Maltese Temperament

The Maltese is a popular toy dog, ranking fairly high on the AKC popularity list. Mild mannered, affectionate, and loving, the Maltese makes a fine companion dog and a good family pet. Thee dogs are well suited to inexperienced dog owners as well as to the more experienced, and their intelligence, alertness, and high learning rate helps to make training easier - although they can be very difficult to housebreak. The Maltese has plenty of energy and spirit, and loves to play. He has an inquisitive and curious nature, and for a small dog can be quite confident when well socialized. These dogs tend to fare well in obedience training, and enjoy a variety of mental stimulation to keep them alert.

The Maltese is a dog that thrives on the love, affection, and companionship of his family, and is not the breed for those with little time to dedicate to a pet. He makes an effective watchdog, as he will bark to raise an alarm or to announce visitors. The Maltese gets along well with children but does not like to be handled roughly, so gentler, older children are best suited to this breed. They will usually be police and friendly around strangers, but many will not get along with other pets, and may stand up to much larger dogs. This breed will be fine with apartment living, but needs regular leashed walks or a safe, securely fenced area to exercise and play.

History
The Maltese originates from Malta, and enjoys a long history. Once a favorite with nobility and the wealth, the breed was introduced to America in 1877. The Maltese was registered with the AKC in 1888.


Appearance
The Maltese is a small, very elegant and dainty looking dog, with a sweet expression and a dignified stance. The coat of the Maltese is long and straight, with a beautiful silky texture. The coloring of the coat is white, and the Maltese may have some light lemon coloring on the ears. These small dogs are only around 4-6 pounds in weight, and around 8 inches in height.


Grooming
When it comes to grooming, you will need to brush the beautiful coat of the Maltese on a daily basis in order to keep it looking good. Clipping may be required every couple of months. You should also check that the eyes are clean, and trim the hair around the bottom for hygiene reasons. To reduce the risk of infection you should ensure that his ears are clean and dry. When properly groomed the Maltese is a low shedder, and can therefore prove suitable for those with allergies.

Health
The life expectancy of the Maltese is around 12-15 years, and there are a number of health problems associated with this breed. Some of these include glaucoma, deafness, thyroid problems, low blood sugar, sensitivity to chemicals and drugs, dental problems, luxating patella, PRA, and entropion. The parents of the Maltese puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.

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