When it comes to man’s best friend, they come in all shapes and sizes from massive Great Danes to microscopic Teacup Chihuahuas. It pays to be educated about the breed of dog you’re considering. There are a few things that you need to take into account when it comes to the Maltese.
The Maltese is a member of the toy class, usually weighing between three and 10 pounds. Its long, flowing white hair with no undercoat is its most prominent character. The Maltese will lose hair the way humans do instead of shedding like most dogs because it doesn’t have fur like the other breeds. Its color-changing nose is perhaps the most interesting and unique characteristic of the breed. It is possible for the nose to change from coal black to a light brownish color or even pink and it would depend on the amount of sunlight the animal is exposed to. When a female Maltese goes onto heat, then her nose may change color.
A Maltese doesn’t shed if properly and regularly groomed so they make good pets for people who suffer with allergies.
The breed’s temperament lends itself to companionship. The Maltese is very happy when it is in the company of family and friends being lavished with affection. Their small size makes them a good option for apartment dwellers and like most small breeds, they are also energetic and given to sudden bouts of activity. Not to mention that the Maltese are very smart as well. Because of their high intellect, they are considered easy to train and quick at picking up new tricks.
The Maltese, like any pack-oriented animal, might not do well with small children or strangers even though they are generally good natured and playful. They are likely to be protective of the family unit and are very territorial.
Like anything else with hair, a Maltese must be regularly groomed to prevent matting. Some caretakers find a way around the chore by keeping their dogs in what is known as a “puppy cut” or a “teddy bear cut,” where the hair is kept short, about a half an inch, all over the body. It may be more comfortable for the dog, but it’s not acceptable for a show dog even though this style is certainly less fuss.
Relatively known as healthy dogs are the Maltese and they are usually unburdened with the afflictions of other pure breeds. But common in Maltese that do develop problems are luxating patella, white dog shaker syndrome and progressive retinal atrophy. Luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of place. White dog shaker syndrome is a sudden onset of tremors, sometimes full seizures, that troubles only white dogs. Also, progressive retinal atrophy is what this can sound like as well. It will eventually result in blindness for which there is no cure.
In keeping with the designer breed trend, Maltese are often bred with other breeds, such as poodles, to emphasize their sweet nature and intelligence.
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