History of the Maltese
The Maltese can be traced back thousands of years to the Mediterranean region, specifically Malta. The breed can be found on ancient Greek pottery and was even admired by the philosopher Aristotle.
Roman aristocrats kept Maltese as status symbols and carried the petite dogs around with them. Unlike many small dog breeds, the Maltese was not bred down from larger dogs; it has always had its small stature.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Maltese numbers diminished. But Chinese breeders kept the breed alive and refined it via crosses with their toy breeds. The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1888, and it has remained popular to this day.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 7 to 9 inches
WEIGHT: Under 7 pounds
COAT: Long, silky
COAT COLOR: White, black points
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
TEMPERAMENT: Affectionate, alert, fearless
HYPOALLERGENIC: Yes
ORIGIN: Malta/Mediterranean region
The Maltese is among the gentlest mannered of the Toy breed dogs. Bred for companionship, Maltese thrive on love and attention. Maltese are gentle, trusting and devoted to their masters. They’re lively, happy, and energetic. Due to their high level of intelligence, the Maltese is a quick learner. They are also courageous and will bark if they hear a suspicious noise. The breed sheds little to no hair, and is highly recommended for those who suffer from allergies. The Maltese requires regular grooming and bathing to prevent their beautiful white coats from staining.
Exercise
The Maltese have a moderate energy level. They should get at least a half hour to an hour of exercise per day via brisk walks, hikes, fetch, and other play. Puzzle toys and even dog sports like agility can help challenge them mentally, as well. Due to their small size, they don't require that much space to get in a good workout.
Note that the breed does not tolerate extreme temperatures well, as it lacks an insulating undercoat. It's best to keep outdoor exercise short in cold weather, and provide your dog with a coat or sweater.
Grooming
The silky coat of the Maltese grows continuously. For easier maintenance, many owners opt to trim the coat short, and it takes on a wavy, fluffy quality. Others keep the coat long and flowing.
Because of this coat type, routine grooming is an absolute necessity. The Maltese should be brushed two to three times per week and up to daily if the coat is kept long. Regular trims will be necessary as well to maintain the desired coat length.
Furthermore, weekly to monthly baths will be necessary to keep the coat clean. Check to see whether the ears need cleaning weekly, and see whether your dog is due for a nail trim roughly once a month. In addition, Maltese are prone to showing tear stains underneath their eyes. There are products available at pet stores to help remove these stains. Moreover, those cute bows or topknots you see on a Maltese serve the purpose of keeping the hair out of the dog's eyes to prevent irritation.
Finally, this breed needs good attention to dental hygiene to prevent teeth and gum problems. Aim to brush your dog's teeth daily, and take it for professional cleaning as needed.
Training
Like all dogs, the Maltese needs proper training and socialization to be happy and well-adjusted. These dogs can be somewhat headstrong, and centuries of living closely with people have taught them how to get what they want. However, they still respond fairly well to training when offered treats and other positive reinforcement.
Aim to start training and socialization when your dog is a puppy. Enroll in a puppy obedience class as soon as your dog meets the age requirement. And expose it to different people, other animals, and various situations. Maltese can be protective around strangers and in strange situations, potentially barking a lot or nipping. So it’s important to instill comfort and confidence in them, along with good manners.
Furthermore, many Maltese exhibit separation anxiety if they’re left alone for long periods. They might bark continuously and engage in destructive behaviors. Behavioral training can help curb some anxiety. However, it’s best for a Maltese to live in a household where someone is home for most of the day.