What are the negative traits of a Maltese dog

Maltese

For more than 28 centuries, the Maltese spaniel has been the aristocrat of the dog world. It is believed that the Maltese originated in Malta, a tiny island south of Sicily. It is only fitting that such a noble dog be established in Malta, whose civilization was distinguished by its sophistication and opulence.

One Maltese of note, Issa, was owned by Publius, the Roman governor of Malta in the 1st century. Issa was described in a celebrated epigram as frolicsome purer than a dove's kiss, gentler than a maiden more precious than Indian gems. Many famous authors and scholars, including Pliny the Elder and Strabo, wrote of the beauty, finesse and irresistible charm of the tiny Maltese dog. The Greeks erected tombs to their Maltese and, from the 5th century on, these ornate dogs are represented in Greek ceramic art. Archaeological evidence exists to show that Maltese dogs were owned by the Egyptians who may have worshiped them.

The Maltese has been highly valued in society throughout time. In fact, one account is of a Maltese being sold in the 1500s for the equivalent of $2,000. It is said that Maltese dogs were particularly popular with women who carried them in their bosoms or their sleeves. Invariably, scholars of yore drew attention to the breed's diminutive size. In 1792, the botanist Linnaeus referred to Maltese as being about the size of squirrels. The first Maltese exhibited in the United States was white and listed as a Maltese lion dog at Westminster's first dog show in 1877. The American Kennel Club registered the Maltese in 1888.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu are very easy to keep and quickly become obese if given too many treats. They do not need or want a mile hike every day, but they do enjoy walks and should be kept fit. Shih tzu do compete in obedience and agility with some success. Beware of exercising a shih tzu in hot, humid weather with the short muzzle, the breed is prone to heat stroke.

Hair is a four-letter word when it comes to the shih tzu. Most pet owners resort to a short year-round body clip, which looks quite nice and is very easy to care for. If you wish to keep the long flowing coat, you must be prepared for some serious grooming time. These dogs require weekly baths with oiling of the coat to help keep matting down and daily grooming to keep any foreign objects from catching in the coat. Dogs with the correct texture of coat do not mat nearly as much as those with a soft coat.

The shih tzu tends to require a large amount of personal attention each day. They thrive on human company and can easily become spoiled. They enjoy training and learning tricks, making them the center of attention. Shih tzu should be socialized to children early on, but they enjoy people of all ages. Do not count on your shih tzu to guard the house he would probably welcome a burglar with open paws.

Maltese

The stunning Maltese coat is pure white, silky, and straight, reaching all the way to the ground. Maltese dont have the undercoat typical to many breeds and dont shed much. On the down side, Maltese coats mat easily and become dirty. In addition, Maltese are prone to unsightly tear stains on their faces. Gently brush and comb the coat of your Maltese daily, even if he has a sporty short trim. This helps to prevent mats and keep him clean.

Beautiful though they may be, Maltese become dirty easily and usually must be bathed weekly. If your Maltese has long hair and develops mats, first try to work out the mat gently with your fingers, using a detangler spray or a coat conditioning oil. After youve pulled the mat apart as much as you can with your fingers, use the end tooth of the comb to loosen individual hairs. 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.

You should check your Malteses ears at least once a week. If they seem sensitive or have a bad odor, take him to the vet for a checkup. Also, Maltese grow a lot of hair in their ears that needs to be removed. Ask your groomer or vet to do this or to show you how to pluck the hair at home. Trim his nails once or twice a month if your dog doesnt wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems.

If you can hear them clicking on the floor, theyre too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. So, if youre not experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers. Tear and face staining are big problems for most Maltese owners. You should expect tear staining to begin when your puppy is four to five months old (thats the age that their adult teeth are coming in). To prevent or lessen tear- and face-staining of your adult Maltese, follow these steps:

• Clean the eyes daily with warm water to prevent tear stains, and wash your Malteses beard after meals.
• Teach your dog to drink from a water bottle. Water that has a high mineral content can cause staining, so consider purchasing purified bottled water for your Maltese.
• Feed your Maltese from a stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowl, not a plastic one. Be sure to wash your dogs bowl between feedings.

If these measures dont clear up the tear stains, consult your veterinarian. Your Maltese could have clogged tear ducts, allergies, or other health problems that are causing the excessive tearing. While there are many products on the market to whiten your dogs hair, be very careful if using them or any home remedies.

Many of them can damage your dogs hair, and never, never allow any products or foreign substances to get in your dogs eyes. Many people put the hair on the top of their Malteses head into a topknot to keep it away from the eyes. If you decide to do this, be sure to use coated bands that wont break the hair. Some people clip their dogs hair short, on its head or all over, so grooming is easier.

Brush your Malteses teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. If you notice that your Malteses cute black nose is turning pink, he might not be getting enough sunshine. Take him outside on a sunny day, or if its too cold to do that, take him for a car ride. The type of bowl that hes eating and drinking from could also cause the pigmentation change. If its plastic, pitch it. When a female is in heat, her nose can turn pink also.

Begin accustoming your Maltese to being brushed and examined when hes a puppy. Handle his paws frequently dogs are touchy about their feet and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and youll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when hes an adult. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

Maltese Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits

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The refined Maltese is famous for their beautiful flowing white coat and good-natured aristocratic charm. This toy-sized fun lover is a family-oriented sweetheart at their core but with a dynamic enthusiasm at home in nearly any household. Thankfully, theyre quite easy to care for in most ways too. If youve ever thought about welcoming a Maltese into your home or just want to learn more about them, youre on the right page! Join us below as we dive into everything you could ever want to know about this elegant ball of fluff.

Breed Overview

Suitable for:

Active families with or without children, singles, or seniors

Temperament:

Sweet, loyal, playful, bright

The Maltese is thought to hail from a line of cherished lapdogs from the island of Malta. Their lovable personality won the whole Mediterranean over, and countless depictions and writings about them have survived from the Roman days. Interestingly, nobody can agree whether the modern Maltese dog we know and love is actually related to the ancient Maltese whose name they bear.

Maltese Breed Characteristics

Energy

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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. Its important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.

Trainability

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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.

Health

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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.

Lifespan

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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesnt mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so its important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.

Sociability

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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, its important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

Maltese Breed Puppies

The Maltese is very popular and consistently ranks in the top 20 most popular dog breeds. That means youre more likely to have an easy time finding a puppy, but you may also have to contend with shady breeders trying to capitalize on that popularity. We suggest searching social media for Maltese groups, where owners can help you meet reputable breeders. The AKC marketplace is another great place to look where you can connect with accredited and screened Maltese breeders across the nation.

No matter where you search, you should always do your due diligence when contacting and interacting with breeders. Dishonest puppy mills treat their dogs poorly and keep them in unsanitary conditions while skimping on vital health screenings. It can be hard to tell a good breeder from a poor one at a glance, but there are some ways you can tell the difference.

Tips for Locating a Quality Maltese Breeder:

• Go to the breeder: Shady breeders like to meet in public places, while respectable ones welcome visitors to their facilities.
• Assess the facility: You can tell a lot about a breeder from a visit. Are the premises clean, spacious, secure, and appropriate for the dogs on-site, or are the dogs cramped, malnourished, and dirty?
• Meet the parents: If possible, ask to see the parents on-site or at least see photos to get an idea of what your puppy will look and act like when they grow up.
• Ask anything: Breeders should be knowledgeable about their breed, so fire away with questions. How are the puppies socialized? Have health screenings been performed? Is there any history of major health problems?

Temperament & Intelligence of the Maltese

Maltese are a zesty, bold, and very people-oriented breed that loves to be the star of the show. Theyre a little less hyperactive than youd expect and love to please you more than anything. Maltese bond closely with their families and dont like strangers, which youll learn from their fierce bark. Theyre big dogs in small bodies but with such tail-wagging swagger that you cant help but find them irresistible.

Maltese are naturally eager to please and have an amicable, if gregarious, charm that can win just about anyone over. Theyre smarter than they let on and sometimes have a wicked sense of humor thatll keep you on your toes. Despite all that, Maltese will go where you go. Theyre happy to be a couch potato snuggled up on the couch or trot alongside you on some light walks.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Maltese can be great family pets, but they can be impatient with kids, so we definitely recommend supervision. Early socialization with firm boundaries around children helps set their behavior up for success. Theyre quite playful and loving to all family members but can be a little snappish. This varies by individual personality a lotsome are more patient and tolerant while others are reserved and standoffish. Meeting the puppy and their parents helps you gauge the type of temperament theyll have, but you can never be certain.

Its also important to teach your little ones the importance of gentle handling because Maltese are quite fragile. Ground rules for proper interaction on both the human and dog side are needed to keep everyone safe.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Yes, Maltese get along famously with other furry housemates but need your help supervising because they dont know their own size! Its very easy for a Maltese to get hurt playing with other dogs, particularly breeds with little tolerance for their shenanigans. Early socialization is required to teach them the proper boundaries for play and when to chill out. They can become too much at times, and youll need to be there to identify when playtime is over.

Things to Know When Owning a Maltese

Food & Diet Requirements

Maltese are dainty but still need the highest quality nutrition to stay happy, healthy, and lively. About 20% to 24% protein is ideal for a Maltese, with puppies needing 28% to 32% protein to fuel their growing bodies. Choose a small kibble made for delicate toy-sized mouths and teeth. Big, chunky kibbles could harm their teeth, so always check that before buying.

Exercise

Maltese are only moderately active30 minutes to an hour per day should be fine. You can start by splitting playtime up into breezy walks or lighthearted romps in the house or outside. This breed is great for apartment dwellers, and its not hard to tucker them out if you stay on a regular routine. They behave well on the leash and are quick to learn tricks with the proper incentive (food). Short, daily training sessions to work on commands help keep their brain active.

If left to their own devices, Maltese can get very mouthy and start chewing items around your home. This makes mental enrichment just as important, especially if your Maltese spends much of their time indoors. Training alone wont cut it. We recommend mental games, like hide and seek, or enrichment toys, like snuffle mats or Kongs that you can stuff with delicious peanut butter (xylitol free).

Training

Maltese are intelligent and trainable, and they learn commands fairly quickly. The catch is that they can be very stubborn when they dont want to do something, requiring some patience on your part. Your best behavioral tool during training is consistent positive reinforcement. For example, start by rewarding your Maltese for responding to their name as a puppy. Once they get that down, you can move to more basic but still important commands like sit, stay, or heel.

Extensive but careful socialization is vital to forming a more well-rounded Maltese. Theyre well-mannered dogs in general, but theyre known for being willful. Begin socializing by taking your dog out on their leash and observing their reaction to stimuli like strangers, other dogs, and other animals like birds. If they bark or tug on the leash around another dog, for instance, stand still like a statue and appear indifferent. When they calm down, praise and reward them. You dont have to use treats all the time, but they certainly do help streamline the process!

Grooming

Maltese are not a low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. Their long, showy coat requires two or three full brushes per week to stay presentable. Even short puppy cuts require weekly sessions with a sturdy double-sided brush! We suggest misting the Malteses coat during your grooming sessions to prevent it from getting too dry. Every 2 to 3 weeks you should bathe them with a gentle dog shampoo with nourishing ingredients for their sensitive skinwe like this onewith oatmeal, cucumber, and aloe.

Maltese shed less than youd think, but they still shed a lot during spring and fall shedding seasons. Be prepared to brush them more often during these times and consider investing in a vacuum with a HEPA-rated filter to suck up allergens floating around. If anyone at home suffers from allergies, this is a must.

Health and Conditions

Maltese are usually healthy dogs that live a long 12 to 15 years. Good breeders screen for the most major health conditions they inherit, but you cant ever rule them out 100%. Even the healthiest Maltese can suddenly have problems appear.

Minor Conditions

• Joint problems: Young Maltese who get too much vigorous exercise are prone to developing joint conditions like luxating patella, as well as arthritic dysplasia in the elbow or hip joints.
• Dental problems: Like most breeds, the Maltese needs regular dental care like teeth brushing to discourage dental diseases from attacking the gums and teeth.

Serious Conditions

• Heart problems: Maltese are predisposed to congenital heart defects, like patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and developing heart disease when they reach old age.
• Liver shunt: The Maltese is far more likely than other breeds to develop a liver shunt, which can cause alarming behavioral changes and eventually worse if left untreated.

Male vs. Female

Male Maltese are a little larger but slower to grow than females, who fill out smaller when fully grown. There are a few major differences as far as personality. Males are more likely to mark and run away if not neutered. Thankfully, males are a bit cheaper to neuter than the corresponding price to spay a female.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Maltese

1. Maltese May Not Be Real Maltese

We call them Maltese, and some think they are from Malta, but others arent so sure. Historians have yet to identify a concrete link between the ancient Maltese kept as pets by the Romans and Hellenistic Greeks. As far as we can tell, the modern Maltese is most closely related to other fluffy breeds, like the Bichon Frise and Havanese.

2. Celebrities Love the Maltese

Countless celebrities across the eras became smitten with the Maltese. Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Patrick Stewart are a few household names who have owned Maltese pups. Marilyn Monroes Maltese was even given to her by Sinatra as a gift.

3. Theyve Had a Host of Names

As to be expected with an ancient breed, the Maltese has been called by a lot of different names through the years and across the globe. Maltese Terrier, Maltese Lion Dog, and Ancient Dog of Malta are just a couple of the most impressive theyve gone by.

Final Thoughts

Maltese are one of the top dog breeds in the world for very good reason, between their flashy coat and vibrant presence. They take some grooming work to keep presentable, but otherwise, continue to make some of the finest lapdog family companions you can own.

Featured Image Credit: SasaStock, Shutterstock