Pros and Cons of Maltese Dogs: Is This Breed Right for You?

The Maltese is a popular breed known for its silky white coat and gentle nature. They typically weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand 8-10 inches tall.

One of the biggest pros of the Maltese is their low-shedding coat, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies. This also means they require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their small size makes the Maltese a great choice for apartment living, as they don't require a lot of space to run around. They are also relatively quiet, which is a plus for city dwellers.

Despite their small size, Maltese are known for being brave and loyal companions. They thrive on attention and affection from their owners.

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The Maltese is a small dog, typically weighing between 3-4 kg (7-9 lb) and standing between 20-23 cm (8-9 in) tall. They have a dense, glossy, silky, and shiny coat that falls heavily along the body without curls or an undercoat.

Adult Maltese dogs are usually calm and affectionate, but they can be lively too. They're known for being good with children and other pets, and they love to cuddle and play fetch. The breed is also highly recommended for people with dog allergies as they shed less fur, making them a hypoallergenic option.

Maltese dogs are prone to some health issues, such as liver and heart problems, Luxating patella, and Patent Ductus Arteriosus. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage these conditions.

The Maltese is a small dog with a big personality. They typically weigh between 3-4 kg (7-9 lb) and stand about 20-23 cm (8-9 in) tall.

Their coat is one of their most distinctive features - it's dense, glossy, silky, and shiny, falling heavily along the body without curls or an undercoat. They come in pure white, but a pale ivory tinge or light brown spotting is permitted.

Maltese dogs are known for their lively, calm, and affectionate nature, making them a great choice for families. They're also highly recommended for people with dog allergies, as they shed very little fur.

Their long hair needs regular brushing to prevent matting, and they also need to be bathed and trimmed regularly to keep them looking their best. This can be a bit of a challenge, but it's worth it to see them looking so happy and healthy.

Maltese dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include liver and heart issues, Luxating patella, and Patent Ductus Arteriosus. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help prevent or catch these issues early on.

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The Maltese is a great choice for those with allergies, as they're considered a hypoallergenic breed. Their hair-like coat tends to hold onto shed hair, reducing the release of allergens into the environment.

Regular grooming can further minimize potential allergy triggers, making life with a Maltese even easier for those with allergies.

Maltese dogs have a relatively long lifespan, with a 2024 UK study finding a life expectancy of 13.1 years compared to 12.7 years for purebreeds and 12 years for crossbreeds.

They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, as they don't require much physical activity to stay in shape. In fact, they can remain playful well into old age.

However, it's essential to wait until your Maltese puppy is at least 8 months old before taking him on long walks, as his bones are still developing.

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Maltese dogs are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health issues. These include reverse sneezing, a condition that sounds like a snort or honk and can happen when a Maltese dog is over stimulated or first waking up.

A reverse sneeze is usually not dangerous and stops quickly, but it can be upsetting for the dog. A warm, loving cuddle can help relax your pup after a reverse sneezing episode.

Collapsing trachea is another health issue that can affect Maltese dogs. This disorder requires medical intervention and is characterized by a persistent dry and harsh-sounding cough.

White Dog Shaker Syndrome is a condition that can cause shaking, tremors, and loss of coordination when a dog is overexcited. It's not painful for the dog, but it can be disconcerting for the dog parent.

Luxating patella is an issue that can affect Maltese dogs, as well as other small breeds. This is where the bones that make up the knee are not properly formed, allowing the kneecap to slip out of place easily.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited degenerative eye condition that can lead to blindness. This is a serious condition that requires veterinary attention.

Here are the top conditions that Maltese parents submit claims for through their pet insurance plan:

It's essential to keep an eye out for these health issues and take preventative measures to ensure your Maltese stays in the best possible health. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential problems early on.

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Owning a Maltese can cost approximately $18,000 over its lifetime. This estimate includes food, grooming, training, and regular veterinary care, coming out to an average of $1,300 per year.

You'll need to factor in regular grooming sessions, which can cost anywhere from $30 to $90 per session.

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Grooming is a crucial aspect of Maltese dog care, and it's essential to be consistent with their grooming routine to prevent matting and tangling of their coats.

They need to be brushed regularly to keep their coats looking their best, and this should be done at least a few times a week.

Maltese dogs require grooming every few months, and an occasional bath is necessary, ideally every two to three weeks unless they get into something messy.

Cleaning the hair around their eyes daily can help prevent tear staining, which is a common issue in this breed.

You can use a soft washcloth or cotton ball to gently clean the area around their eyes.

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The Maltese is a petite toy breed, typically standing between 8 to 10 inches tall, with females slightly shorter than males.

Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living and other close quarters, and they are also easy to travel with.

A Maltese that weighs less than four pounds at maturity is more prone to genetic disorders and is at a higher health risk in general, so be wary of breeders who offer "teacup" Maltese.

Their small stature also makes them more fragile, requiring careful handling to prevent injury.

The Maltese is a petite toy breed that typically stands between 8 to 10 inches tall.

Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living and other close quarters, and they are also easy to travel with.

Males should be around 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly shorter, standing at 8 to 9 inches tall.

A Maltese that weighs less than four pounds at maturity is more prone to genetic disorders and is at a higher health risk in general.

They usually weigh up to 7 pounds, with four to six pounds being the preferred weight for a healthy Maltese.

Their petite stature also makes them more fragile, requiring careful handling to prevent injury.

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The Maltese breed is a small but mighty companion, with a lifespan that's just as impressive. They typically live between 12-15 years, making them a long-term friend for many families.

One of the most notable things about Maltese dogs is their small size, which makes them perfect for apartment living or for families with small children. They weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand about 8-10 inches tall.

Their exercise needs are moderate, requiring daily short walks and indoor playtime. This makes them a great choice for busy families or those who don't have a lot of outdoor space.

Maltese dogs are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, but they can be a bit stubborn at times. Consistent, positive reinforcement training works well for this breed.

Here are some key stats about the Maltese breed:

Overall, the Maltese breed is a wonderful companion for many families, with their small size, moderate exercise needs, and loving personalities making them a great choice for many.

The Maltese is a popular breed for many reasons, but it's essential to consider their needs and characteristics before deciding to bring one home. They originated in Malta, a small island nation south of Sicily, Italy, and have been highly valued throughout history, even being sold for a significant amount of money in the 1500s.

Maltese dogs are known for their hypoallergenic coat, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies. They have a long, silky, and straight white coat that requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming. This high-maintenance coat is one of the downsides of owning a Maltese, but many owners find it worth the extra effort.

Maltese dogs are also intelligent and eager to please, but can be a bit stubborn at times. Consistent, positive reinforcement training works well for this breed. They are generally healthy, but may be prone to dental issues due to their small size and certain genetic conditions.

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Maltese can be a great pet for many families, but it's essential to consider the children in the household.

Most Maltese breeders will not sell puppies to families with young children.

Toddlers can easily injure a tiny Maltese by dropping, stepping, or holding him too tightly.

Maltese do much better in a home with quiet older children or adults only who will treat him with the care he needs.

Maltese can get along with other pets, including dogs and cats, if they are socialized with them at an early age.

However, they're unaware of their tiny size and must be protected from taking on dogs that are ten or twenty times their size.

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So you want a Maltese? They've been a beloved breed among dog lovers for centuries, and for good reason. They're highly valued for their small size, loving personalities, and hypoallergenic coat.

Maltese dogs are known to be picky eaters, so be prepared to offer a variety of healthy foods to find what they like. They're also prone to turning their cute black button nose pink if they don't get enough sun.

If you're considering bringing a Maltese into your home, know that they've been loved by royalty in the past, including Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I. They've even been sold for a pretty penny - the equivalent of $2,000 in the 1500s.

Maltese dogs make wonderful therapy dogs due to their small size and loving nature. They're a great fit for people with allergies, as they're considered hypoallergenic like Poodles and Bichon Frise.

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If you're considering a Maltese as a pet, you might also want to look into the Bichon Frise, which has a fluffy coat and a cheerful disposition.

The Bichon Frise is a great option for those who want a small, playful companion.

The Shih Tzu is another toy breed that shares the Maltese's luxurious coat and friendly nature. However, they tend to get larger than Malteses.

Shih Tzus are known for their outgoing personalities and adapt well to apartment living.

Toy Poodles are intelligent and small, making them a great choice for those who want a pet that's easy to train and maintain.

Their hypoallergenic coats are perfect for anyone with allergy triggers, and they come in a variety of sizes.

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