Breed Traits
The Maltese was recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1888.
Maltese are affectionate toy dogs weighing less than seven pounds, covered by a long, straight, silky coat. Beneath the all-white mantle is a compact body moving with a smooth and effortless gait. The irresistible Maltese face with its big, dark eyes and black gumdrop nose can conquer the most jaded sensibility. Despite their aristocratic bearing, Maltese are hardy and adaptable pets. Maltese are low-shedding, long-lived, and happy to make new friends of all ages. Sometimes stubborn and willful, they respond well to rewards-based training.
The Maltese should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Maltese do not have fur like average dogs. They have hair without an undercoat. This hair is very fine and tangles easily. It is imperative that you keep them groomed daily to prevent painful matting. You may need to take your puppy to a local groomer on a regular basis if you plan to grow their coat out. If you keep your puppy in a puppy cut, which is a short haircut, you won’t have to groom as often, but please do not neglect grooming. And if you feel you do not have time for this responsibility, please consider adopting a different breed of puppy. Please keep our pets out of the shelters!
Maltese are full of energy but require only occasional exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Daily walks with their owner or bouncing around in their fenced yard, or even indoors, will usually suffice to keep them fit.
Maltese are very intelligent, and in centuries of being companions to humans they have learned how to get exactly what they want from their people. It is important to be consistent with their training. Maltese are athletic and talented and make a fun choice as competitive companions in dog sports such as obedience or agility. They can be stubborn and determined, but they respond well to positive training methods.
Maltese Care
Maltese are generally small. Good care needs to be given to keep them warm in cold months and comfortable in warmer months. Maltese do not tolerate extreme cold or heat. They should have a soft bed to keep them comfortable and warm.
Maltese also have sun sensitive skin and are prone to sunburn, which like in humans, can cause skin cancers. It’s always best to have some puppy sun screen on hand if you’re going to be out in the sun for a little while. The part down the Maltese back is especially susceptible to burning. Find your baby some sun screen in our store under grooming!
Maltese are prone to dental issues. To avoid any problems, feed them nice crunchy kibble to prevent plaque buildup. Dental bones, like the nylabone are a good choice of teethers. And dental treats such as greenies are a good idea for adults as well.
Maltese are prone to hypoglycemia which is low blood sugar. Too much exercise, stress, fasting, and an improper diet can trigger an attack. Signs of an attack are a weakness, confusion, wobbly gait, frothing or drooling from the mouth, sometimes even a seizure and draining of blood from the head. A check of the gums will show them to be pale, almost a grayish white in color rather than a healthy bright pink. The puppy can go into shock and, if not cared for properly and promptly, may even die. If you notice these symptoms, immediately wipe karo syrup or nutrical into the gums and take to an emergency vet. A high carb, high protein diet is recommended 3-4 times a day for puppies to avoid this condition. Hypoglycemia is less common after 12 weeks of age, after the puppy growth spurts have calmed down.
Maltese are also known to be prone to some skin and allergy issues. The best prevention for this possibility is to feed a high-quality food, especially our diet, and keep them properly groomed.
A Few Facts
On Maltese
- Maltese are very affectionate and LOVE to stay by your side 24/7! They will follow you ANYWHERE.
- The breed is considered pretty clever and fast learners. You should consider registering your puppy in training classes to teach you how to manage the puppy.
- Avoid dog food that has artificial coloring and is of low quality. We highly recommend a diet that includes Salmon as the main protein.