The Truth About Maltese Hair or Fur: Breed Characteristics and Care

The Maltese breed has a unique characteristic that sets it apart from other dogs - its silky, fine coat is often referred to as hair rather than fur.

The Maltese coat is made up of a single layer of hair that grows continuously, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.

Maltese dogs are known for their low-shedding coat, making them a great choice for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair in their home.

Their hair is extremely fine and soft to the touch, requiring daily brushing to prevent tangling and matting.

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The Maltese is a small, compact dog breed that typically reaches a height of 7-9 inches and weighs just under 7 pounds.

Their dark eyes and small floppy ears give them a sweet, endearing expression.

A Maltese's tufted tail curls over their back, adding to their adorable appearance.

These dogs have a long, silky coat of hair that requires regular grooming to keep it in check.

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The Maltese has a silky white coat that requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. They don't shed much, but daily brushing is a must.

To keep their coat beautiful, Maltese need regular grooming every 6-8 weeks. They require daily brushing and regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care.

Matts and tangles can form quickly if left unattended, so regular care is essential. Removing matts is painful for the dog, and the torn-out hair will hardly grow back.

To prevent matts and tangles, brush your Maltese's coat thoroughly before bathing. Use a metal comb specifically designed for matt prevention, working in layers from the belly upwards.

Here's a simple checklist to help you keep your Maltese's grooming on track:

Remember, grooming is not just about looks; it's also about keeping your Maltese healthy and happy.

The Maltese is a small, silky-coated breed that's often mistaken for having fur due to its soft and fine texture.

Maltese dogs have a single layer of hair that's designed to be low-maintenance and requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

They come in a variety of colors including white, cream, and light gold.

Maltese are prone to skin problems, including sebaceous adenitis, which causes dry, scaly skin with patches of hair loss. This condition usually develops between one and five years of age.

Sebaceous adenitis requires long-term treatment, often involving a combination of approaches to determine the most effective method. You'll likely need to give your Maltese fatty acid supplements and use special shampoos to remove dead skin and hair.

Maltese are also susceptible to skin infections and diseases, such as Malassezia dermatitis, which is caused by a yeast that infects the ears, causing itching, redness, and a brown, waxy discharge. This yeast can also lead to greasy, hairless areas on the neck and throat with a characteristic odor.

Bathing with special shampoos and rinses may be helpful in treating skin diseases, and addressing any underlying problems, such as allergies, is also crucial. The earlier you seek help for your Maltese's skin problems, the better the results will be.

If this caught your attention, see: Skin Disorders in Dogs Hair Loss

The Maltese breed has a rich history that spans thousands of years. It originated from an ancient variety of dwarf dog breeds in Italy.

The exact timing of their creation is unknown, but one thing is certain - they were bred for show and companionship purposes. These dogs have always been known for their elegant and frilly appearance.

They're directly related to other breeds, including the Bichon Frise, Havanese, and Bolognese. The Maltese has a distinct DNA that sets them apart from other breeds.

The Maltese breed standard is quite specific, and it's essential to understand these characteristics if you're considering bringing one home. The AKC recognizes the Maltese as a toy breed with a floor-length, bright white, silky fur.

A purebred Maltese should have a slightly rounded head with a medium-length skull. Their eyes should be equally set apart with dark round rims, and their expression should be alert and gentle.

The neck of a Maltese should be long enough to promote high carriage of the head. This is important for their overall appearance and movement.

Here are some key characteristics to look for in a Maltese:

A Maltese should weigh under 7 pounds, which is relatively small compared to other breeds. This size is part of what makes them such adorable companions.

The Classic White Maltese is a stunning sight to behold. Nearly all Maltese are pure white, from their heads to their tails.

Their coat is one of their defining features, and breeders take great care to ensure that they meet the breed standard. If you're buying a dog for show, it's not acceptable if they have any other color variation.

Your Maltese's coat color is a beautiful snowy white, but certain factors can alter it slightly.

Sun exposure can cause a slight darkening of the coat, especially on areas that receive direct sunlight.

Even though your Maltese won't change color from their beautiful snowy white (except perhaps on the ears), certain factors can alter the color slightly.

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The Maltese is over 2000 years old, making it one of the oldest toy breeds in existence today.

Believed to be over 2000 years old, the Maltese is the oldest toy breed.

Maltese are closely related to other toy breeds including the Bichon Frise and the Havanese.

The Maltese is hypoallergenic, which makes them great for owners who are allergic to dog dandruff and fur.

Maltese still require regular grooming to keep their coat in check, even though they don't shed much.

Maltese were originally bred as companion animals for royalty, which is why they were a favorite among royal figures like Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.

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Taking care of a Maltese dog is a big responsibility, but with the right routine, your furry friend will thrive.

First and foremost, supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and picking up after yourself to keep her out of trouble.

A beautiful coat is just one of the many things to love about Maltese dogs, and daily brushing and regular grooming every 6-8 weeks will keep it looking its best.

But don't forget about those teeth - Maltese often have serious problems, so brush them at least three times a week to keep them healthy.

Cleaning her ears weekly, even as a puppy, is a must to prevent infections.

Maltese dogs are well suited to apartment life as long as they get daily walks and short play sessions.

However, their all-white coat can be prone to sunburn, so be sure to limit their time in the sun.

To keep your Maltese mentally stimulated, teach her a variety of tricks.

Here are some essential care tips to remember: