Last Updated on October 8, 2022 by Pets Feed
This little dog loves children but Maltese is not a good choice if you have small children in the house. Small, means approximately or less than eight years depending on the maturity of the child. Otherwise, it can make a great family member.
Children will love his miniature stature; The Maltese dog is small enough to be transported. But it is because of its size that it is a dangerous combination with small children. Your child will not be able to understand how fragile your Maltese is. It is easy to seriously injure this dog by holding it down or accidentally sitting on it.
The “Teacup” variety weighing three kg or less is a very bad dog to have with children. These dogs are too small and therefore their bones are extremely fragile and brittle. This is an unfortunate result of their small size – their bones break easily. They can all too easily be accidentally injured. Standing or sitting on your Maltese can seriously injure your dog.
If you choose a Maltese, you can greatly minimize all of these risks by training the dog well and teaching your child to respect dogs and how to treat them. It will make all the difference!
You will need to teach your children how to treat your Maltese. This includes the strict application of a “rule of non-aggression with the dog”. Children should learn that this little dog is fragile and should be treated as such.
If you intend to keep a Maltese dog in your home, we always recommend professional training. The cost can be minimal if you take your pet to an experienced trainer. Spend money and make sure your Maltese is as socialized as possible.
Try to involve children in grooming. Maltese dogs need a fair amount of care and this is one way to encourage a great relationship with each other. Even small children can gently comb the dog’s coat (under supervision!).
As with any domestic animal; the general principle should be to teach children to treat all animals with kindness and respect. It is one of the most important life lessons you can give and the best place to learn is at home.
Do not leave your children unattended around a Maltese dog or any other small dog. Even if the child can behave well, this will not prevent the Maltese from being agitated. Some can be a little lively, so look for a Maltese where the parents are a little sweet. This will reduce the risk of problems. Overall, the Maltese Bichons are an excellent pet.
