How to Identify a Maltese

The Maltese is a big dog in a little package. It is quite playful and highly intelligent. It will bark at suspicious noises, alerting its family of possible danger. Learn to identify a Maltese so you can get to know this loveable breed.

Instructions

1. Check the natural expression of the Maltese. It is a gentle toy breed with a lot of springy action and sports long, white hair.

2. Make sure the head is in proportion to the size of the dog. It may be difficult to find the low-set ears as they are extremely feathered with the Maltese’s long hair. The round dark eyes are set somewhat close together and the medium length muzzle leads to a black nose.

3. Look at the length of the neck to be sure is it sufficient enough to carry the head high. It leads into sloping shoulder blades and a deep chest. The Maltese should weigh no more than 7 pounds. Males are 8 to 10 inches at the withers and females are 8 to 9 inches at the withers. The small front and rear feet are round while the tail curves over the back and supports a long plume.

4. Pet the dog's coat. It should feel silky, not coarse or curly. The Maltese should only be white, with no other markings.

Tips & Warnings

• While quite active, these dogs still make a great apartment dog.

• Because of its high level of activity, a Maltese should be walked every day.

• If you have children, you are better off getting a puppy and letting them grow up together as the Maltese can get snippy around children.

• The Maltese can be difficult to housebreak and this breed is prone to sunburn along the part of its hair.

• Most small dogs are prone to skin problems, respiratory, eye problems and dental problems.