Maltese dogs are known as aristocratic dogs owing to their unique personas that only seem to emanate a sense of luxury.
Though originally from Malta, it hardly took time for these white charmers to spread their charismata across the globe.
Maltese dogs have an inherent attribute of sophistication that makes them a perfect match as companions for affluent women.
Apart from being upper-class families’ first choice for a pet, they are widely known to be one of the gentlest breeds.
Their shoe-button eyes are hard to resist and their lifelong puppy-like attitude makes everyone garner a soft corner for them.
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Personality of Maltese
Though Maltese information can vary from dog to dog, they have some common attributes found in most Maltese dogs.
They are generally known for their gentle mannerism. However, they can be pretty lively and vigorous when around their owners.
They love to spend quality time with their loved ones, which makes them good pets for a family.
They are very people-oriented and usually very obedient to their owners. Their compliance and amenability make them very easy to train.
Though hereditary plays a massive role in their temperament, Maltese dogs can adapt to an ideal character with socialization and proper training.
Nevertheless, it is to be noted that Maltese dogs are not friendly with children. They tend to snap at children when they get irritable.
Therefore, it is risky for families with children to adopt a Maltese dog without training them.
Maltese puppies with good temperaments are jolly and fun-loving, and they like to be cuddled and held by people.
Maltese dogs require early socialization during their puppy days.
Interaction with people and exposure to the outer world make them well-rounded dogs. For instance, frequent walks to the park or signing them up for puppy kindergarten class will aid socialization.
Excessive exposure to public places and other dogs can be risky, especially if not adequately vaccinated.
So, there should be a balanced exposure. Maltese characteristics can be evaluated and analyzed if owners meet the dog’s family members before adopting.
All in all, Maltese dogs are affectionate and very playful. They love to be around people, and they are often known to suffer from separation anxiety.
Characteristics of Maltese
Maltese information always starts with their impeccable, straight sheet of hair, making them the showstopper in the dog world.
Initially, they were available in different colors; however, they only come in white shade now.
Their long, silky, white straight hair is usually floor-length, which signifies their true beauty.
With cute shoe-button eyes, short legs, and a black nose, they sure know how to warm hearts.
Maltese dogs are a dog breed of companion dogs.
Their breed group is also known as a toy dog breed. They are generally around 7-8 inches tall at the shoulder, varying from 4-7 pounds.
Any Maltese puppy weighing less than 4 pounds bears red flags as they are usually prone to genetic disorders.
Their standard longevity ranges from 12 to 15 years.
This dog breed is also known to have a high intelligence level. Maltese dogs have good
reasoning power, making them comparatively easy to train as they respond accordingly.
They are also known to have high adaptability levels, and therefore, there is hardly any hassle attached to them.
As mentioned earlier, Maltese dogs are a perfect match for a single couple or a small family living in an apartment as they are apartment friendly.
Apartments are a better choice for Maltese dogs as they are small and delicate. Small apartments reduce the risk of getting injured.
Health tips of Maltese
Maltese dogs are healthy and lively dogs like most breeds.
However, there are some health conditions that they are prone to. Breeders usually screen their dogs for heart anomalies like PDA (Patent ductus arteriosus).
Patella tests and cardiac exams are highly recommended for Maltese dogs.
They often struggle with congenital liver issues such as liver shunt and microvascular dysplasia; therefore, Maltese puppies should be bile acid tested to be safe.
In recent times, Maltese dogs have been developing encephalitis, which is not possible to detect with a screen test.
Hence, anyone interested in adopting Maltese dogs should consult with the breeder about its family, which may help find any vulnerability towards hereditary diseases.
Apart from the ones mentioned above, a few more diseases pose a significant threat to Maltese dogs.
For instance, White Dog Shaker Syndrome is a disorder that essentially attacks white dogs and causes severe tremors across the entire body. Sometimes,
Maltese dogs also suffer from blindness caused by a degenerative eye disorder called Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Maltese dogs are also very prone to collapsed trachea, which causes the trachea to collapse, and breathing through the lungs becomes difficult.
Common symptoms of collapsed trachea include chronic, dry cough.
Grooming Tips for Maltese
Maltese dogs have a low tendency to shed. Their stunning white sheet of full length remains primarily intact due to low shedding.
They do not have an undercoat like most dog breeds do. When it comes to their coating, the downside is that it gets dirty and matted easily.
So, it needs to be washed and brushed regularly. Generally, Maltese dogs are high-maintenance dogs, so owners must spend considerable time grooming their dogs.
If Maltese dogs have long hair, it tends to get tangled easily.
By using detangler spray, owners can smoothen out any tangled hair. As mats are pretty hard to deal with, brushing them out gently without much force is recommended.
A regular check-up at the veterinarian is a must. Their ears must be checked weekly for ear infections.
They also tend to grow hair inside their ears which must be removed.
A vet or groomer can help keep the hair out of the ears. It is important to trim their nails regularly.
They are a delicate breed; they often scratch their faces and skin. Trimming dog toenails is quite risky as they have blood vessels in their nails.
This course of action must be carried out with utmost cautiousness. One wrong move and there could be a lot of bleeding that may discourage the dogs from trimming their nails next time.
Another vital part of grooming them is to make sure to brush their teeth daily. Apart from
preventing gum diseases, brushing their teeth daily can also help to eliminate bacteria and tartar buildup.
Exercise & Training tips for Maltese
Maltese dogs are happy and lively dogs that do not require hardcore exercise.
They are light, soft, and delicate, so they are unlikely to require vigorous exercise.
Regular walking at the park or just running around the backyard is plenty of exercise for them to stay fit.
Since they are companion dogs, physical activity is not part of their regimens.
They are regarded as house dogs, and they usually cannot handle extreme hot or cold weather.
Their preference for staying indoors makes them the best pets for people living in apartments.
As they are an intelligent breed, training them is hassle-free.
They respond to commands and orders and know how to get away with their wants from people.
In dog sports like obedience and agility, they excel. They are sometimes headstrong, but they usually respond well when positive training methods are used.
Though small in size, they are very energetic and athletic, making them a fun companion dog.
Nutritional tips for Maltese
One of the most common Maltese characteristics is that they tend to be high-maintenance dogs.
Whether it’s grooming their glamourous floor-touching coating or feeding them, all of it must be done carefully and cautiously.
Maltese dogs require the best quality of food. Consultation with a veterinarian would guide owners to the appropriate diet for their pets.
There are no strict regulations that must be followed; any standard diet is suitable for them. What needs to be checked regularly is whether all nutrition required is present in the right amounts.
There is a likely chance they may lean towards obesity if calorie consumption is out of control.
For instance, treats during training must not be too much, or the dog may become overweight.
Dividing their foods into two proportions for a day is recommended instead of feeding in small proportions throughout the day.
It is also essential to understand which human foods are safe to consume. The vet can always help with questions regarding the dog’s nutritional requirements or weight.
Some Maltese dogs have sensitive digestive systems, so proper care must be taken of what goes into their diet.
Conclusion
This dog breed is truly one of a kind. Maltese dogs have been maintaining their popularity since when the Greeks dedicated pottery to Maltese dogs out of deep affection for them in ancient times.
So, from their elegant appearance to their loyal companionship, Maltese dogs genuinely make the best pets.
Often Maltese dogs are adopted without the knowledge of how to own one properly.
By following proper guidelines, owners can ensure a long and healthy life for their pets.
There are numerous Maltese dogs in search of a home. With the help of rescue groups, dog lovers can provide the perfect home these Maltese dogs are in search of. One can never go wrong with choosing one of these white beauties as their pet.
