Man’s best friend comes in all shapes and sizes, from the Great Danes to cup of tea chihuahuas. It is worth being educated on the breed of dog you are considering. Here are some things to consider about the Maltese.
The Maltese belongs to the toy class, generally weighing between 1.8 and 2.7 kg. Its most important feature is its long, flowing white hair, without undercoat. Because Maltese don’t have fur like other breeds, they will lose hair like humans instead of losing like most dogs.
Perhaps the most interesting and unique feature of the breed is its color-changing nose. The nose can change from charcoal black to a light brownish or even pink color depending on the amount of sunlight the animal is exposed to. The nose of a Maltese female can change color when it heats up.
Because the Maltese does not lose hair if cared for properly and regularly, it makes a good pet for people with allergies.
The temperament of the breed lends itself to companionship. The Maltese is happiest when he is in the company of his family and friends lavished with affection. Like most small breeds, they are energetic and have abrupt periods of activity, but their small size makes them a good option for apartment dwellers. The Maltese dog is very intelligent. His high intellect makes him easy to train and train and quick to grasp new tricks.
The Maltese is generally good-natured and playful, but like any animal geared towards the pack, it might not do well with young children or strangers. This little dog is very territorial and capable of protecting the family unit.
Like anything else with long hair, a Maltese dog should be regularly cared for to avoid mats. Some owners find a way around the chore by keeping their dogs in what is called a “puppy cup” or a “teddy bear cup”, where the hairs are kept short, about half an inch, on the whole body. This style is certainly less hectic and may be more comfortable for the dog, but it is not acceptable for a show dog.
The Maltese is one of the relatively healthy dogs, generally free from the afflictions of other pure breeds. However, luxating patella, white dog shaker syndrome and progressive retinal atrophy are common in Maltese who develop problems. The luxating patella is a condition in which the patella slides out of its place. White dog shaker syndrome is a sudden onset of tremors, sometimes complete seizures, which only bother white dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy is exactly what it sounds like. This will eventually result in blindness for which there is no cure.
In line with the trend, the Maltese is often bred with other breeds, such as poodles, to emphasize its gentle nature and its intelligence.
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