Coat:The Maltese has an
elegant mantle of long, silky hair. The coat is straight,
lacks an undercoat, and is pure bright white in color. They
are non-shedding. Their luxurious cloak of white is the
hallmark of the Maltese.
Overview:The Maltese is
considered to be the oldest of the European Toy breeds.
Nobles, royals, and aristocracy favored them. They are very
well mannered and affectionate. The Maltese displays a
graceful and regal demeanor.
Character:The Maltese
exudes great joy and delight. They are highly intelligent,
animated, and playful. They are very social. They are happy
and content being the center of attention whether they are
with their family or in the show ring. This endearing breed
is bright, loving, and a deeply devoted companion.
Temperament:The Maltese
is gentle, trusting, and obedient. They are typically good
natured and amiable and love to be held and cuddled. They
will tolerate other pets, but are not suitable for
inconsiderate or ill-behaved children. They most often will
establish a close bond with one person. They do not do well
when left alone for extended periods of time. They may be
over-protective of their owner, family, and territory, and
bark or bite if they perceive a threat. They are a fearless,
vigorous, and agile breed. The Maltese commit themselves
fully to their owner and families.
Care:The Maltese coat
requires daily brushing and combing to prevent matting. The
coat is extremely soft and silky, so gentle care is highly
recommended. They need to be bathed or dry shampooed on a
regular basis. The eyes need daily cleaning to prevent
staining. It is also important to keep their ears clean and
free from stray hair. They may be prone to eye problems,
skin disorders, and respiratory problems. The Maltese do not
do well in very hot climates or damp conditions. They may be
finicky eaters and suffer indigestion. Dental hygiene is
important to prevent tooth loss.
Training:The Maltese may
be difficult to housebreak so crate training is recommended.
They do best with early socialization. Training must never
be harsh in nature. It must be done with gentle love,
consistency, reward, and patience. They are adept at
learning tricks. The Maltese does not need extensive
obedience training, as they are naturally obedient to their
Master.
Activity:The Maltese
does not require a high level of exercise. They are suitable
for apartment or condominium living. They enjoy a daily
walk, indoor play sessions, or a romp and run in a secured
small yard. The Maltese loves to be social, so a play date
at the park is always welcomed. They must be supervised and
securely leashed.
Ownership:If
you are looking for Maltese puppies for sale from reputable
Maltese breeders or to adopt a Maltese from a Maltese
rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog
breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed
is different. Begin your research by reading the breed
information about the Maltese puppy above. We are available
to answer any questions you may have...call us at
716-834-6131.
