As a responsible pet owner of two Maltese dogs, I decided to do a little research about this breed. I have had several pets over the years but never really researched any information about them, including the description, care, health, temperament, etc.
Description: Maltese, a small breed of dog in the Toy Group. It descends from dogs originating in the Central Mediterranean Area around Malta.
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Life span: 12 - 15 years
Higher classification: Dog
Temperament: Lively, Playful, Easygoing, Gentle, Docile, More
Height: Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Weight: Male: 6.6-8.8 lbs (3-4 kg), Female: 6.6-8.8 lbs (3-4 kg)
The Maltese are great companion dogs for adults and the elderly who live in apartments or town homes. There is little to no shedding. They are lively, playful, and cuddly.
Fragile: Small dogs, such as the Maltese, are quite fragile. Because of their petite size, they can easily be hurt or worse, simply by stepping or sitting on them accidentally. They can also hurt themselves by jumping off furniture or other items in your home. Big dogs can also be dangerous around small dogs. This is why it is not good to have small dogs around small children.
Health: One thing I have noticed about my Maltese, Max, is the tear staining around his eyes. Dark staining in the hair around the eyes, "tear staining", can be a problem in this breed. I have asked various pet stores if there is a product to treat this problem. So far, I have been unsuccessful in finding something that works. One article recommended using a fine-toothed metal pet comb, moistened with hot water and applied twice weekly may work. Some Veterinarians suggest the use of an antibiotic Cephalexin which has been shown to completely clear up "tear staining" in some cases. I am going to try using the fine tooth comb method first and if that doesn't work, I'll ask my Veterinarian about the use of the antibiotic, Cephalexin.
Care: Maltese have no undercoat, and have little to no shedding if cared for properly. This means daily brushing and cleaning of their eyes. Unless your Maltese is a show dog(s), it is best to keep their coats relatively short for an easier grooming procedure. Grooming your Maltese every day not only keeps them looking and feeling great, but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog(s). Because the Maltese have no undercoat, they are prone to being sunburned. Be sure to keep constant supervision and surveillance on your pet at all times. Do not leave them in the sun for a very long time and never, ever keep them in a car with windows rolled up on a warm day.
Exercise: Maltese are spunky, lively little dogs. My dog Max is a full bred Maltese. His sister, Sugar Baby, is a Maltese/Terrier mix. I get so much enjoyment watching them play in the house. They run around and love to play tug of war with any object they can find. Even though they play a lot in the house, they still need to be taken for daily walks to help keep their bodies strong and muscle toned. The walks also helps to manage their weight. I have Sugar Baby on a Veterinarian recommended weight management program since she is prone to gaining weight. Max, on the other hand, is too busy to eat. He likes to nibble an only eats a few chunks of dry dog food at a time.