Maltese

Size: Small
Other Names: Bichon Maltaise, Isle of Malta Dog
Country of Origin: Island of Malta
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Toy
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Toys
United Kennel Club (UKC): Companion Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Toys
The Kennel Club (KC): Toy
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Toy
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Toy

Height:

Male: 8¼-10 inches; Female: 7½-9 inches

Weight:

3-7 pounds

Color(s):

Pure white, infrequently with an ivory tinge, or traces of orange

Coat:

Single; long, silky, straight, flat

Description:

The Maltese is thought to have been descended from a Spitz type dog found among the Swiss Lake dwellers, and bred down to obtain its small size, however the exact origin is unknown.

Temperament:

The Maltese is a docile companion who is intelligent, lively, and very affectionate.  He loves time with his owner, and thrives on love and attention.  He is extremely lively and playful, and his energy and playful demeanor remain fairly constant throughout his lifetime.  Maltese are very good with children and infants, however can occasionally be a little snappy with smaller children and should be supervised when playing.  They enjoy running, and are more inclined to play games of chase, rather than play with toys.  The Maltese is very active with a house.  He prefers enclosed spaces, and does very well with small yards, apartments, and townhouses.  Maltese are friendly dogs to people they know.  Maltese seem to be without fear, and seem indifferent to creatures and objects larger than themselves.  This makes them very easy to socialize with other dogs, and even cats.  They make very good friends with different breeds, especially the Lhasa Apso.  While Maltese are not given to excessive barking, they will generally sound the alarm at noises in the night.

Training:

Socializing Maltese at a young age with children can reduce any snappiness they may have around smaller children.

Care & Grooming:

Maltese do not require much physical exercise, however should be walked daily.  Daily cleaning is required to prevent the risk of tear-staining.  Tear stain can be readily removed if a fine-toothed metal comb, moistened with lukewarm water, is carefully drawn through the snout hair just below the eyes.  Many veterinarians recommend avoiding foods treated with food coloring and serving distilled water to reduce tear staining.  Also, giving the dog bottled water may help.  Regular grooming is also required, to prevent his coat from matting.  Many owners will keep their Maltese clipped in a "puppy cut", a 1-2 inch all over trim that makes the dog resemble a puppy.

Shedding:

Low; the long single coat behaves more like hair than fur.

Health:

Maltese may develop dental crowding, patellar luxation, and tear staining.  Daily tooth care and keeping this toy breed lean prevent many common problems.

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Litter Size:

2–4 puppies