| The Maltese is a very popular toy breed. They are a | | | | Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and |
| healthy breed but care must be taken against | | | | tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal |
| extremes of temperature. They will do fine in an | | | | disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss |
| apartment, just needing daily walks. They are playful, | | | | of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. |
| fun loving dogs and they make great watch dogs. | | | | Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and |
| They are good with older, considerate children and | | | | clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow |
| they also tolerate other animals well. They do take | | | | slower than the toenails of the front feet. |
| considerable grooming to keep their beautiful coats in | | | | Life Span |
| shape. | | | | The Maltese can live between 9 and 11 years with |
| Approximate Adult Size | | | | proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living |
| The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of | | | | conditions. |
| the male Maltese is 8 to 10 inches to the withers | | | | History |
| (highest point of the shoulder) and 5 to 9 pounds. The | | | | The Maltese comes from Malta where they were |
| female ranges from 8 to 9 inches to the withers and 4 | | | | kept as pets by the kings and queens. They were first |
| to 8 pounds. | | | | registered by the American Kennel Association in 1888. |
| Special Health Considerations | | | | Some Registries |
| Most dog breeds have certain inherited health | | | | - American Maltese Association |
| problems associated with that specific breed and the | | | | - UKC United Kennel Club |
| Maltese is no exception. Although considered to be a | | | | - NKC National Kennel Club |
| healthy breed, be on the look out for genetic eye | | | | - CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| disorders, slipped stifle, sun burn, skin and teeth | | | | - APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. |
| problems. This disease list is an informative guideline | | | | - AKC American Kennel Club |
| only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, | | | | - FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale |
| please contact your veterinarian for a complete list. | | | | - NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| She should visit the veterinarian several times in the | | | | - KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain |
| first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as | | | | - ANKC Australian National Kennel Club |
| an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for | | | | - ACR American Canine Registry |
| shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and | | | | Litter Size |
| on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for | | | | 2 to 4 Maltese puppies |
| check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your | | | | Category |
| dog sweets. | | | | Toy |
| Grooming | | | | Terms To Describe |
| The Maltese is covered with a single layer of long silky | | | | Eager, affectionate, vigorous, playful, lively, fearless, fun, |
| hair which is white in color. Her lack of undercoat | | | | loving, intelligent |
| leaves her at a disadvantage in weather extremes. | | | | SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| She needs daily brushing and combing. Brushing will | | | | - Good choice for allergy sufferers. |
| help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats | | | | - Makes a great lap dog. |
| and help you keep a closer eye on her health and | | | | - Good watch dog. |
| strengthen your emotional bond with her. Her eyes | | | | - Good at obedience. |
| should be cleaned daily to guard against stains. | | | | - Fast learner. |
| Consider an occasional professional grooming. Weekly | | | | SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| baths are probably ok but be careful not to chill her. | | | | - Does poorly in weather extremes. |
| Her ears should be checked once a week and be | | | | - Poor guard dog. |
| kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, | | | | - Can be difficult to housebreak. |
| make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the | | | | - Can snap. |
| package. No water or excess fluid should get in the | | | | - Can be a picky eater. |
| dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear | | | | Other Names Known By |
| cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. | | | | Melitaie Dog, the Comforter Dog, Ye Ancient Roman |
| Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or | | | | Ladies Dog, the Maltese Lion Dog, and the Spaniel |
| moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she | | | | Gentle. |
| seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, | | | | Every dog is an individual so not everything in this |
| or tumor, consult your veterinarian. | | | | information may be correct for your dog. This |
| Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week | | | | information is meant as a good faith guideline only. |
| with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. | | | | |