Maltese
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General Description
The Maltese is a toy dog with a compact build and an overall appearance that denotes vigor, eagerness, and affection. The height from the dog’s withers to the ground is equal to the length from the dog’s withers to the tail. They have sloped shoulder blades and well-knit elbows that are held close to the body. Their chest is comparatively deep and their loins are sturdy, taut, and feature a slight tuck-up underneath. The neck of the Maltese is long enough to enable a high head carriage. The breed’s back is level and the ribs are well-sprung. Their limbs are finely boned. Forelegs of this breed are straight, with their pastern joints devoid of any substantial bend. Their strong hind legs are sturdy and moderately angulated at the hocks and stifles. They have small, round feet with black toe pads and a plumed tail that is carried elegantly over the dog’s back. The Maltese’s head is of medium length and well in proportion to the dog’s size. They have a slightly rounded skull with a moderately defined stop. Their eyes are round and dark and their medium-length muzzle is fine and tapered. They have a black nose and teeth that meet in an even or scissors bite. Ears of this breed are low-set and heavily feathered. The coat of the Maltese is long, flat, and silky. It hangs over the sides of the body, and it reaches almost to the ground. The coat color for this breed is pure white. Lemon or light tan shading on the dog’s ears may be present.Know something we don't? Add it here
Character
The Maltese is lively, cheerful, and energetic. They are gentle, trusting, and devoted to their master. Because of their high level of intelligence, the Maltese learns tricks easily. They are courageous and will bark if they hear a suspicious noise. They get along well with other animals and pets. While they are very good with kind children, they may snap at inconsiderate children. Some can be difficult to housebreak. They can be picky eaters, and small dog biscuits should be included in their diet to keep their teeth strong and healthy. If over-pampered or neglected, the Maltese may become jealous and unstable.Although small, when a Maltese is a puppy (as all puppies do), they need some exercise. Often, owners tend to cut the Maltese's hair short to keep it from getting to long and dirty. This does not affect the dog in any way (they sometimes get cold and start to shiver, hair long or short. Do not worry, just put them in a dog sweater, or move them inside or somewhere warmer for the time being).
Size
8 – 10 inches
Weight
4 – 6 poundsThe AKC standard weight for the Maltese states; prefer 4 - 6 lbs, but will accept 7lbs.
General Health
The Maltese is a comparatively healthy breed with few inherent problems. Some health concerns for the breed include luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and portosystemic liver shunt. The average life span for the Maltese is 12 to 15 years.The average life span of a quality Maltese is 15 to 18yrs
History
The Maltese is an ancient breed with a history that can be traced back many centuries. Some believe that the breed has existed for more than two thousand years, and Darwin believed the breed originated in 6000 BC. It is believed that the Maltese is descendant from a Spitz type dog found among the Swiss Lake dwellers. This dog would have been bred down to obtain the small size of the contemporary Maltese. While there is some evidence that the Maltese originated in Asia, the breed is usually associated with the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. They were probably taken to Europe through the Middle East by nomadic tribes. Today, the breed is a very popular companion and glamorous show dog.
Maintenance
The long coat of the Maltese should be brushed and combed on a daily basis. The breed should be bathed and dry shampooed regularly, and they should be thoroughly dried afterwards. Their eyes and ears should be cleaned daily to prevent staining, and excessive hair should be removed around the ears. The hair on top of their head is often tied up in a topknot. This breed sheds little to no hair and is highly recommended for those that suffer from allergies.
Ideal Environment
The Maltese is well-suited to life in a small household or apartment. They are a comparatively active breed indoors and they do not require a yard. They enjoy going for walks, but little effort on behalf of the owner is needed to keep these dogs properly exercised.
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Cassville, MO
Meet Carlisle!! He is a beautiful, round and white with black points Maltese. We is prrecious and loves attention. OUr...
Meet Carlisle!! He is a beautiful, round and white with black points Maltese. We is prrecious and loves attention. OUr...
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hollywood, CA
We are one of the UK's better breeders who use COI and health tests as the norm . Our dogs live in many countries and are...
We are one of the UK's better breeders who use COI and health tests as the norm . Our dogs live in many countries and are...
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Ask a QuestionMaltese Q&A
I have a one year old son, he seems to be alergic to dogs.His doctor says because he is young it will go away. Is that true? Can i get a maltese?
Hello,
I thought I'd help answer your question with my own experience.
I personally have bad allergies (pollen, dust, cats, dogs, etc.)
I have had those allergies since I was a child and haven't outgrown them. There would be no way of knowing for sure (realistically) if your son will outgrow them or not.
I used to have a Maltese and didn't SEEM to react. I did get sniffley at night, but there were cats that lived upstairs... My dog never gave me any rashes. I could travel in the car no problem. I could put him in my jacket no problem. But that is just me we are talking about and not your son. He would have to spend time with one to really find out. But then agian, ideally Maltese should only be handled by adults and older children...
You might want to consider waiting until he is older, Maltese are not normally recommended for small children due to their small size. Sorry if that dissapoints you. The concern is that a young child could pick up the dog and drop it. Or wrestle, or try to ride the dog etc.. I'm sure you would be supervising but it would save you a lot of headache if you didn't have to constantly worry about that. And mistakes can happen in a flash of an eye.
Hope this has helped. Poodles are another breed that some people with allergies can handle. They do come in 3 sizes (toy, Miniature, and Standard) That might be something to consider if you decide you need a sturdier dog.
I recently received a Maltese as a gift, he is two and a half years old. I took him to get his shots at a pet store and the vet administering the shots that day said he looked too under weight and refused to vaccinate him. He was estimated to weight about 6 LBS, Is this considered normal for a two and a half year old or should I be worried?
I have a teacup Maltese that weighed in at 1.8ounces and got her vaccinated. At 2 pounds she is going in for the remainder of her shots. Maltese typically weigh between 6-8 pounds teacups weigh 3-5 pounds so your dog sounds about the right weight.
My Maltese puppy has dark colored spots on his skin all along his back. They haven't seemed to bother him, and they are not raised. Are these spots something normal like freckles, or should I take him to the vet?
Maltese are very sensitive to the sun so if you had your maltese in the sun he/she may have been sun burned as a result the dark spots on the skin. That will not go away try pet sunscreen as to not harm the skin and sunburn. If it is not sunburn then yes a trip to the vet maybe needed.
I have a 1yr old maltese rescue, barks aggressivley at others dogs, I couldnt be happier with how he is with us as a family.. I was asked to take another rescuse in in the next few months, it will be puppy . I do not want to upset my first rescue any advice , does the sex matter . I own a male.
Your maltese is agressive for a reason maybe neglect maybe abuse. He is also getting used to the adjustment of a new home etc. I would not recommend adopting another dog as of yet even though maltese are known to love other animals you are dealing with a rescue pet who may feel resentment and not loved with the new pet. Just a suggestion to give the maltese lots of love attention and a waiting period before you add another loved one to the family.
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My dog Princess
I once had a Maltese cross when I was younger. She would follow mum around and then watch her when mum went inside from the back door. When Princess was younger she loved a good run at the park. We never trained Princess but sometimes she'd sit and stay when you told her. I loved her really, but she died of cancer or something like that a couple years ago.
Pros: gentle, loving, good with kids, rarely naughty
Cons: you have to be careful when lifting her when she's older