About the Maltese Dog

The Maltese Dog gets its name from the island of Malta, where it was first recognized as a breed. The Maltese is a member of the toy group, the smallest-sized dogs. Properly trained, the Maltese makes a great family pet -- but they do need to be well-trained.

History

The Maltese is an ancient breed, and there is some dispute as to where it actually originated. Some think the Maltese is descended from a Spitz-type dog in what is now Switzerland, and there are those who believe the Maltese originated in Asia and is a relative of the Tibetan Terrier. Archeologists have uncovered a picture of a Maltese-type dog in Greece that has been dated to about 500 B.C. Reference to a dog with a name similar to Maltese has been found in both Greek and Roman literature. Breeders bred the Maltese so small in the 17th and 18th centuries that the breed almost disappeared. Cross-breeding with Poodles and Spaniels resulted in the Maltese as we know it today. The Maltese was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1964.

Features

The Maltese has a coat that is one layer of fur, either white or ivory-colored. The fur is parted in the middle so that it flows down each side, just brushing the ground. The Maltese's tail will curl over its back. The Maltese does not shed a lot of hair, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. A Maltese will be longer than it is tall, growing to between 8 and 10 inches high and weighing between 6.5 and 9 pounds. The life expectancy of a Maltese is 15 to 18 years.

Temperament

The Maltese is lively, gentle and loves to play, but at the same time will let you know if a stranger is at the door. The Maltese loves to please its master and is perfectly content sitting on your lap. The Maltese also gets along well with children and other animals. Just let the Maltese know you are the boss, the leader of the pack. One downside is that the typical Maltese is hard to house-train.

Care

As with any long-haired dog, the Maltese needs to be brushed daily. Use a soft brush. Remember, the Maltese does not have a protective undercoat. The eyes need to be looked after daily, as well. Wipe them to prevent them from staining the coat. You will also have to wipe around the mouth after meals. The Maltese needs frequent baths, or you can use a dry shampoo as an alternative. They also need to have regular appointments with a groomer.

Problems

The Maltese can get a sunburn along the part in the hair, and they are susceptible to skin, respiratory, digestive, eye and tooth problems. They also do not tolerate hot temperatures well, but they can also catch a chill easily Make sure the Maltese does not get into a draft, especially after a bath. It is best to keep the Maltese inside during extreme weather, so paper training is almost a must.