Maltese |
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The Maltese is probably most recognized for its unique appearance, since it's covered all over with long, silky white hair. They are also famous because of their celebrity owners. Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, and Ashley Tisdale are among the many A-list names that have a Maltese. History The Maltese has a rich history that spans over twenty-eight centuries. Royalty in many generations owned this particular breed because of how divine and dignified it looks. And, unlike many toy dogs of modern day, the Maltese hasn't been "bred down" in size. Rather, it is the same size and shape that it was in olden times. This long-lasting dog breed originated in Malta, an island in the Central Mediterranean Sea. Some suspect that it was named after this island of origin. The earliest record of a Maltese can be found on a Greek amphora, where there is a picture of a Maltese with the inscription "Melitaie." Over the years, this dog has been known by many other ames, such as "Ye ancient dogge of Malta," "Canis Melitaeus," and "the Roman Ladies' Dog." Aristotle and other scholars refer to this dog in their writings, and they describe it in depth, so despite the changing names, historians know that it is a very ancient and famous breed. Appearance Maltese are toy dogs, meaning they are very small in size. On average, both males and females weigh between three and seven pounds. Their tiny bodies are compact and square-ish in shape. Usually, their height at the withers equals the length of their body. Fine bones are a normal feature of this breed, so legs may appear skinny if the fur is kept short. However, fur is typically kept long. Fur is long, silky, and always white, and it can reach down to the ground, hiding most of the body from view. Maltese typically have a decorative topknot of this fur on their heads. As for the face, it usually has a gentle expression. The ears are feathered and hang down by the face, the eyes are usually very dark and round, and the nose is normally black. Temperament Maltese dogs usually look cuddly, and their personalities usually match this appearance. They are lap dogs and love attention. This breed can be playful, but they can also be calm when relaxing with their owners. However, they don't always do well around children. Their patience level is low, so they may snap if their tails are pulled, so young kids should always be supervised. A Maltese will rarely be aggressive or do harm, though. Maltese dogs also have a reputation as yappers, and they will bark a lot. This can be slightly annoying, but it isn't atypical of most dog breeds. Finally, this dog loves enclosed areas. A Maltese with a small, fenced in yard and small home will thrive. One given too much space or too much exercise will not. Pet Care This is a non-shedding breed, which is convenient for many owners. Pet clean up is simpler when there isn't vast quantities of hair to vacuum up. However, grooming must be done regularly to keep the coat in good condition. Without grooming, fur will mat and develop knots, which can eventually cause skin problems. Some owners may want to clip their dog's coat regularly, too. Since this breed is smaller, exercise is not as big of an issue. They can be easily trained, too, though obedience training should begin when the puppy is young. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Maltese is around fifteen years, which is a little bit longer than other dog breeds. One of the most common afflictions is respiratory infection, so owners should be sure to keep their pet away from overly moist areas or places with mold. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is another common issue; this causes failures in vision, especially in poorly lit areas. This breed may also suffer from luxating patellas, which is a condition of the knees, or from liver shunts, though these problems are rare. Good nutrition and regular exercise will usually keep this breed healthy. What Owners Have to Say Many dog owners love this breed because it is "hypoallergenic" and rarely affects persons with allergies. This is because Maltese rarely shed; in fact, they don't have an undercoat that needs to be shed. Is this the right dog for you? If you're looking for a small, dignified lap dog, then a Maltese may be perfect for you. They are one of the smallest official dog breeds, so they work well in almost any home, whether it's a one-bedroom apartment or multiple bedroom household. Maltese are very playful and will interact with all family members. They can also be taught a lot of tricks. Plus, if you need a hypoallergenic pet because of allergies, this breed should be on your list of possibilities. They don't shed and rarely set off allergies. However, there are some downsides to the breed. The first is the fragility. Maltese have thin bones and must be handled gently; no roughhousing, like you can with big dogs. If you have kids who want to tackle and wrestle with their pet, then a Maltese is not for you. These tiny dogs can also be shy, especially if they aren't socialized enough. Puppies who are socialized are often friendly or polite, but if this important training is skipped, most adults will be fearful or suspicious of strangers. Maltese suffer from separation anxiety when left alone too long, another behavioral problem that isn't always pleasant. Though they don't shed, they do require a lot of grooming to keep the fur and skin healthy. And, they can be hard to housebreak, so things can get messy in the early months. Think about all of these things prior to getting your Maltese. Most problems can be prevented through training and socialization, so there aren't too many "cons" with this breed, but owners should be prepared.
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