Originally from the Mediterranean area, these little dogs, with long, silky white hair, seem to float, rather than walk across a room. Believed to have gained their popularity with European royalty after the Crusades, the Maltese were kept as companions and sometimes bed warmers!
There is nothing cuter than a Maltese puppy! They look like tiny chubby snow creatures. With their fluffy white hair and coal-black eyes and nose, they resemble polar bear cubs. As they mature, the fuzz is replaced by long, straight locks of white hair that glide gracefully across the ground. They resemble their nickname, “barking mops.”
Interestingly, if your Maltese puppy’s nose changes from jet black to light brown or even pink, it is a sign that he might be lacking sufficient exposure to sunlight. A few walks, yard games, or even car rides can turn that nose black again. In some Maltese females, it is also a sign that they are in heat.
With an average weight of 5 to 12 pounds, their ideal weight is 4 to 7 pounds, Maltese are in the Toy group.
Lacking an undercoat to protect them from cold, wet and sun, you need to be vigilant that your Maltese puppy does not get too cold or sunburned. It’s a good idea to have a sweater available for those cold, wet days.
Stay away from flea markets and pet stores. The Maltese is one of the most popular dogs used by terrible puppy mills and sloppy backyard breeders. Find a responsible and trustworthy breeder. It may cost a few dollars more, but it will be worth it.
Maltese are also a huge part of the new designer breed market. They have been crossed with several other small breeds creating Hava-Malts (Havanese/Maltese), Malti-Poos (Maltese/Poodle), Malti-Shihs (Maltese/Shih Tzu), and the list goes on and on.
This intrepid little dog has some strange behavior and health problems. They are known to sneeze backwards, producing a squawking sound, especially when excited. They are also inherently predisposed to respiratory, skin, gastrointestinal, and eye problems, as well as dental disorders. It is suggested to provide plenty of hard biscuits and safe chew items to help prevent or minimize dental problems. They are prone to slipped suffocation and patella dislocation.
Its half-life is 15 years.
Watery eyes are another common issue with the Maltese. It causes unsightly spots around the eyes. Because of this, around the eyes should be gently cleaned every one to two days. Keeping your hair short around your eyes so as not to irritate them sometimes helps.
Unless your Maltese is kept in an endearing “puppy cut,” they require a great deal of regular, sometimes even daily, grooming. Expect to spend a lot of time or money to maintain that flawless look that makes them so special. They are not averse to getting dirty, so they will get plenty of baths. It is best to accustom them when they are still young.
Some Maltese puppies have low blood sugar levels and may have seizures. It’s a good idea to have Nutra Cal, honey, Karo, or maple syrup on hand. A little bit on the tip of a finger, placed under the tongue, could save their lives. Most outgrow this affliction by the time they are a year old.
The terms that best describe a Maltese’s temperament and personality are: sassy, playful, affectionate, affectionate, buffoonish, loyal, full of energy, loud, self-assured, confident, intelligent, gentle and alert. They also make great little watchdogs! They are fearless and have no idea of their size.
Like many small dogs, they are known to be difficult to housetrain, with persistent barking and separation anxiety, the main reasons they are abandoned or turned over to shelters and rescues.
Fair, firm, and consistent leadership from their owners, as well as early obedience training and socialization help reduce some of their negative behaviors. Prime candidates for small dog syndrome may take over if they feel a lack of leadership on your part. The Maltese responds surprisingly quickly to positive reinforcement and non-punishment training methods. They love to learn, as long as you turn “playing school” into a game.
If he is not trained to walk properly on a leash when he is still a puppy, it is suggested to use a harness instead of a collar to prevent the trachea from collapsing.
The Maltese are not addicted to television! This sturdy little breed requires plenty of exercise and brisk walks to keep them from developing inappropriate and destructive behaviors. The upside to spending time exercising and walking them is that once that edge is removed, they’re eager to cuddle up with you on the couch.
In general, they are the most tame of the small breeds. Naturally playful, they generally do well with children, if they are socialized and desensitized while still young. They are a perfect companion dog for the elderly. Increasingly Maltese are found in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers as they make fantastic therapy dogs.
Bottom line: Do your homework! Learn as much as you can about this remarkable little dog, before you give him your heart. Check shelters and rescues as quite a few turn themselves in, some due to nothing more than permanent hospitalization or the death of their owner. If you think a Maltese is the perfect dog for you, who knows, your new best friend may be patiently waiting for you.