Adding Glyde Mobility Chews to their routine can help their joints stay healthy. Just like older people, caring for your elderly Maltese require special health needs, and require a little more care and attention than they did when they were younger. They were entered in the earliest Westminster Kennel Club shows in the 1870s. See All of Michele's Best-Selling Dog Books, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, Homemade Dog Food Delivered To Your House. Maltese. I never recommend keeping a Maltese with children under the age of about 9, no matter how well-meaning the child. As a rule of thumb, wait until your Maltese puppy is 8 months old to walk very far with him, because his bones are still developing. After that? If you're going to share your home with a dog, you'll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. In addition, you should regularly clip around the dog's groin and anal area so they remain clean and sanitary when your little longhaired dog goes to the bathroom. If your Maltese has long hair, he can get sunburned on the skin where the hair is parted on the back. They do need to be out in sunlight and if their nose starts to go a grey colour, or has lighter patches on it, it is a sign that they need more sunshine. But should you? See my advice on → keeping your dog healthy Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies So much so, she says, that the Maltese… Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you'll need a high, secure fence in your yard. You can estimate whether a puppy will mature at 4 pounds and up by this guideline: if he already weighs at least 2 pounds at 10-12 weeks old, he should mature at over 4 pounds. Don’t shop if you want to bring a dog home. The legs and paws also need to be kept combed free of mats and tangles. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can't pant as well to cool themselves off. It's very easy to train a Maltese to do tricks and play games. If a tiny one pops up in one of their litters, they do their best to find the best home that can keep it alive, yes, but they try hard not to produce them in the first place. You should check your Maltese's ears at least once a week. Maltese are prone to chills, especially if they are damp or walking in damp areas. Because of their small size and delicate structure, Maltese generally aren't recommended for households with toddlers or small children. They learn quickly if rewarded for their efforts. You may also want to consider adopting a senior dog, as they tend to be less demanding of your time and energy. Maltese are generally peaceful with the world, meaning they are not naturally dominant or aggressive. According to the official breed clubs, Maltese are "supposed" to stand about 7-8 inches at the shoulder and weigh 4-7 lbs. Like all dogs, they must be taught their place in your home, and require proper socialization and basic obedience training. However, the Maltese Shih Tzu is much more than that. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they're more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells. If they seem sensitive or have a bad odor, take him to the vet for a checkup. All dogs, whatever their size, should be taught how to walk on their own four feet, how to do what they're told, and how to get along peacefully with the world. Exercise is important, so resist carrying them all of the time. Are you sure you can provide what this breed needs? If they're well over 4 pounds, their puppies are more likely to be, as well. Breed isn't the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily. Unfortunately, Maltese under 4 pounds are higher risks when it comes to health. They are affectionate and sensitive creatures and in spite of their self-important air they need plenty of attention. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. Originally bred to be completely nonshedding (which is a misnomer since that's not physically possible), the Maltese succeeds to some degree, since he's a low-shedding companion. Begin accustoming your Maltese to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. The Maltese is a natural ham with a lively personality. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Some of these activities are included in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words. Most Maltese breeders will not sell puppies to families with young children. You might choose to accept that risk. Papillons can be lively and energetic, but that doesn’t mean they need a lot of exercise. This might be a dog sport such as agility, rally obedience, or musical freestyle. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting. No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without permission from the author. Some Maltese are extremely friendly, while others are more standoffish. Never try to pull the entire mat out at once with the comb or brush, and make sure all mats are removed prior to bathing your Maltese as mats tend to get tighter when wet. Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. In 1792, the botanist Linnaeus referred to Maltese as being "about the size of squirrels." Maltese temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books. Now, you do need to take precautions! The Greeks erected tombs for their Maltese dogs, while representations of Maltese-like dogs on Egyptian artifacts suggest that they were prized by that ancient culture. There are many Maltese in need of adoption and or fostering. Keeping them alone for too long would inevitably cause severe separation anxiety. Look at the puppy's mother and father. Better to teach him that you are the leader who will take charge of keeping other dogs away from him. Sweet and cute, they're widely known for always getting their way — even with people who have no intention of spoiling them. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they'll take off after anything that catches their interest. Numerous painters, including Goya and Sir Joshua Reynolds, included these small dogs in their portraits of beautiful women. Your Maltese is much more likely to end up anxious and insecure (or bratty and yappy) if you treat him like an infant or a stuffed toy. They rarely tolerate being left alone. Wherever he lives, the Maltese is responsive to his environment and makes an effective watchdog. If an older child is trustworthy and your Maltese is calm and wearing a harness and leash, you can place her in the child's arms, but keep the leash short and under control. If you want to try this, be sure you can read dogs accurately, and be sure the other dog is quiet, gentle, and well behaved. They may not need plenty of exercise and food and not overly high maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they can be costly in terms of health. DogTime participates in the Chewy affiliate program to earn fees for linking to products on Chewy.com. If you've got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you're a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department. Today, he is known simply as the Maltese. A gentle and fearless dog breed, the Maltese greets everyone as a friend. A sheared coat is more comfortable for the dog, it's always clean and sanitary, and it's so easy to brush and bathe. And their prices are typically ridiculous. They also have an excellent record in the "Best in Show" competition. On the Mediterranean island of Malta, the Maltese was developed to be the household pet of wealthy, cultured families. Be sure to wash your dog's bowl between feedings. Although they look delicate and aristocratic, Maltese can have a lot of energy. By the end of the 16th century, the Maltese had become a favorite pet for noble and royal ladies. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. A crossbred means one of the pup's parents was a Maltese but the other parent was a different breed (one that comes in non-white). This inspired one of its names — "The Comforter." Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Here is my complete list of health problems in Maltese. High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. yard and accompanying you for walks. BUT THERE IS SOME MAINTENANCE REQUIRED. This breed doesn’t take well to changes in their diet since they have sensitive stomachs. You must teach your Maltese not to bark excessively and to stop barking immediately when you tell him to. A Maltese that weighs less than four pounds at maturity is more prone to genetic disorders and is at a higher health risk in general. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup's parents and other relatives. Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Did you know there's a quick and simple DNA test that can tell you definitively which breeds make up any given dog? Along with physical exercise, your Maltese will appreciatemental exercise, where the dog gets to participate in interesting activities that keep his mind stimulated. Dogs come in all sizes, from the world's smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they're compatible with you and your living space. You'll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch. Maltese enjoy a regular walk or playing outside. But whether they actually make it to that age depends largely on YOU. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills. Spoiling and overindulging this breed, though, may result in an overdependent, insecure, yappy brat. They even were mentioned by Aristotle. Constant care and attention need to be showered on Maltese puppies younger than six months. If you see someone advertising a "Maltese" as black or brown or any other non-white color, it's a crossbred Maltese, not a purebred Maltese. Significant (either brushing/combing/trimming or clipping the coat short), Bichon Frise, Havanese, Coton de Tulear, Bolognese, Lowchen, One of the smallest breeds – easy to pick up (and easy to pick up, Usually peaceful with strangers and other animals, Sheds very lightly (often a good choice for allergy sufferers), Physically fragile, requiring a great deal of supervision and monitoring, The fine line you need to walk with toy breeds, where you need to protect their safety, yet require them to stand on their own four feet and be well-behaved, "Separation anxiety" (destructiveness and yapping) when left alone too much, Frequent brushing/combing/trimming, or else regularly shearing the coat short (which looks really cute!). But along with the genes he inherited, how you raise your Maltese will also play a large factor in how he turns out. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action. Beware of breeders who offer "tea cup" Maltese. The Aussie Shepherd-Poodle mix is a good match for you if you spend a lot of time at home; puppies, for instance, will need exercise at least every three hours. In this way, breeders will be motivated to produce these sizes. Many years ago, Maltese came in many colors, but these days they are always white. They can be deceptive about it, too, apparently settling into your arms with contentment, then suddenly launching themselves through the air if you relax your grip. Yes, sad to say, this fun-loving little breed is notoriously difficult to housebreak. Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. They learn quickly if rewarded for their efforts. Invariably, scholars of yore drew attention to the breed's diminutive size. The Maltese dog is one of the most ancient of the toy breeds, with a history that can be traced back at least two millennia. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. It can be a little more difficult to teach a Maltese to be quiet. Maltese can look like prey animals, especially when they move quickly. Maltese Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts – DogTime, monitoring_string = "c1299fe10ba49eb54f197dd4f735fcdc", See Dogs Not Well Suited to Apartment Living, See Dogs Who Are Good For Experienced Owners, Click here to see Dogs Poorly Suited For Cold Weather, See Dogs Who Are Less Friendly To Strangers, Click Here To See Dogs Who Shed Very Little. They tend to express their anxiety and unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. Make sure that he's getting enough exercise -- all dogs need at least 20 to 30 minutes of walking a day, but larger and more active ones need more, in some cases, a couple hours of exercise daily. You can do this yourself, or have a professional groomer do it. The true lap dog. When a female is in heat, her nose can turn pink also. If you are thinking of getting a Maltese, you need to know about the … Eating problems can occur if your Maltese has teeth or gum problems as well. Like every dog, the Maltese needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young. You can clip the coat short for easy maintenance. Consider an indoor litterbox, or a doggy door leading outside to a small covered potty yard. Your job is to teach your Maltese that some initial barking is fine... but that the dog must stop barking when you take over and go to open the door. You can find a great jacket for your dog here! Our Mission is to raise healthy puppies to bring love and joy into people’s homes and hearts across the US, Canada and other parts across the world. Owning a toy breed means constant supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your tiny dog. Breed isn't the only factor. Maltese pups are adaptable canines who will sit with you calmly or trot as needed for a bit of exercise. Even novice pet parents and apartment dwellers will find these pups to be excellent furry family members. In addition, most Maltese feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making, and stress and fearfulness (even defensive biting) may be the result. Based on 25 years of research but bolstered by new technology, the Maltese Genome Project was launched in 2015, and aims to map the genomes of 1% of the Maltese population – that’s 4,000 people – so as to pin down rare diseases we may have inherited over time, and be in a more informed position to look into new therapies for them. Here are some great treats that can actually improve your dog's digestion to get you started! In some cases, attention-seeking behavior can be a sign of an underlying personality disorder. The Maltese is generally healthy and hardy, and has a lifespan of 12 years or more. Many health problems are related to digestion and issues in the gut. Adding Glyde Mobility Chews to your senior's routine can help fight the symptoms of arthritis and keep your old dog active and playful. Teach your dog to drink from a water bottle. Maltese are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. For example, a breeder might tell you that "Toy" Maltese are a certain weight range, "Tiny Toy" Maltese are slightly smaller, "Extreme Tiny" Chihuahuas are smaller than that, etc. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment. Their bones are fragile. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Ask your groomer or vet to do this or to show you how to pluck the hair at home. Talk to the breeder about the food your Morkie puppy’s been eating and stick to that diet. His owner (1) has not taught the dog commands; (2) laughs at naughty behavior; (3) makes excuses for bad behavior; and (4) cuddles and "soothes" and "coos" over the dog too much. Since then, the breed has become quite popular. Adding Bernie's Perfect Poop digestion support treats to your dog's routine can help your pet feel better and improve their overall health! Maltese shed very little, but coat care is a major consideration with this breed. An owner who will commit to crate training or litterbox training, An owner who won't treat the dog like an infant or doll by carrying him everywhere, laughing at bad behavior and barking, and making excuses for bad behavior instead of correcting it, a certificate from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of, a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal. Not all Maltese will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Maltese might sometimes be found here, although shelter personnel can be overzealous in labeling every small white longhaired dog as a "Maltese cross." Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. They enjoy all attention, whether it is from a family member or stranger. Take him outside on a sunny day, or if it's too cold to do that, take him for a car ride. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Not unless the seller has done the proper health certifications on the puppy's parents. In addition, Maltese are prone to unsightly tear stains on their faces. Extra safety precautions – ongoing supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your Maltese, being careful where you step or sit, not allowing leaps from high places, keeping small objects off the floor, blocking all slats and gaps in fences and railings, etc. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! But this only works if you establish the right relationship between you and your Maltese, where you are the leader and he is the follower. Leaping from your arms. It is difficult to x-ray a little dog for trachea problems. Congratulations! Gently brush and comb the coat of your Maltese daily, even if he has a sporty short trim. Even before the Christian Era, the breed was widespread in Mediterranean cultures. Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn't puncture the skin). Maltese are generally peaceful and get along great with other pets in their own family. Please be a responsible buyer and stick with Maltese who will mature at 4 pounds and up, who have the best chance of living a normal healthy life. Although he survived the fall of the Roman Empire and the Dark Ages, the Maltese was nearly destroyed in the 17th and 18th centuries when attempts were made to breed him to be the size of a squirrel. But Malteses are susceptible to several health problems that are common to small breed dogs. Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word "sit"), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Taking Care of Your Maltipoo Sometimes a doggy door is necessary so your Maltese can run outside the moment he feels the urge in his tiny bladder. If they don't get the mental stimulation they need, they'll make their own work--usually with projects you won't like, such as digging and chewing. Many of them can damage your dog's hair, and never, never allow any products or foreign substances to get in your dogs' eyes. Many larger dogs are prone to joint issues. Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. Remember, a tiny creature can be seriously injured or killed by something that a bigger dog would barely feel. Some Maltese have delicate digestive systems and may be picky eaters. Maltese can get along with other dogs and cats if they are socialized to them at an early age. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it. You should also be able to provide the time and attention they need. If you pick a breed that's prone to packing on pounds, you'll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time. Coton de Tulear (Ca-TONE duh TOO-lee-arr), LOWCHEN (the LOW is pronounced as in allow). Despite his prominence in history, the exact origin of the Maltese dog is uncertain. Let your puppy play at his own pace in your fenced yard until he is mature, and then take him to your vet for a checkup before embarking upon a regimented exercise program. The type of bowl that he's eating and drinking from could also cause the pigmentation change. Although they look delicate and aristocratic, Maltese can have a lot of energy. Maltese-Yorkshire Terrier pups require 300 to 500 calories a day for the first 18 months, while full grown Maltese Yorkie mixes may need 200 to 300 calories daily. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue. Because he's so people-oriented, he takes well to training and responds to positive reinforcements such as food rewards, praise, and play. If you do … The Egyptians and, centuries later, many Europeans, thought that the Maltese had the ability to cure people of disease and would place one on the pillow of an ill person. Some breeds sound off more often than others. Either way, though, Maltese produce very little dander and are one of the few breeds tolerated by many allergy sufferers. More than most other breeds, Maltese need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training. But first, are you really sure you want one? Although your Maltese will want to please you, he can be difficult to housetrain. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site (offa.org). A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. They tend to express their anxiety and unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. Maltese dogs don’t thrive if left in their own company for very … It's safer if children sit on the ground to hold and play with a Maltese. The only potential negative to a clipped coat is that some of the shed hair can more easily fall onto your floor and furniture. However, in order to keep hair out of their eyes, the hair around their face and head will need attention typically about once a month. A persistent, chronic cough coming from your Maltese would need the attention of a vet. How Much Exercise Does My Maltese Need. Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations That's the psychologically healthy and secure mind-set you want your dog to have. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies. With puppies, it is about establishing the rules, and with older dogs, it can often be more of a case of reinforcing them. They're unaware of their tiny size, however, and must be protected from taking on dogs that are ten or twenty times their size. You can help avoid separation anxiety by crate training your Maltese dog. I would not mix a Maltese with a breed whose heritage is chasing prey animals. Tear and face staining are big problems for most Maltese owners. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. While the bouncy Maltese is happy to go on walks and sprint around a yard, he doesn’t require much exercise. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. This doesn't mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk. Not much outdoor exercise, but that's because they're so lively indoors and get most of their exercise running around the house. No breed is perfect, and Maltese sometimes are intolerant of small children or other dogs, especially if they have been overly pampered by their people. Their glamorous white coat gives them a look of haughty nobility, but looks can be deceiving. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who's elderly or frail. Many people put the hair on the top of their Maltese's head into a topknot to keep it away from the eyes. To prevent or lessen tear- and face-staining of your adult Maltese, follow these steps: If these measures don't clear up the tear stains, consult your veterinarian.
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