This article describes the history and temperament of the Maltese breed.
They're small, white and adorable. Better-tempered than poodles, less hyper than Pomeranians, they're also stars of the show ring and cuddly armfuls from birth. What are they? The Maltese. These long-haired dog show celebrities are a popular breed and always look so cute with their little topknots tied with a bow or barrette.
The Maltese is a breed with a long history, possibly originating as early as 6,000 B.C. Some think they are offshoots of the Spitz line, but this is not documented. What is certain is that they were registered as an accepted breed, in the Toy Class, by the American Kennel Club in 1888. However, they were popular as a breed long before then.
The Maltese would be considered a spaniel type, but they resemble a fluffy toy more than a sturdy spaniel. They have the characteristic long, white coat, sometimes with a hint of lemon or tan about the ears. They have short snouts, which give them the cherubic face they are noted for, black noses and large, expressive black eyes. When full grown, they weigh between three and seven pounds. As with all dog breeds, there are pros and cons to owning these animals.
One of the pros includes, obviously, their size. They are perfect for apartment-dwellers, since they do not require a great deal of space. They are also affectionate dogs, with little tendency to bite or snap. While not exactly placid, neither is the Maltese high-strung or nervous. They are lively little dogs that love to play and seem to have a cheerful, sunny disposition. They tend to be very intelligent and respond well to obedience training.
While their long, silky coats are one of their selling points, a prospective owner should realize that this coat takes a LOT of grooming time. The owner will probably need to invest in some good combs and brushes to achieve a consistently beautiful coat. Of course, the coat can be trimmed in warm weather, so the dog will be comfortable, but long or short, the coat requires care. Start grooming from puppyhood, and the dog will learn to accept it as part of the routine.
One problem the Maltese is subject to, especially, is what is called "tear staining." This is when the hairs around the eyes and nose become stained from tear duct discharge. There are numerous remedies suggested for this problem, many of them on the Internet. One basic remedy many reputable breeders suggest is to avoid feeding the dog food that has artificial colors added to it. Some suggest a "white diet" consisting of chicken breast, white rice, tripe, etc."" all foods that have little extra color. There is some debate on what exactly causes the tear staining, but it is treatable with time and patience.
The Maltese also seems prone to experiencing separation anxiety when left alone at home. They will chew and make messes if this is the case, and again, many breeders have loving solutions to these problems. One remedy is to train the dog to a crate and to leave the dog in a crate during the owner's absence. This is not a cruel thing to do "" many dogs do very well with this option. The crate seems to give them a feeling of security and they are able to relax until mom and dad come home.
A Maltese does require a great deal of affection and attention from the owners, but they also respond well to loving, consistent authority, as do most dogs. For that reason, obedience training does the animal a real favor for living happily with the owner.
Maltese puppies are rather fragile. They are small and apt to be injured if they fall from any distance. Thus, a Maltese is generally not a good pet for homes with small children, nor with other animals that are also allowed run of the house. Their size makes them a target for larger dogs.
The Maltese puppy should usually be left with its mom for at least 12 weeks. This gives the breeder time to have the first two rounds of shots administered and the puppy is able to grow large enough to tolerate being handled more. Some puppies may not be ready to be adopted until they are 20 weeks old. It all depends on the dog.
Most Maltese owners will advise that a prospective owner look for reputable breeders and never buy a puppy from a pet store. These dogs always come from puppy mills and there is no way to check the authenticity of pedigree or papers.
A reputable breeder raises the dogs "underfoot" and will allow a buyer to come to the home and see where the dogs are raised. They will also ask questions of the buyer to determine suitability, and will usually ask that, if the dog is purchased as a pet, that it be spayed or neutered, without being bred. The reputable breeder is also always willing to take back a dog, for any reason, at any time during its life. a buyer should always check around for honest breeders before buying a puppy. "Pet" quality animals are usually cheaper than "show quality" and may have some trait in the coat or something that would preclude it from being shown "" but not from being a loving, treasured companion.
In short, a Maltese is one of the ideal small dogs to own. Their gentle temperament ensures they will be cherished companions for the duration of their lives.
