|
The Maltese breed origin is debated by dog experts. Some say
it came from China. Others choose Italy. One theory says the
Maltese was probably brought to England during the
Crusades. This dog, a true Toy, is small
enough for women to carry them in their purses.
So, the Maltese would be a
fantastic choice for apartment dwellers or in small houses. But be sure
to take it outside for regular walks and running, if possible. They are
also very active inside the house.
The Maltese is a very lovable dog. It becomes very loyal to its owners.
The Maltese stands
approximately 10 inches tall. This is certainly a Toy dog breed. Its weight should be between 6 and 9 pounds, and he had a long drape of straight, white silken fur. Maltese are quite lovable and sweet little dogs and have been members of aristocracy for over 2,800 years. This breed was known well to Italy, Greece, and of course Malta. This breed can live up to approximately 15 years old.
A Maltese is just the right size for apartment living, and can
easily tolerate close quarters with their master. This breed
needs regular exercise, but they can also be very active
indoors. Just some short walks each day and regular play time
will be enough.
Despite being so cuddly, this dog does not need excessive pampering, in order to damage their natural sweetness, which can make them highly over protective of their owner but also jealous of anyone else who tries to intrude between them and their master. This dog can be difficult to handle if not trained to defer to family members and know its place in the household. The Maltese like other breeds needs proper obedience training to learn socialization.
Maltese dogs are not a breed that sheds, but the coat can
easily become matted and dirty. Maltese owners need the
correct grooming supplies on hand including a comb, brush, and
dog shampoo. These will help with regular care for the
Maltese.
When the dog's hair is not kept cut short and combed daily,
but instead his hair is left to grow long, the coat will trail
on the floor and require at least daily brushing. Be sure to
give him a bath at least once per month as well to keep his
coat pure white. The coat can be clipped on a regular basis.
This breed can be
difficult to care for. Its white silky coat needs regular
attention, and his eyes do as well. The Maltese can commonly
suffer from tear stain, which is an ailment causing the dog's
eyes to be watery and form a thick discharge near the corner
of the eye. This will also causes hair under the dog's eyes to
change to a deep rusty red. By moving their hair from their
eyes, such as tying it with a ribbon when it is long, and
wiping away discharge, this can help control tear stain.
|