Maltese Dogs
Intelligent Miniature Dog Breeds

Background and Description

An aristocrat among dogs, Maltese dogs have a decidedly regal look about them and have always enjoyed being pampered companion dogs.

This breed has ancient origins and was once a great favorite of the wealthy and elite of the Roman Empire. Depictions of similar small dogs have been seen in Greek and Roman art from that time period, offering evidence of its popularity.

As a long time resident of the island of Malta, it is believed to have first arrived there with Phoenicians who came as immigrants or traders. This delightful dog is said to have been a frequent companion to sailors on long voyages, though it is hard to image how its white coat would hold up under those conditions! That being said, they are known to have a liking for jumping into puddles.

At one time the Maltese dog breed has also been known as a Maltese "Terrier" and a "Lion dog", the latter of which is still heard quite often today. The breed's development is said to include very small spaniels and poodles, and it is assigned to the Toy Dog Group of pedigreed dogs by the AKC.

The hallmark of the breed is without a doubt its attractiveness and luxurious coat of pure white hair that is silky in texture. It is not uncommon to see this sweet dog with its hair pulled up in ribbons, drawing attention to its large expressive eyes. It typically has quite a long life span - often in excess of 15 years.

Appearance:

Height: 9-10 inches
Weight: 4-6 pounds
Color: Solid white is the standard, though lemon color on the ears is acceptable.

Coat and Care:

With its beautiful long white coat, this breed does deserve a daily brushing and frequent bathing to keep it free of mats and in good condition.

If you notice any discoloration of the coat, this is often due to a licking habit which some small dogs tend to develop. You can try using a specialty dye-free shampoo designed to restore the whiteness and relieve itching.

Some owners who don't plan to show their dogs, often have the coat clipped shorter for easier maintenance. The shedding of the coat is very minimal if it is well-maintained! This feature may be a plus for allergy sufferers.

Because the Maltese dog has abundant hair around the face, eyes should be routinely inspected for any irritations, excess tearing or staining. Regular cleaning with a natural eye solution such as i-Clenz, is suggested and will help to keep them healthy.

Personality and Traits:

Extroverted with a fun attitude is one way to describe the Maltese dogs. Despite their small size, these toy dogs are not frail or delicate.

By nature, they are often described as gentle, very sweet, affectionate and born to be lap dogs! Although they enjoy being coddled and pampered, they are still quite active and playful little dogs.

As for training, the Maltese dog breed is very intelligent and likes to please his owner. They can be easily trained if you lather on the praise and make it fun.

Another plus that owners enjoy, is that this breed is very clean by nature and doesn't like to soil his space. House training can be a little more challenging because they are a bit more fussy about the weather, so you may have to compromise occasionally by using training pads.

Activity Level:

Exercise needs are moderate because the Maltese dogs are very playful and pretty active indoors most of the time. In the interest of good health, a regular short walk is still recommended for the mental stimulation and physical benefits.

Space Needs:

Space is not an issue for this sweet little dog. He will adjust to almost any living conditions providing he can run about and gets lots of attention.

Children:

Maltese dogs do better in a family with no small children, though he will do well with young adults who are gentle and considerate around pets. Just his small size alone would put him in jeopardy around little tots and he has been known to run and hide from them to avoid confrontations.

Elderly:

The Maltese dog breed makes a really nice companion for the elderly or more sedentary family. He can get along without a lot of exercise because he keeps himself pretty busy around the house. That being said, someone should be available to make sure he gets out even if only for brief walks.

Fun Stuff for Small dogs:

• Small Dog Clothes
• Small Dog Carriers
• Dog Jewelry
• Dog Hats

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