MALTESE
APPEARANCE
The Maltese is a small, very elegant and lovely looking dog, with a sweet expression and a dignified stance. Their coat is long and silky and lacks an undercoat. The coat color is pure white. These small dogs are only around 4-6 pounds in weight, and around 8 inches in height.
PERSONALITY
For all their diminutive size, Maltese seem to be without fear. In fact, many Maltese seem indifferent to creatures and objects larger than themselves but can also be quite aggressive for their small size. They love time with owners. They are extremely lively and playful, and even as a Maltese ages, his or her energy level and playful demeanor remains fairly constant and does not diminish much.
TRAINING
This breed will need training the day they are brought into the home. Their intelligence, alertness, and high learning rate helps to make training easier - although they can be very difficult to housebreak. Training must never be harsh in nature. It must be done with gentle love, consistency, reward, and patience. They are adept at learning tricks. The Maltese does not need extensive obedience training, as they are naturally obedient to their Master.
EXERCISE
The Maltese will benefit from regular walks and some outdoor fun as this dog is playful, as long as it is kept away from damp areas.Maltese do not require much physical exercise, although they should be walked daily to reduce problem behavior. They enjoy running and are more inclined to play games of chase, rather than play with toys.
SOCIALIZATION
Maltese are very good with children and infants. Some Maltese can occasionally be snappy with smaller children and should be supervised when playing, although socializing them at a young age will reduce this habit. They will usually be polite and friendly around strangers, but many will not get along with other pets, and may stand up to much larger dogs.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Maltese is very active within a house, and, preferring enclosed spaces, does very well with small yards. For this reason the breed also does well with apartments and townhouses, and is a prized pet of urban dwellers.
GROOMING
Maltese have no undercoat, and have little to no shedding if cared for properly. Regular grooming is required, to prevent the coats of non-shedding dogs from matting. Eyes should be cleaned daily to prevent the risk of tear-staining. Tear stain can be readily removed if a fine-toothed metal comb, moistened with lukewarm water, is carefully drawn through the snout hair just below the eyes. To reduce the risk of infection you should ensure that his ears are clean and dry. When properly groomed the Maltese is a low shedder, and can therefore prove suitable for those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Maltese is around 12-15 years, and there are a number of health problems associated with this breed. The Maltese is prone to slipped kneecaps, eye problems, and skin allergies.
HISTORY
The Maltese originates from Malta, and enjoys a long history. Once a favorite with nobility and the wealth, the breed was introduced to America in 1877. The Maltese was registered with the AKC in 1888.
