| Man’s best friend comes in all shapes and sizes | | | | any pack-oriented animal, they might not do well with |
| from massive Great Danes to microscopic Teacup | | | | small children or strangers. They are very territorial and |
| Chihuahuas. It pays to be educated about the breed of | | | | likely to be protective of the family unit. |
| dog you’re considering. Here are some things to | | | | Like anything else with hair, a Maltese must be |
| take into account about the Maltese. | | | | regularly groomed to prevent matting. Some |
| The Maltese is a member of the toy class, usually | | | | caretakers find a way around the chore by keeping |
| weighing between three and 10 pounds. Its most | | | | their dogs in what is known as a “puppy cut” or |
| prominent characteristic is its long, flowing white hair | | | | a “teddy bear cut,” where the hair is kept short, |
| with no undercoat. Because the Maltese don’t | | | | about a half an inch, all over the body. This style is |
| have fur like other breeds, it will lose hair the way | | | | certainly less fuss and may be more comfortable for |
| humans do instead of shedding like most dogs. | | | | the dog, but it’s not acceptable for a show dog. |
| Perhaps the most interesting and unique characteristic | | | | Maltese are relatively healthy dogs, usually unburdened |
| of the breed is its color-changing nose. The nose can | | | | with the afflictions of other pure breeds. However, |
| change from coal black to a light brownish color or | | | | luxating patella, white dog shaker syndrome and |
| even pink depending on the amount of sunlight the | | | | progressive retinal atrophy are common in Maltese |
| animal is exposed to. The nose of a female Maltese | | | | that do develop problems. Luxating patella is a |
| may change color when she goes onto heat. | | | | condition in which the kneecap slips out of place. White |
| Because Maltese don’t shed if properly and | | | | dog shaker syndrome is a sudden onset of tremors, |
| regularly groomed, they make good pets for people | | | | sometimes full seizures, that troubles only white dogs. |
| who suffer with allergies. | | | | Progressive retinal atrophy is just what it sounds like. It |
| The breed’s temperament lends itself to | | | | will eventually result in blindness for which there is no |
| companionship. The Maltese is happiest when in the | | | | cure. |
| company of family and friends being lavished with | | | | In keeping with the designer breed trend, Maltese are |
| affection. Like most small breeds, they are energetic | | | | often bred with other breeds, such as poodles, to |
| and given to sudden bouts of activity, but their small | | | | emphasize their sweet nature and intelligence. |
| size makes them a good option for apartment | | | | Cory enjoys writing about dogs and other pets. Find |
| dwellers. Maltese are very smart. Their high intellect | | | | more of her articles at Pets 247, a pet website where |
| makes them easy to train and quick at picking up new | | | | you can find online pet resources, pet directories, pet |
| tricks. | | | | forums, reviews and more. |
| Maltese are generally good natured and playful, but like | | | | |