Looking for a dog
book? We have hundreds of dog books listed, Titles
include works on individual breeds, activities,
health and nutrition. You can find the best in dog
training, behavior, natural health, agility,
clicker training, problems, and other dog related
topics.
A Maltese is a small breed of white dog belonging to the toy group and poodle. The Maltese does not shed and is covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair. Their hair is compared to carpet. An ancient breed long associated with the island of Malta, it has retained its distinct appearance for millennia. They are very lovable and often get along well with other dogs.
Appearance: The Maltese is a dog belonging to the toy
group that is covered from head to foot with a mantle of long,
silky, white hair. Adult Maltese range from roughly 3 to 10 lb
(1.4 to 4.5 kg), though breed standards, as a whole, call for
weights between 4 and 8 lb (1.8 to 3.7 kg).
There are variations depending on which standard is being
used; many, like the American Kennel Club, call for a weight
that is ideally between 4 and 6 lb (1.8 to 2.7 kg), and no
more than 7 lb (3.2 kg). The coat is long, wavy and silky and
lacks an undercoat. The color is pure white and although cream
or light lemon ears are permissible, they are not desirable.
Some individuals may have curly or woolly hair, but this is
outside the standard. Characteristics include slightly rounded
skulls, with a one (1) finger width dome. Also, a black nose
that is two (2) finger width long.The drop ears with long hair
and very dark eyes, surrounded by darker skin pigmentation
that is called a "halo", giving Maltese their
expressive look. The body is compact with the length equaling
the height. Their noses can fade and become pink or light
brown in color. This is often referred to as a "winter
nose" and many times will become black again with
increased exposure to the sun.
Temperament: Maltese can be very energetic and are
known for their occasional wild outbursts of physical
activity, bolting around at top speed with amazing agility;
given this, they still do well for apartment dwellers. They
are relatively easy to train and enjoy a playful game of
fetch. These intelligent dogs learn quickly, and pick up new
tricks and behaviours easily. Since they were bred
specifically for companionship, they do not do well being left
alone for long hours.
The breed has a reputation for being good-natured, but may
be intolerant of small children or other dogs. They can be
protective of their owner and will bark or may bite if animals
or people infringe on their territory or are perceived as a
threat.
For all their diminutive size, Maltese seem to be without
fear. In fact, many Maltese seem relatively indifferent to
creatures/objects larger than themselves (unless of course it
is the owner). They are among the gentlest mannered of all
little dogs, yet they are lively and playful as well as
vigorous. Because of their size, Maltese dogs are not a good
choice for families with small children because they can be
easily injured. The Maltese is commonly bred with other breeds
to further express its temperament and intelligence.
Maltese are very good with children and infants. Maltese can sometimes be snappy and mean. 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. Maltese can be snappy with littler children and should always be supervised when playing. Socializing at a young age will reduce this habit. They can be very demanding and, true to their nature as "lap dogs", love to cuddle and often seek this sort of attention. The Maltese is very active in the 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. They are incredibly friendly dogs to people they know. With strangers they will make a high pitched bark but will quiet down if the person means no harm.
Care: Maltese have hair, not fur and have little to
no shedding if cared for properly. Like their relatives
Poodles and Bichon Frisé, they are considered to be largely
hypoallergenic and many people who are allergic to Dogs may
not be allergic to the Maltese (See list of Hypoallergenic dog
breeds). Regular grooming is required to prevent their coats
from matting. Many owners will keep their Maltese clipped in a
"puppy cut," a 1 - 2" all over trim that makes
the dog resemble a puppy. Some owners who prefer long hair
will roll it in curlers to keep it from matting.
Dark staining in the hair around the eyes ("tear
staining") can be a problem in this breed, and is mostly
a function of how much the individual dog's eyes water and the
size of the tear ducts. If the face is kept dry and cleaned
daily, the staining can be minimized. Many veterinarians
recommend avoiding foods and treats with food coloring and
serving distilled water to reduce tear staining.
Health: The Maltese is generally a healthy breed
with few inherent problems. Some problems seen are luxating
patella, portosystemic liver shunt, and progressive retinal
atrophy (PRA). Average life span is 12-15 years. The Maltese is generally a healthy breed with few inherent problems. The most significant issue for Maltese is their dental health. Maltese have notoriously bad teeth and it is not uncommon for animals to begin losing teeth at the age of 8 or 9.
There is also an inclination toward heart ailments, which usually surface around the 10th year. These might include a prolapse valve syndrome, or an enlarged ventricle. These conditions can be life threatening, but are manageable through medication.
Other problems may be a luxating patella, or "floating kneecap", portosystemic liver shunt, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Maltese are also prone to sunburn along where their hair parts, and, in general, have rather delicate skin.
Some dogs of this kind get the chills very easily, and are prone to shaking or shivering for no apparent medical reason. Maltese are also often uncomfortable in hot, as well as damp, weather.
The average life span is 12-15 years.
History: As an aristocrat of the canine world, this
ancient breed has been known by a variety of names throughout
the centuries. Originally called the Melitaie Dog, he has also
been known as "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta", the Roman
Ladies' Dog, the Comforter Dog, the Spaniel Gentle, the
Bichon, the Shock Dog, the Maltese Lion Dog and the Maltese
Terrier.
Sometime within the past century, he has come to simply be
known as the Maltese. The breed's history can be traced back
many centuries. Some have placed its origin at two or three
thousand years ago and Darwin himself placed the origin of the
breed at 6000 BC.
The Maltese is thought to have been descended from a Spitz
type dog found among the Swiss Lake dwellers and bred down to
obtain its small size. Although there is also some evidence
that the breed originated in Asia and is related to the
Tibetan Terrier, the exact origin is unknown 2. Maltese are
generally associated with the Isle of Malta in the
Mediterranean Sea. The dogs probably made their way to Europe
through the Middle East with the migration of nomadic tribes.
Some writers believe these proto-Maltese were used for
rodent control before the cuteness factor was locked in. The
Isle of Malta (or Melitae as it was then known) was a
geographic center of early trade, and explorers undoubtedly
found ancestors of the tiny, white dogs left there as barter
for necessities and supplies. The dogs were favored by the
wealthy and royalty alike and were bred over time to
specifically be a companion animal. Some royals that
purportedly owned Maltese were Mary Queen of Scots, Queen
Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, Josephine Bonaparte and Marie
Antoinette.
HeyDogs is an easy to use site that keeps both dog professionals and dog enthusiasts up to date on the latest information on dogs. You can find the best in dog training, behavior, natural health, agility, clicker training, and other dog related topics
Looking for the perfect
Dog name? Dogs names for your new Puppy.
Browse thousands of Dog names, names for both male
and female dogs, Start looking by clicking on a
letter!
Hi Cats is a website you can find extensive information on all Cat Breeds, Articles, Health, Books, Photos, Desktop Wallpapers, Posters, Training, Cats names, Links and more.
HeyDogs.com Dog Breeds Information
Guide menu 
