Maltese Dog Country of origin : Cuba
Maltese Dog Original and Today’s Function : Companion Dog
This dog breed is suitable as a companion dog for people with or without children. The Maltese Dog is genuine companion dog in the true sense of the world. This dog breed does not cope very well in very chaotic household and does best in harmonious environment.

Maltese Dog Appearance

Maltese Dog Body

Maltese Dog is an elegant little dog with a body that is longer than it is tall which makes it seem long and narrow. The skin lies flat across the entire body, including the head, and is free from wrinkles throughout. The withers are slightly above the level topline. The loins are full, muscular, and not raised above the topline. The belly is slightly tucked up and the hollows of the flanks should not be too pronounced.The Maltese Dog’s neck is dry and held high, which makes it seem as if the head is tilted backwards. The length of the neck is nearly equal to half the shoulder height.

Maltese Dog head
The head length is six elevenths of the shoulder height and the muzzle length is third of the total head length. The fairly large nose is vertical when viewed in profile. The ears are triangular and flat, and just over one third of the shoulder height. They are set on high and hang and close to the head.Maltese Dog’s eyes are fairly large with close-fitting lids. They should never be deep set. Maltese terriers have a scissor bite.

Maltese Dog weight and shoulder height
Maltese Terriers weight approx 6½ – 8½ lb ( 3-4 kg )
Maltese Dog’s shoulder height range from 8½ – 10¼ inc ( 21 – 26 cm ) and for bitches 7½ – 9½ inc ( 20 – 24 cm ). Dogs that are exceptionally beautiful may be half inch ( 1 cm ) taller

Maltese Dog coat and colors

The Maltese Dog has thick, shiny, heavy and very long coat that is silky in texture. The average length of hair on the body is 8½ inch ( 22cm ). In practice, this means that the coat of an adult Maltese reaches down to the ground. The coat hangs with a parting on the back and there is no undercoat.
The coat Color should be pure white, although a light shade of ivory white is also allowed. Lemon shades are considered a fault. The eyes are dark ocher. The nose, pads, lips and eye trims are black, the claws should be dark in color, although black claws are preferred, and the skin should be well pigmented.

Maltese Dog temperament

Maltese Dog character

Dogs of this breed are cheerful, gentle, pliable and amiable animals. They are friendly, loveable and playful and sensitive by nature. Harsh words affect them deeply. They are fairly intelligent and eager to learn. They are even-tempered, rarely nervous and aggressiveness is alien to them. They become devoted to their owners and the family and do not like to be left alone. In fact, this is not really necessary either because their diminutive size means they can be taken everywhere. Partly due to their great adaptability these dogs are no bother to anyone. They are totally unsuitable as kennel dogs. They will bark when something is amiss, but are not excessive barkers.

Maltese Dog social behavior
These dogs are very sociable and get along fine with other dogs, household pets and children, although the owners does need to make sure the dog is not pestered by children. Visitors are usually greeted boisterously.

Maltese general dog care

Maltese Dog grooming
The Maltese Dog requires extremely intensive grooming. The coat should be long, down to the ground kept away from the face with a hair band.The coat should be thoroughly combed daily and washed regularly. Keeping the coat in show condition is very hard.Owners of show dogs oil the coat and wind the hair in curling papers to prevent it from breaking. The coat of Maltese Dog that are kept as house dogs can be clipped a little shorter now and then to simplify the grooming. Sometimes hairs can grow in the corners of the eyes which can irritate the eye. It is a good idea to remove such hairs. Some Maltese Dogs may get unsightly tear stains which can be prevented using a special lotion. Although the grooming requirements of the Maltese Dog should not be underestimated, one great advantage of its coat is that it does not shed; dead hairs simply stick to the brush during the grooming.

Maltese Dog Training

This dog breed is fairly easy to train. If you are consistent and clear, give cheerful commands and reward the dog for desirable behavior then a Maltese Dog will learn very quickly. But because it is very sensitive to harsh words and negative vibes in the house it should not be trained with a firm approach.

Maltese Dog exercise
A Maltese Dog does not need to be taken for long walks, but if you are a keen walker this dog will love to accompany you. You need not fear that your Maltese Dog might run off, because it does not like to lose sight of you. In doors a Maltese Dog tends to be very quite.