Maltese

The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, with a history that spans millennia. Originating from the island of Malta in the central Mediterranean Sea (though some theories suggest other Mediterranean origins like Sicily or Melita), these charming white dogs have been prized companions for at least 2,800 years. References to Maltese-like dogs appear in ancient Greek and Roman literature and art. Aristotle even mentioned them around 370 B.C. They were beloved by royalty, nobles, and wealthy merchants across the ancient world, often carried by ladies in their sleeves or laps.

It’s believed that Phoenician traders may have brought the ancestors of the Maltese to Malta, where they were refined over centuries in relative isolation. They were highly valued, sometimes even attributed with healing powers. Despite the fall of the Roman Empire and the changing tides of history, the Maltese breed endured, continuing to be a favorite lapdog for European aristocracy through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. They arrived in England during the reign of Henry VIII and became favorites of Queen Elizabeth I. The Maltese was first exhibited in the United States in the 1870s and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888, solidifying its status as a cherished companion breed worldwide.

The Maltese is the quintessential companion dog, known for its gentle, playful, and affectionate nature. They thrive on being with their people and are known to form very strong bonds with their families. Despite their delicate appearance, Maltese are often surprisingly brave and can be quite spirited and fearless, making them alert little watchdogs that will happily announce visitors or unusual sounds.

They are intelligent and generally eager to please, but they can also have a mischievous and playful streak. Maltese are known for their “zoomies” or bursts of energy where they’ll tear around the house with delight. They are generally good with other dogs and pets, as well as with considerate children, though their small size means interactions with very young children should always be supervised to prevent accidental injury. Maltese are sensitive dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement and gentle handling. They can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, as their primary desire is to be close to their loved ones.

The Maltese’s most striking feature is its long, straight, silky white single coat (they have no undercoat). This beautiful coat requires significant daily grooming to prevent tangles and mats, especially if kept long and flowing to the floor as seen in show dogs. Daily brushing and combing down to the skin are essential to keep the coat clean, healthy, and mat-free.

Many pet Maltese owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” for easier maintenance, which still requires regular brushing (several times a week) and professional grooming every few weeks. The long hair on the head is often tied up in a topknot to keep it out of their eyes and prevent irritation. Maltese are prone to tear staining around their eyes, which requires regular gentle cleaning with a vet-approved solution to minimize discoloration. Regular baths with a high-quality whitening dog shampoo, nail trims, ear cleaning, and diligent dental care (as small breeds are prone to dental issues) are all crucial parts of their grooming regimen.

Maltese have moderate exercise needs that can be met with short daily walks and regular indoor or outdoor playtime. They are lively and enjoy playing but do not require extensive, strenuous activity. A couple of short walks each day, along with some fun games like fetch with a small toy or a lively romp in a securely fenced yard, will keep them happy and fit.

They are well-suited to apartment living due to their small size and manageable exercise requirements. Maltese enjoy being part of family activities and will often get a good deal of exercise simply by following their owners around and engaging in household play. It’s important to provide them with mental stimulation as well, through interactive toys or learning simple tricks, to keep their bright minds engaged.

Maltese are generally a healthy breed with a long lifespan, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these issues. Potential health concerns include:

• Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap, common in toy breeds.
• Dental Problems: Due to their small mouths, they are prone to overcrowding, tartar buildup, and gum disease, which can lead to early tooth loss if not managed.
• Portosystemic Shunt (PSS) or Liver Shunt: A congenital condition where blood bypasses the liver.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, particularly a risk in tiny puppies or very small adults.
• White Shaker Dog Syndrome (Generalized Tremor Syndrome): Causes full-body tremors, more common in small white dog breeds.
• Tracheal Collapse: A condition where the windpipe weakens. Using a harness instead of a collar for walks is often recommended.
• Eye Issues: Such as tear staining, distichiasis (ingrown eyelashes), and occasionally Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
• Heart Conditions: Such as Mitral Valve Disease.

Choosing a reputable breeder who performs health testing, providing diligent dental care, regular veterinary check-ups, and careful handling are important for a Maltese’s health.

Maltese are intelligent little dogs that can learn quickly and often enjoy the attention that comes with training sessions. However, they can also have a slightly stubborn or manipulative streak, using their undeniable charm to try and get their way. They are sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement training methods using praise, small tasty treats, and play.

Key aspects of training a Maltese include:

• Early Socialization: Expose your Maltese puppy to a variety of people, sights, sounds, and other animals in a positive way to build their confidence and prevent them from becoming overly timid or yappy.
• Positive Reinforcement: Keep training sessions short, fun, upbeat, and rewarding. Harsh methods or corrections will be counterproductive and can damage their trusting nature.
• House Training: Can sometimes be challenging for small breeds; consistency, patience, and a regular potty schedule are crucial. Crate training can be a helpful tool.
• Basic Obedience: Teach commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Good leash manners are also important, using a harness for safety.
• Managing Barking: They can be prone to barking; train a “quiet” command.

Puppy classes specifically for toy breeds can be very beneficial for socialization and foundational training. Their intelligence and desire for attention make them good candidates for learning cute tricks.