The Maltese is a small breed of dog with large dark eyes and beautiful snow-white hairs. This ancient dog breed has always succeeded with noble and powerful people, leaders and kings. Apparently, they were flattered to have a dog with a royal appearance and an elegant look.
This small toy dog, originally from the Mediterranean, Italy taking over. The origins are associated with Italy, Malta and the island of Mljet (Croatia), although its origin is somewhat uncertain. It was the Phoenicians who brought the ancestors of this breed from Egypt over 2000 years ago. In the tomb of Ramses II, there are stone statues in the shape of the current Maltese.
Maltese lapdogs take a very honorable place among pets in many families, and this is not in vain. However, before moving on to listing the merits of this breed, you need to get an idea of what the Maltese lapdogs are.
Maltese photos
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Physical characteristics
The Maltese is an ornamental dog of aristocratic appearance with dark eyes and a long, silky pure white coat. This is the most amazing breed.
The most characteristic trait of the Maltese is its height, which is 21-25 centimeters in the case of an adult male, and 20-23 centimeters for females. In addition, the weight of the Maltese dog varies from only 3 to 4 kilos for both sexes, so it sometimes looks more like a small toy than a real dog.
A Maltese puppy is very delicate, so it is not recommended in environments with very young children, which can harm the animal when playing with it.
Distinctive features
- Head: The Maltese’s skull is broad, slightly flattened from above, the occiput is flat. The forehead passes clearly into the muzzle at an angle of 90 degrees. The muzzle occupies 1/3 of the face and tapers towards the tip.
- Jaws: They fit together perfectly in a scissor bite.
- Ears: Ears pendulous in the shape of a triangle. Closely adjacent to the muzzle. From the outside covered with thick wool.
- Eyes: Large, dark and domed, like pearls. Intelligent and open-minded.
- Torso: The body is small, but elongated. Covered in white silky wool. The withers are not pronounced, the loins are regular and strong. The neck is hidden under thick hair. Its length is almost equal to the length of the head. The neck is held straight, causing a proud posture.
- Legs: Fluffy, rounded legs with black pads and black claws. The legs are lean, with slightly visible muscles, but with strong bones. Elbows pressed tightly to the body, looking straight.
- Coat: Perhaps the biggest asset of the Maltese is their luxurious coat. Beauty’s snow-white hairs are similar in structure to humans: straight and without undercoat. The length of the coat can reach the floor. But despite this, the Maltese do not shed and are absolutely hypoallergenic.
Character and behavior
In general, the Maltese is a cheerful and funny dog, while enjoying being with his master. It is a good companion dog and not at all lonely, likes to enjoy people and animals. He is protective and he will like to have toys and other biting items at his disposal. He is a little nervous and playful and therefore suffers if he spends too much time alone at home.
Small, sweet and glamorous, the little Maltese is not only a pretty face: he can be aggressive from time to time! Always attentive to what is going on around him, he can be very vocal, so you must teach him not to bark at the slightest provocation.
The legend says that in the past, these puppies were with the big guard dogs and incited them to act if they heard something unusual. These fearless creatures always try to protect the owner and boldly sound suspicious people and foreign noises, so they are prone to excessive barking.
With children
The little Maltese is very fond of children and gets on well with them, but as he is a fragile dog, it is better not to have him in a family with very young children. After all, children, not understanding the responsibility, can accidentally injure a miniature animal.
With other animals
Maltese gets along well with other pets and is always friendly with other dogs and cats. His optimism is simply inexhaustible, this little dog is able to instil kindness and joy in hearts and to constantly give his love to family members.
Health
In general, Maltese are distinguished by good health, but there are a number of ailments characteristic of this breed:
- Chronic valvular heart disease;
- Stenosis of the pylorus of the stomach;
- Cryptorchidism;
- Hypoglycemia;
- Hepatoporto-systemic shunt;
- Hydrocephalus ;
- yeast dermatitis;
- Distichiasis;
- Glaucoma;
- Progressive retinal atrophy.
Life expectancy
With proper care and nutrition, a Maltese can live 12 to 14 years.
Care
The Maltese, despite the fact that its coat can get quite long, does not shed and is suitable for many people with dog hair allergies.
Depending on the hairstyle you have chosen for your pet, it will need to be combed once a week or more. In some cases, special procedures are necessary.
You need to bathe the animal at least once a month, be sure to monitor the length of the claws, the cleanliness of the ears and eyes.
Exercise
It is important that these small dogs burn any excess calories, otherwise they may gain too much weight, which can have a negative impact on their health and well-being in general. This little dog is content with half an hour of exercise a day, even if it is able to do more if offered. Outdoors, the Maltese can bring out its past as a pest controller and catch something by surprise.
Fun facts
- Maltese are sociable and loving cuddly animals that need constant contact with the owner.
- These dogs are smart, but they do not show much zeal in learning, so in the process of training a pet you will have to sweat a little and be a little nervous.
- They masterfully adapt to the character and type of temperament of their owner. Sincerely devoted to a single owner, even if he lives in a large family.
- Picky foodies. They know a lot about delicacies and, with plenty of food, quickly melt fat.
- The Maltese is one of the most fashionable breeds, the wealthy representatives of which are dressed by such fashion industry giants as Gucci, Versace and Burberry.
- These dogs are sociable, very curious and love to bark (often for nothing).
- They get along easily with other pets and children.
- Despite its long, thick coat, the Maltese is considered a hypoallergenic breed. Dogs barely moult.
- Maltese suffer from enforced loneliness anxiety, so an animal left alone is capable of minor misdeeds.
History of the breed
This is one of the oldest known breeds: Charles Darwin traced the Maltese origins back to 6000 BC. It belongs to the family of Bichon dogs originating from the Mediterranean basin and it is notorious that Publio, Roman governor of Malta in the first century BC, had a Maltese type dog named Issa.
The Maltese breed has been highly prized by royalty and aristocracy throughout its history and is featured in portraits of Queen Elizabeth I of England and other kings.
It is said that Queen Mary of Scotland hid a Maltese among her skirts when she was decapitated.
As is the case with many breeds of dogs, there is disagreement about the first traces of the breed. Some say that the dog is native to Sweden and is a descendant of a Spitz-type dog.