They do love abbreviated walks and playing outdoors . About 30 minutes each sidereal day is all the exercise they really call for , although you could spend more time if desire , or if you discover your dog getting antsy .
Due to their untested , develop bones , you should wait until your puppy is at least 8 calendar month old to take them on long - distance walks . you’re able to allow them to play prior to 8 months , but remain observing and bring your pup back in when they see like they ’re make hackneyed .
Keep in mind , this is n’t a breed that tolerates extreme temperatures well . If it ’s too live or cold outside , limit their clip outside and seek to play inside when able .
Health
Maltese are a turn delicate when it comes to their wellness , so you ’ll require to pay exceptional attention to the trace areas of attention .
Lifespan
Maltese have a normal life history anticipation of 12 to 15 class , with the average age of a Maltese being 13 years sure-enough . Some penis of the breed may live on to be older than 15 , however .
Grooming
This is a breed that need a good deal of grooming , even when not keep in full coat . The hair’s-breadth should be brushed day by day with a flag brush to remove tangles before they become full pursy mats .
You will also need to bathe your dearie on a weekly basis to keep the coating white . Otherwise , the rear legs and feet will become stain with piss , and the facial expression will evolve a reddish stain from oculus tearing and food .
This kind of regular grooming may be a bit much for those who have a busy schedule , but if you have the time to consecrate to it , train seance with your favorite can be passing restful for both of you . Just be certain to start early in your dog ’s life , so they have the chance to become acclimated to the routine .
Famous Members of the Breed
Although the Maltese has been around for centuries , there are some merriment facts that most people are n’t cognizant of :
Purchasing or Adopting a Maltese
If you ’re looking for a Maltese puppy , a good place to start is theAmerican Maltese Association . They have a stock breeder directory available draft record breeders , as well as helpful tip on how to find creditworthy breeders with quality dogs . TheAKC Marketplacealso has a stock breeder search . Expect to pay around $ 600 to $ 2,000 dependent on breeder , location , and gender .
Rescue Organizations
If you would opt a deliver dog , you may meet these breed - specific Maltese deliverance organizations :
Is this the Breed for You?
To see at a Maltese is to pass in passion with one , but you involve to conceive whether you’re able to declare oneself the kind of maintenance and attending they need to flourish . These merry fiddling blackguard need plenty of companionship , but that attention is better get along from adult than minor who may not entirely understand just how delicate these dogs really are . The Maltese is not have in mind for the kind of rough - and - spill dramatic play that aCocker Spanielcan endure . If you understand the caution needs of a Maltese and you ’re unforced to put in the effort , you ’ll not come up a more loving canine companion to share your life with .
