Everything You Need to Know About Maltese Small Dogs

The Maltese is a small dog breed that originated in the island of Malta, weighing between 4-8 pounds and standing about 8-10 inches tall.

They have a silky, white coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their small size and gentle nature make them a popular choice for families with children and for people who live in apartments or have limited space.

Maltese dogs are known for their sweet, affectionate personalities and are often described as "velcro dogs" because they love to be close to their owners.

The Maltese is a tiny dog breed with a big personality, happy to cavort with people of all ages and sizes. They're wonderful companions for children who will treat them gently.

Maltese dogs are naturally eager to please and have an amicable, if gregarious, charm that can win anyone over. They're smarter than they let on and have a wicked sense of humor.

The Maltese temperament is affectionate and gentle, with 82.4% passing the Temperament Test. They're very intelligent, social, and trusting.

Maltese thrive on human interaction and love to be held and cuddled, making them excellent therapy dogs. Lack of attention from their owners can make them feel anxious or lonely.

Maltese are big dogs in small bodies, with a bold and people-oriented personality that's hard to resist. They're loyal, alert, and quite fearless, making them good watchdogs.

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To keep your Maltese happy and healthy, regular exercise is a must. Daily walks or some playtime in the backyard or indoors should be enough to keep them happy and in good shape.

Maltese are intelligent dogs that learn tricks easily, but they can be stubborn at times. Consistency is key when training them, and positive training methods work best.

Their long, showy coat requires regular grooming to stay presentable. They need two or three full brushes per week, and misting their coat during grooming sessions can prevent dryness.

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Maltese shed less than you'd think, but they still shed a lot during spring and fall shedding seasons. Brushing them more often during these times can help, and a HEPA-rated vacuum can help suck up allergens floating around.

Their human-like hair is practically nonshedding, which is a bonus for many allergy sufferers. However, it still requires regular brushing and combing to prevent tangling and matting.

Regular grooming sessions also include regular baths and conditioning, as well as daily nail trimming and ear cleaning. Cleaning the hair around their eyes daily can also help prevent tear stains.

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The Maltese is a compact and well-proportioned breed, with a height that can reach between 7-10 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their body length often equals their height, making them a delight to behold. They have a silky white coat that can grow to cover their short limbs, giving the appearance that they're floating along the floor.

The Maltese have small, floppy ears and a black-button nose. Their dark eyes are framed by a ring of darker pigmentation, called a "halo", which gives them their signature expressive look.

The breed's fur is hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people suffering from allergies. They don't shed much, which is a bonus for those who want to minimize grooming.

Here are the three different fur color combinations you can find in Maltese dogs:

Some members of the breed can also have black point markings.

To keep your Maltese happy and healthy, it's essential to provide the right nutrition. Aim for 20% to 24% protein in their diet, with puppies needing 28% to 32% protein to fuel their growth.

Feeding your Maltese small, frequent meals is key. They need only 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dry dog food per day, divided into two meals.

Maltese have delicate digestive systems, so it's best to stick to high-quality dog food and avoid giving them human food or table scraps. Fresh, clean water should always be available.

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Regular grooming is a must for Maltese, with daily brushing and combing to prevent matting and tangling. Don't forget to trim their nails regularly and clean their ears and face daily.

During shedding seasons, be prepared to brush your Maltese more often to prevent matting. A HEPA-rated vacuum can also be a lifesaver for allergy sufferers.

To keep your Maltese's coat looking its best, bathe them every 2 to 3 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo. This will help prevent dryness and irritation.

The Maltese is a moderately active breed that requires about 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day. They're perfect for apartment dwellers who can provide regular routine and mental stimulation.

A daily walk is a great way to keep your Maltese happy and healthy. They enjoy exploring, sniffing, and meeting new people, so make sure to take them on a daily outing.

Maltese can get mouthy and destructive if left to their own devices, so it's essential to provide mental enrichment activities like hide and seek or using snuffle mats and Kongs filled with peanut butter.

Consistency is key when training a Maltese, as they're intelligent and skilled at finding ways to manipulate their owners. Positive training is the way to go, and they'll respond well to it.

Daily walks or playtime in the backyard or indoors are enough to keep your Maltese happy and in good shape, despite their energetic nature.

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Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the longevity of your appliance.

Daily dusting can help prevent the buildup of debris and dust.

For tough stains, mix baking soda and water to create a paste, and apply it to the affected area.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers, as they can damage the surface.

Deep cleaning should be done every 6-12 months, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Maltese small dogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Maltese can live a long 12 to 15 years with proper care, but some health conditions can arise, including joint problems, dental issues, heart problems, and liver shunts.

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Maltese are prone to joint problems, such as luxating patella and arthritic dysplasia in the elbow or hip joints, especially if they get too much vigorous exercise.

Regular dental care, like teeth brushing, is essential to prevent dental diseases from attacking the gums and teeth.

Maltese are predisposed to congenital heart defects, like patent ductus arteriosus, and developing heart disease when they reach old age.

A liver shunt, which can cause alarming behavioral changes, is more common in Maltese than in other breeds, and can worsen if left untreated.

Some common health issues in Maltese include orthopedic issues, white dog shaker syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, portosystemic shunt, ear infections, and dental issues.

Here are some of the common health issues in Maltese:

To ensure your Maltese gets the care they need, consider investing in pet insurance, and follow a regular routine of checkups and care to prevent some of these health conditions.

Getting a Maltese can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder.

The American Maltese Association, American Maltese Rescue Organization, and Northcentral Maltese Rescue are great places to start your search for a Maltese puppy.

When searching for a breeder, consider looking into similar breeds like Havanese, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, and Lhasa Apso, as they may have similar characteristics and needs.

To find a reputable breeder, search social media for Maltese groups, where owners can help you meet trustworthy breeders, or check out the AKC marketplace.

Here are some red flags to watch out for when contacting and interacting with breeders:

If you're looking to welcome a Maltese puppy into your family, you can start your search by checking the American Maltese Association, American Maltese Rescue Organization, and Northcentral Maltese Rescue.

You can also consider looking into similar breeds like Havanese, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, and Lhasa Apso, which share some characteristics with Maltese dogs.

Getting a Maltese puppy can be a thrilling experience, but it's essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder.

The Maltese consistently ranks in the top 20 most popular dog breeds, making it easier to find a puppy. However, this also means you may encounter shady breeders trying to capitalize on their popularity.

To find a trustworthy breeder, start by searching social media for Maltese groups, where owners can help you connect with reputable breeders.

You can also check the AKC marketplace, which connects you with accredited and screened Maltese breeders across the nation.

When meeting a breeder, pay attention to whether they welcome you to their facility or prefer to meet in public places. If they're hesitant to show you around, it may be a red flag.

Here are some ways to tell a good breeder from a poor one:

You can start your search for a Maltese puppy by checking reputable organizations such as the American Maltese Association and Northcentral Maltese Rescue.

Maltese are suitable indoor dogs that can thrive even in smaller spaces and apartments.

They can be somewhat difficult to housebreak, so be prepared for some extra training.

Maltese are generally patient and friendly with children, but they can be snappy with raucous kids.

This breed might not be the best choice for families with small kids, as they can be injured by rough handling.

It's essential to explain to kids that Maltese aren't as sturdy as larger dogs and never leave them unsupervised.

If you're looking for similar breeds, consider the Havanese, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, and Lhasa Apso, which have similar characteristics to the Maltese.

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Training a Maltese is not difficult, especially if you use positive, reward-based training methods. They thrive on human interaction and can learn tricks easily.

Consistency is key when training a Maltese, as they can be skilled at finding ways to manipulate their owners into giving them what they want. They generally respond well to positive training.

Housetraining can prove difficult, requiring patience and persistence. It's essential to be consistent and reward good behavior to help them learn.

These little dogs are intelligent and athletic, making them great at dog sports like agility and obedience.

The Maltese is an ancient dog breed with a rich history that spans thousands of years. They're one of several small "bichon" dogs found around the Mediterranean for centuries.

Their exact place of origin is a mystery, but most historians pinpoint Malta for the development of the breed. The island of Malta was colonized by the Phoenicians around 1000 BCE, and it's possible that these small white dogs were brought to the area by them.

The Maltese were bred entirely as companions and "comforters" on Malta, being especially favored by the ladies who carried them in their sleeves or held them in their laps. They were also used to help protect the ship's food rations from rodents.

By the middle of the 19th century, the Maltese was firmly established as a pet dog in Britain and was among the first breeds to be exhibited at dog shows in the UK. They were also established in the US around the same time.

The Maltese has a long history of being a popular breed among royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots.

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Maltese are indeed one of the top dog breeds in the world, and it's no surprise why - their flashy coats and vibrant presence make them a joy to be around.

They do require some grooming work to keep their coats looking their best, but trust me, it's worth it.

Maltese make some of the finest lapdog family companions you can own, and they thrive on attention and affection.

Their small size makes them perfect for city living or for families with small living spaces.