Maltese Dog

The Maltese have been given various names over his long history, including "Melitae Dog," "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta," "Roman Ladies Dog," "The Comforter," "Spaniel Gentle," "Bichon," "Maltese Lion Dog," "Maltese Small Dogs," and "Maltese Terrier." He is now just known as the Maltese.

This beautiful toy dog breed is known for its silky white fur that covers its entire body. The coat is straight and thick, and it falls all the way to the floor. Maltese used to come in a variety of colours, but these days they are invariably white. When a Maltese moves, he appears to float beneath his cloud of white hair. The Maltese shed little because he lacks an undercoat, and many people consider the breed to be hypoallergenic.

This white Maltese dog is more than just a pretty face. A slightly rounded cranium, black nose, drop ears, dark, attentive eyes, small, straight legs, and a beautiful tail finish out the picture. He's a sweet, clever dog who loves his family. And, as one of the smallest toy breeds, he's ideal for apartment or condo living. Wherever he resides, the Maltese responds to his surroundings and serves as an effective watchdog.

Despite their delicate and noble appearance, Maltese can be rather energetic. If they are rewarded for their efforts, they learn quickly. Maltese demand a lot of human care and suffer from separation anxiety because they have a long history as companion dogs. They can bark and become destructive if left alone for long periods of time each day.

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History

The Maltese may be traced back over 28 centuries and is an ancient breed of the Mediterranean island of Malta. This dog breed was referenced by the philosopher Aristotle and can be found in ancient Greek pottery. Over the years, it has been recognised to be a valued friend of royalty. The Maltese, unlike many other little breeds, was not bred down from bigger sizes; it has always been a small dog. The Maltese have remained a distinguished dog breed, highly regarded and in high demand. In the 1300s, this breed became popular among upper-class ladies in England. Attempts in the 17th and 18th centuries to breed even smaller Maltese resulted in tiny dogs the size of squirrels, but this attempt nearly killed them off. They were crossbred with other small dogs in order to resurrect the breed, which resulted in the birth of several kindred breeds. The Maltese was imported to the United States in the late 1800s and was formally recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1888. To this day, the breed is still relatively common.

Appearance

The Maltese are a little, elegant, and happy dog with long, soft white hair. This puppy breed is smart and compact, making it a handy little companion. The Maltese are a delightful lap dog that is well-suited to households looking for a little companion dog. With her fluffy white fur, gorgeous black-button nose, dark eyes, and bouncy demeanour, the Maltese puppy is the ultimate lap dog. Maltese Family Dogs have a tiny, athletic frame, little floppy ears, and a tufted tail that wraps over her back. By the time a Maltese reaches her full 7–9 inch height and 4–6 pound weight, her white tresses have grown silky smooth, necessitating daily brushing as well as regular baths to keep her regal appearance. Maltese dogs do not shed much. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds, such as the low-shedding Maltese, may have a milder impact on allergy sufferers than others. While owners who plan to exhibit their Maltese can preserve their dogs' long, flowing locks, most people who keep a Maltese as a friend chooses periodic haircuts and short hairdos to make maintenance easier.

Care

This little dog is perfectly content in a modest environment. The energetic Maltese enjoys going for walks and sprinting around a fenced-in yard, but she doesn't require much exercise. Rather, her most essential desire is to be close to her adoring owner. Maltese excel at agility and obedience training, particularly when combined with enough positive reinforcement. While they can accept some alone time, they prefer to spend it with their family. Barking can become an issue for the Maltese if they are left alone for an extended period of time or are not given adequate exercise. Her barking behaviours can be reduced with consistent positive reinforcement training and lots of attention.

To keep their silky locks looking their best, Maltese dogs require frequent bathing and coat conditioning. And, as with other breeds, you will need to maintain their fast-growing nails with regular trimming sessions, taking special care not to nick the quick, as many Maltese have black toenails that make seeing that bundle of nerves more difficult. Other routine maintenance, such as ear cleanings and teeth brushing, which are especially vital as your dog ages, will help keep your Maltese healthy in between doctor appointments. Tear staining is also a common, but usually, a not serious issue in Maltese, resulting in a rusty tinge to the dog's hair around the eyes.

Health

One of the Maltese's numerous advantages is their long lifetime, which averages 12–15 years. This dog is frail as a tiny toy breed; owners must take care not to let her fall or jump from heights, otherwise, she may be damaged. Maltese pups and adult dogs are typically healthy, though they, like many petite breeds, might be prone to dental problems. It's critical to consult with your veterinarian about how to care for your Maltese's pearly whites with frequent dental cleanings.

Furthermore, knee disorders such as luxated patellas can impact your Maltese, which means the kneecap weakens over time and falls out of place. Another orthopaedic risk to be aware of is Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD), which affects the hips of Maltese puppies but is rarely observed in pups older than a year old. Maltese owners should consult their vet about any health concerns they have and find out if there are any preventive measures they can take to keep their dog happy and healthy for many years to come.

Personality and Temperament

The Maltese ham has a vibrant personality and is a natural ham. He responds strongly to positive stimuli such as food prizes, praise, and play since he is so people-oriented. Maltese are fearless and believe that everyone they meet, human or animal, is a friend. They're infamous for always getting their way, even with those who have no intention of spoiling them.

A variety of factors influence temperament, including heredity, training, and socialisation. Puppies with good temperaments are interested and playful, eager to approach and be held by people. Choose the puppy in the midst of the pack, not the one who is tearing up his littermates or hiding in the corner. Always meet at least one of the parents, generally, the mother is present to confirm that they have pleasant personalities with whom you are comfortable. Meeting the parents' siblings or other relatives is also beneficial in determining what a puppy will be like when he grows up.

The Maltese, like all dogs, requires early socialisation, being exposed to a variety of people, sights, sounds, and experiences, when they are young. Socialization ensures that your Maltese puppy develops into a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in puppy kindergarten is a terrific place to start. Inviting guests over on a regular basis, as well as taking him to busy parks, stores that accept dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbours, will help him improve his social abilities.

Maltese Illnesses

Maltese are typically healthy, however, like all breeds, they are susceptible to some health issues. Not all Maltese will contract any or all of these diseases, but it is important to be aware of them.

Patellar Luxation

The patella is also known as the kneecap. The term "luxation" refers to the dislocation of an anatomical portion (as a bone at a joint). Patellar luxation occurs when the knee joint (usually in the rear leg) moves in and out of position, causing pain. This can be crippling, yet many dogs with this illness have reasonably normal lives.

Portosystemic Liver Shunt

When an irregular vessel causes blood to bypass the liver and thus not be cleansed, this renal disease arises.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A condition that causes the eyes to degenerate. Blindness from PRA is a gradual process caused by the loss of photoreceptors in the rear of the eye. Years before the dog shows any signs of blindness, PRA can be detected. A reputable breeder will have the eyes of their dogs certified by a veterinary ophthalmologist on a yearly basis.

White Dog Shaker Syndrome

In Maltese small dogs, this condition mainly affects the white dogs. Tremors throughout the body, a lack of coordination, and fast eye movements are symptoms of the illness. Episodes usually begin when the dog is anxious or extremely stimulated, between the ages of six months and three years. This ailment is not painful and has no impact on the dog's disposition.

Collapsed Trachea

Some dogs are predisposed to this illness, in which the trachea, which transports air to the lungs, collapses readily. The most typical symptom of a collapsed trachea is a chronic, dry, harsh cough that many people compare to a "goose honk." Tracheal collapse can be treated medically or surgically.

Reverse Sneezing

This is a significantly less serious condition that lasts only a few minutes and is sometimes confused with a collapsed trachea. Reverse sneezing happens most often when your dog is enthusiastic or attempts to eat or drink too quickly. It can also happen if there is pollen or other allergens in the air. Secretions from the dog's nose fall over the soft palate, forcing it to seal over the windpipe automatically.

Grooming 

To avoid tear stains, one should clean Maltese's eyes with warm water every day, and wash his beard after meals. Because water with a high mineral content can stain, consider getting purified bottled water for your Maltese. Use a stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowl to feed your Maltese, not a plastic one. Between feedings, make sure to clean your dog's bowl.

Check for sores, rashes, or symptoms of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet as part of grooming. There should be no redness or discharge in the eyes. A thorough weekly examination will assist you in detecting potential health issues early on.

The Maltese have human-like hair that is virtually non-shedding, which is beneficial to many allergy patients. He must be displayed in a full, flowing coat, gleaming white, and clean for the show ring. This lengthy coat requires a lot of care—his silky hair tangles easily if it isn't washed and combed frequently, and it, like human hair, can develop broken and split ends. Most individuals who keep Maltese as pets have them in a "puppy clip," where the hair is clipped short to make life simpler for themselves. Brushing and combing are still required, but less regularly and with less dirt retained. Particular care should be taken with the Maltese's face, as tears and discoloration might occur around his eyes.

Diet

It's easy to overfeed a small dog, so measure out food servings at mealtimes. You don't want your dog to gain too much weight because obesity can lead to a variety of health concerns ranging from diabetes to joint problems. Growing puppies require approximately 55 calories per pound of bodyweight every day. And older dogs (around the 9-month mark for Maltese) require around 45 calories per pound of bodyweight every day. Maltese pups and dogs consume a shockingly small amount of food; and if you have previously had larger breeds, it may be difficult to believe that such tiny amounts adequately sustain this breed. Before we get into how much food a Maltese should eat, it's important to note that the calorie content of different foods varies greatly. And that is the crux of the matter. Some foods, notably high-quality dog foods and home-cooked meals, are heavy in calories. As a result, serving sizes are frequently smaller than with less-than-ideal products. Furthermore, cheaper, inferior foods may have fillers that do not provide as much nutrition per serving, thus a Maltese may need to eat more to get the same amount of calories.

Children & Maltese 

The majority of Maltese breeders will not sell puppies to homes with little children. A toddler can easily damage a tiny Maltese by dumping him, stepping on him, or holding him too firmly. He thrives in a home with only peaceful older children or adults who will provide him with the care he needs. If socialised with other dogs and cats at a young age, Maltese can get along with them. They are, however, oblivious of their small stature and must be kept from taking on dogs ten or twenty times their size.

Facts about Maltese Dog Breed

• The Greeks adored this dog so much that they erected graves for it, and Greek pottery from the fifth century A.D. is painted with canine figures that resemble the Maltese.

• The Maltese have earned a variety of names and nicknames throughout the years, including Maltese terrier, Roman ladies' dog, and—perhaps the finest name ever—Maltese lion dog.

• The Maltese are extremely popular with celebrities. Tony Bennett, Halle Berry, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand, and James Brolin are among the famous owners.

• Publius, the governor of Malta in the first century A.D., owned a Maltese named Issa, who inspired a poem by Marcus Valerius Martialis of the same name.

• Maltese Pomeranian - A Maltipom is a cross between a Maltese and a Pomeranian. These Maltese Pomeranians are adorable tiny dogs with the small foxy face of a Pomeranian and the long, flowing coat of a Maltese. Because of his small stature, the Maltipom is frequently granted privileges that larger dogs are denied, such as lying on the bed.

• Because Malta was famed for its luxury and sophistication, this origin myth fits this breed perfectly.

• They, like Poodles and Bichon Frise, are hypoallergenic, making them ideal for persons who suffer from allergies.

• Maltese dogs have a reputation for being finicky eaters. Perhaps it has something to do with their silver spoon heritage!

• They have a lovely black button nose that can become pink if the dog is not exposed to enough sunlight. When female Maltese dogs are in heat, their noses might turn pink as well.

• They are excellent therapy dogs for a variety of reasons, including their petite size and sweet demeanour.

Conclusion

The Maltese are the ultimate lap dog. It is highly affectionate and playful, and nothing makes it happier than being stroked and complemented by its owner. The breed is easily identified by its straight and long white coat, which gives it the appearance of having just stepped out of a doggie hair salon. The Maltese are a small dog breed with a square and compact body. It is completely covered in silky, long, flat, white hair that, when fully grown, hangs nearly to the ground. It has an attentive but gentle look. The Maltese, being a powerful dog, moves with a fluid, lively, and flowing gait; when trotting, the dog may appear to be floating on the ground. Although the little dog is well-known for its unique coat, other characteristics such as facial expression, body shape, and overall carriage are also noteworthy. The Maltese is a delicate dog with wide, black eyes and dropped ears. Meanwhile, its tail is lengthy and draped over its back. The Maltese coat is often pure white, with a little tan or lemon hue on the ears at times.