It is believed that the Maltese or, as it is also called – Maltese, is the oldest of the European Toy – breeds. These dogs were very fond of the aristocracy, the nobility, as well as members of the royal families; these are very well-mannered and extremely gentle dogs. The Maltese displays a noble and truly royal demeanor.
Characteristic
With all its appearance, Maltese evokes admiration and brings joy. These are very intelligent, cheerful and playful dogs, which, moreover, are extremely human-oriented. They enjoy being in the spotlight, whether it’s their own family or the show ring. Maltese literally captivates you at first sight, it is a loving and very devoted companion.
Character
The Maltese is affectionate, trusting and very obedient. As a rule, dogs of this breed are extremely friendly and loving, they just love it when you hold them in your arms and now and then climb to hug you. They get along well with other pets, but you should not get this dog if you have too small or too playful children in your family who can hurt her. They are very attached to the person and are terribly sad when you leave them alone for long periods of time. Despite its small size, Maltese is always ready to protect his master, he will bark desperately and may even bite if he suddenly feels threatened. It is a fearless, energetic, and very agile breed. Maltese devotes himself completely to his master and his family.
Wool and care
Maltese is dressed in an elegant robe of long silky wool. The coat is straight, snow-white in color, there is no undercoat. Maltese do not shed. A luxurious long raincoat of snow-white color is the main distinguishing feature of the Maltese. Such a beautiful delicate fine wool requires daily brushing and combing so that it does not tangle and so that mats do not form in it. You should regularly bathe your dog or brush its coat with dry shampoo. To prevent Maltese’s eyes from turning red, they must be cleaned regularly. Do not forget to constantly check your pet’s ears and remove dirt and regrown hairs from them. Common conditions for this breed are skin problems, breathing problems and eye inflammation. Too hot or humid climate is not suitable for Maltese. These dogs can be extremely picky about their food and often have stomach upsets. In order to avoid early loss of teeth, it is necessary to carefully monitor the oral hygiene of the dog.
Training
Maltese, like other small breed dogs, hardly learns to keep the room clean, so at first it is recommended to keep it in a special box. Very good on the behavior of the dog is affected by early socialization. Training should never be overly harsh or rigorous; it should be based on tenderness, love for the dog, reward, consistency and patience. In general, obedience is inherent in Maltese at the genetic level, so you do not need to spend a lot of time in order to specially train a dog for this wisdom. On the other hand, dogs of this breed learn to perform all kinds of tricks with pleasure and skill.
Activity
Maltese does not need extensive and intense training; dogs of this breed are quite suitable for keeping in a city apartment or condominium. They enjoy daily walks, indoor games, or active and noisy games in a small, well-fenced yard. Maltese is a very social dog, so he may well play with children in a nearby park. Of course, the dog must be monitored and kept on a secure leash.