The Maltese dog has beautiful, long white hair that is neatly parted down the back of its somewhat square, compact body. Their heavy hair is so long on their little bodies that they sometimes appear to be floating on thin air when they are running. Their ears flop down and sit aside their large, dark, round eyes. They have little black noses and very hairy tails that sit high and drape down their backs. They stand between eight and ten inches tall and weigh in at less than nine pounds.
A true lapdog in every sense of the word, the Maltese sheds very little and can be a great companion. They are lovable and gentle but can be snippy with children, if they are not careful about how they play with them. They do better in homes where the children are older. They are very intelligent and learn easily but like to be rewarded for their efforts. Housebreaking can be a problem if you don’t stick to a disciplined routine but this is true of most small breeds. Timing their meals and walks will help with this. Also taking them out before and after exercise and play is a good idea. Paper training is another alternative.
Don’t leave your Maltese out in the hot sun for too long as they can easily become overheated and the part line in their hair can become sunburned. They tend to be picky eaters, and should be given small dog biscuits to help keep their teeth and gums in good shape.
The Maltese dog breed is very active, perky and playful indoors and doesn’t need to go outside for exercising but they do enjoy it on a nice day. It is recommended to keep them in when it rains or is damp out as they catch a chill easily and by keeping them dry they will enjoy a longer life span. These dogs can be expected to live at least twelve to fourteen years if properly cared for.
Keeping them inside will also help to make grooming them much easier. Maltese dogs should be brushed daily. Regular bathing and keeping their eye and beard area clean is important to avoid staining their shiny white coats. Many Maltese dogs end up with a peach color tear stain beneath their eyes. As stated earlier, they shed very little and are good choices for homes where there are allergy sufferers present. Some people tie up the long hair in front of their faces to keep it out of their eyes. You can also have this hair clipped away.
They originate from ancient times on the island of Malta. They are among the oldest recognized breeds in the world. When they first arrived in America, somewhere around 1877 they were called Maltese Lion Dogs because of the way their hair was clipped to resemble a lion. In England they were known as Maltese terriers. In 1888 they became the recognized breed known as the Maltese today. Considered a toy breed, the Maltese is a popular show dog.
