Maltese

The Maltese is a gentle yet rather lively little dog that is sweet-natured and really does love to be around people and be very sociable.

These small dogs are known not to be the fastest learners, but are however very affectionate and devoted to their owners and will want to please them.

Maltese Facts

Exercise Requirements:      

Good with Children:             

Easy to Train:                        

Good Watchdog:                    

Low Shedding:                       

Good with Other Pets:         

Vital Statistics

Size: 20-25 cm (8-10 in)

Weight: 2-3 kg (4.5-6.5 lb)

Coat: Straight and long with a silky texture

Colour: White

Lifespan: 14 years

Special Characteristics

These dogs love to play and love being around people. The Maltese is described as being lively, alert, sweet-tempered and affectionate.

Exercise Requirements

They have medium exercise requirements and do enjoy a good exercise and play. Two good walks each day will keep this little dog happy and content.

Attitude Towards:

Owners: Are devoted to their owners and will show you lots and lots of affection.

Children: Usually good around children, should be no problems here.

Other Pets: Are known to be very good around other small pets including cats.

Strangers: Are friendly towards strangers and will want to play with them.

Other Unfamiliar Dogs: Are friendly towards unknown dogs.

What to Watch Out For

The hair on the head of the Maltese needs to be tied up or cut to keep it out of their eyes so that they can see where they are going.

Their fur will need daily grooming to prevent mats from forming and could also bring mud and dirt into the house from outside after walks.

Health Risks

Quite a few health risks to take note of; patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, hypoglycaemia, deafness and dental problems.

Ideal Owner

The perfect owner will be gentle and affectionate and have plenty of time available for the dogs daily grooming requirements and play.

Maltese Dogs are charming family pets, equally enjoying indoor and outdoor activities with their family. Belonging to the toy group dogs, Malteses are compact, but hardy. They are vigorous little dogs, who preserve a puppy’s attitude and zest even when they grow older.
The Maltese’s coat is single, which means that it has no undercoat. Curly or wavy coat is undesirable in Malteses. The hair should be approximately 8 inches long. The Maltese’s body is relatively long with a level top line. According to the standard, the Maltese should weigh from 4 to 6 pounds. The Maltese stands 10 inches in height.

Dark and round eyes have a playful and alert expression. Ears are drop and rather low-set. The muzzle is of medium length, and the head is in proportion to the body.

Malteses – Puppies – Raising a Puppy

Malteses should be sold only when they reach the age of 12 weeks. By this time, all necessary shots should have been done and the veterinary checkup should have stated that the Maltese puppy is absolutely healthy.
At the very first stage of puppy ownership, you may experience some problems understanding your puppy’s behavior (the puppy introduced to its new home will be anxious and challenging). At a later point, you will discover that you are finding pleasure in raising a pup.

You will need to buy a crate, a leash and collar, food and water bowls to teach your Maltese some golden rules of doggy behavior. It is a mistake to introduce your own understanding of the puppy’s diet, if the pup got used to some definite kind of diet at the breeder’s home. Consulting your breeder and keeping in line with his recommendations at this point is essential.

The Maltese puppy will need toys to play with. If you are not inclined to sacrifice one or two pairs of shoes to your puppy’s desire to chew, buy some chewies, which Malteses of all ages adore.

Malteses – Puppies – Tips on How to Choose a Pup

Picture courtesy of Maltese World

Malteses are so cute and even as adult dogs, they tend to have the appearance and temperament of puppies. Before you finally choose a puppy, it is advisable to do research into the breed under your consideration. Consider not only the needs and preferences of your family. Learn about the breed’s needs and predisposition.

Malteses are family-oriented dogs, who will fit well into your cozy apartment, provided it is not a very busy place. A small Maltese runs a risk of being hurt or stepped on by careless guests or hyperactive children.

You ought to learn about Maltese’s health risks and avoid buying a puppy from irresponsible breeders.

A Maltese puppy you are looking for is active and curious. It mustn’t be nippy or show aggression or shyness towards people and things. When choosing a pup, closely examine its eyes, ears and nose. If the puppy looks sick, it is a sign that it will have some health problems in future.

Ask your breeder to show you the puppy’s pedigree and all records of shots done. The papers do not guarantee that the Maltese is perfectly healthy, but it is half the way to a purebred Maltese ownership. When you buy a puppy from a responsible breeder, you get his support and advice. It is needless to say how valuable this help may be for you, when you bring a tiny fluffy pup to your home and have to make decisions on how to feed, groom, train, housebreak, care for and get along with Malteses.

Malteses – Puppies – Breeders Links

Malteses – Puppies – Breeders Links – US

Picture courtesy of Mitzimist

C & W Kennels – Specializes in Miniature Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, and Poodles.

Chalet de Maltese – Breeders of champions with show pictures and kennel information. WV.

Edgewood Kennels – Experienced breeders in PA.

Gumwood Kennel – Breeder has pictures of dogs. Contact details. Located in TX.

Kathryn’s Bella-Dolce Malteses – Breeders located in AZ. Shipping available.

Majesty Malteses – Breeders of Maltese dogs located in Colorado.

Maltese-Yorkie Breeders Page – Breeder offers advice on grooming, supplies, products, and the breed standards. MI.

Milove Malteses – Breeder has show pictures. Boarding and grooming. SC.

Moonlight Kennels – Moonlight Kennels has been raising AKC-registered puppies since 1981. MO.

Mystique Malteses – Kennel history, litter announcements, and pictures. VA.

Picture courtesy of Maltese World

My Hearts Desire – Maltese breeder has pictures, pedigrees, links. TX.

Pashes Malteses – Includes data about the breeders and their show history, photos of current champions, available puppies, and standards. Texas.

Pin Oak Kennels – Breed standard, tips on care, and pictures of puppies, Located in MO.

Rhapsody Maltese and Professional Handling – A well-known breeder in Texas. Handling tips, new litter announcements, and available rescue dogs.

Sonshine Acres – Breeder with pictures. NE.

Talin Malteses – Breeder in Florida. Read about breeding program, background, and view some pictures.

The Dogfather Maltese – Breeder in New York. Pictures of puppies, boys and girls.

Val’s Maltese – Breeder of Maltese dogs and Bichon Frises. Has puppies occasionally.

Wee-R-Yorkies & Maltese – Breeder of AKC Yorkshire Terrier & Maltese. South California.

Wesglyn Malteses – Breeders and exhibitors of champion show dogs for over 30 years. FL.

Malteses – Puppies – Breeders Links – International

Picture courtesy of Maltese World

Blueberry Hills – Breeders of Maltese dogs in Korea.

Cani Maltesi – Kennel located in Italy offers pedigree Maltese puppies.

Charming Dogs Malteser – German breeders offer home-raised Maltese puppies. Picture galleries.

De Perro Cortes – Breeders in Belgium with trimming information and pictures of their dogs. Contains English version.

Elevage du Bontemps – Kennel located in France.

Evander Malteses – Breeders located in Poland.

Malteser und Chihuahua Breeder – Breeders in Germany. History, and pictures.

Mini-Torpets Kennel – Swedish breeders offer kennel history, pictures, and links.

Tamslee Malteses – This kennel is the culmination of a 27 year career of showing and breeding quality dogs in Australia.

Malteses – Puppies – Description

Picture courtesy of Enigmatic Vittoria

Maltese Dogs are charming family pets, equally enjoying indoor and outdoor activities with their family. Belonging to the toy group dogs, Malteses are compact, but hardy. They are vigorous little dogs, who preserve a puppy’s attitude and zest even when they grow older.

The Maltese’s coat is single, which means that it has no undercoat. Curly or wavy coat is undesirable in Malteses. The hair should be approximately 8 inches long. The Maltese’s body is relatively long with a level top line. According to the standard, the Maltese should weigh from 4 to 6 pounds. The Maltese stands 10 inches in height.

Dark and round eyes have a playful and alert expression. Ears are drop and rather low-set. The muzzle is of medium length, and the head is in proportion to the body.

Malteses – Puppies – Raising a Puppy

Malteses should be sold only when they reach the age of 12 weeks. By this time, all necessary shots should have been done and the veterinary checkup should have stated that the Maltese puppy is absolutely healthy.

At the very first stage of puppy ownership, you may experience some problems understanding your puppy’s behavior (the puppy introduced to its new home will be anxious and challenging). At a later point, you will discover that you are finding pleasure in raising a pup.

You will need to buy a crate, a leash and collar, food and water bowls to teach your Maltese some golden rules of doggy behavior. It is a mistake to introduce your own understanding of the puppy’s diet, if the pup got used to some definite kind of diet at the breeder’s home. Consulting your breeder and keeping in line with his recommendations at this point is essential.

The Maltese puppy will need toys to play with. If you are not inclined to sacrifice one or two pairs of shoes to your puppy’s desire to chew, buy some chewies, which Malteses of all ages adore.

Malteses – Puppies – History of the Breed

Malteses are as ancient as the history itself. Being one of the oldest European breeds, Malteses have always been popular. The Romans admired this breed. Later, when Malteses were brought to England, they became favorite upper-class women’s companions.

Nowadays, the Maltese Dog is prevalent in the US, Western Europe and its popularity is still growing. Darwin claimed that the origin of this dog breed lies as early as 6000 B.C. Only within the past century, the Maltese Dog got the name by which it is widely known nowadays. A number of names applied to the Maltese in the past include the Maltese Terrier, the Spaniel Gentle, the Shock Dog, Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta, the Maltese Lion Dog and many others.

Malteses were recognized by the AKC in 1888. In the 1900s, the Maltese Dog ranked among 15 most popular breeds.

Malteses – Puppies – Health Issues

Malteses are hardy little dogs. Due to their white long silky coat, Maltese Dogs are known to experience discomfort in very hot or chilly weather. Maltese owners should be careful about the dog’s time in the sun, as the Maltese can easily get sun burnt.

Among diseases common in Malteses are hydrocephalus (water on the brain), and White Shacker syndrome. Both diseases have neurological origin, and affected dogs should not be used for breeding. Malteses may experience some tooth problems. In order to prevent them, begin brushing your Maltese’s teeth while it is still a puppy. It is easier to get a pup accustomed to this necessary routine, because the pup is open to everything new. If you use treats and play with your pup, he will certainly associate this procedure with some fun time.

A veterinary exam is essential to keep Malteses healthy and happy at all ages.

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