Maltese

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Maltese originated in Malta which is one of seven islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. They were bred purely for human companionship and are great dogs for people that want a tiny pet that can be taken anywhere. They are energetic dogs that keep their happy-go-lucky personality throughout their life. This breed is extremely affectionate and love to be carried around which gives them the reputation for being spoiled!

The Maltese is a very small white dog with a long glossy coat. They usually have a trade mark bow tie holding the fur up away from their faces. Their ears are triangular and floppy but are usually covered in their long fur. The Maltese's compact body is lightweight, fragile, and will look like they are 'walking on clouds' which is to say they are dainty yet light on their feet. The Maltese's fur is around 8 inches long and completely covers their body from head to toe.

This breed is loyal, caring and smart although they have been known to be temperamental with young children. They are picky when it comes to their diet but should be kept on a strict food plan so they don't become spoiled and only eat treats or doggie junk food. They will be a great pet for families that have older children, partly due to the fact that they love attention from anybody willing to offer it, and also because they get along with other dogs and small pets very well.

Color

This breed will come in only one color, white. A light cream or ivory will be permitted but there is to be no other color patterns or markings on this dog at all or they will be disqualified from the Show ring.

Coat

The Maltese is notorious for their long white coat. It is pin straight and sweeps the floor when they walk. Curly or frizzy fur is not allowed as this dogs trademark must be perfected when being judged. They have only the outer coat which will grow to about 8 inches long.

Personality

The Maltese is a cheerful jubilant little dog that thrives on attention and love from their owners. They are animated and enjoy being the center of attention where they will take it upon themselves to do little tricks for the entertainment of their family. This breed will make a great watchdog because they have a piercingly loud bark that will alert even the neighbors! The Maltese is a stubborn breed that will need basic training and special a effort when housetraining as this can be difficult. Due to their small size and charming personality, owners might tend to let these dogs get away with more than they should, so a firm hand when setting the rules for the house is necessary. These little dogs are spunky and are more tough than they appear to be. They can be protective of their property and be a bit snappish when they feel threatened but for a dog that averages around 7 lbs, they are a force to be reckoned with! Packed with charisma and grace, the Maltese is a very popular breed today.

Care

The Maltese is a high maintenance breed of dog when it comes to their grooming needs. Daily brushing and monthly bathes/trims will be needed to keep this show dogs coat looking perfect. Some owners opt to cut their fur to a few inches in length which gives them a more ruggedly cute look. This breed is hypoallergenic which is perfect for owners that have allergies to dogs. The Maltese is prone to slipped kneecaps, eye problems, and skin allergies.

Training

This breed will need training the day they are brought into the home. They are charming little dogs that tend to get their way, but this will not help them in the long run when it comes to obedience. Although they are small, a firm method and consistency will do them good and give them a job to constantly work on. Housetraining this breed is difficult as they can be fussy if the weather outside does not suit them. Encouraging them to do their business outside even when they choose not to is the most effective way to potty train this breed.

Activity

The Maltese will need a daily walk of about half an hour per day. They are not a breed that needs extensive exercise because they tire themselves out during their routines throughout the day. This breed will be a great apartment dog because of their small size but a small backyard would be excellent so they can run around in an outside environment at home.