| altese is a small Toy dog that stands no more than 10 | | | | is because his silky white coat requires daily care, as |
| inches at the shoulders. He weighs between 6 – | | | | does his eyes. This breed is susceptible to tear stain, a |
| 9 pounds and is covered in a long mantle of white, | | | | condition that causes the dog to have watery eyes |
| straight silky fur. Maltese are extremely sweet and | | | | that form goopy discharge at the corner of the eyes. It |
| loveable little dogs that have been apart of aristocracy | | | | also causes the hair under the Maltese’s eye |
| for more than 28 centuries. This breed was celebrated | | | | to turn a deep rusted red color. Keeping their hair out |
| by the Greeks, Italians and, of course, residents of | | | | of their eyes, by tying it up on their head if it is long, and |
| Malta. | | | | by wiping up the buildup, helps keep tear stain under |
| Even though the breed is now adored by both the rich | | | | control. |
| and everyday people, he still holds true to his natural | | | | Maltese dogs do not shed, but their coat easily mats |
| traits of devotion, love and trust towards his owner. | | | | and becomes dirty. This means anyone who owns a |
| The gentle temperament of the Maltese and his | | | | Maltese must be prepared to purchase grooming |
| spirited nature is what continues to win the hearts of | | | | supplies such as combs, a brush, and dog shampoo. All |
| so many. | | | | of these items are a regular part of Maltese care. |
| That being said, they should not be overly pampered | | | | If the dog does not have his hair clipped short (which |
| as this can ruin their ideal temperament traits and | | | | requires daily combing), and his hair is left long so that it |
| make the dog extremely overprotective of their | | | | trials on the floor, his coat will require brushing a few |
| owner, and jealous of others that spend time with their | | | | times per day. Furthermore, he should have a bath |
| master. Furthermore, they will be hard to control if he is | | | | once a month to keep his coat a pristine white. The |
| allowed to walk over his family. Like all dogs, he must | | | | coat should also be clipped regularly. |
| be taught his place in your home. He requires proper | | | | Maltese usually live to be 15 years of age. In rare |
| socialization and basic obedience training. | | | | cases, they have even been known to live as long as |
| Maltese are the perfect size for apartments and are | | | | 18 years. They are prone to sunburn, kidney stones, |
| happy living in close quarters with their owner. They do | | | | tooth, eye, and knee problems. These dogs also tend |
| require sufficient exercise, but they are rather active | | | | to shake. This could be because the dog has the chills |
| indoors. Therefore, a few short walks per day and | | | | or is experiencing a condition known as White Dog |
| play time should suffice. | | | | Shaker Syndrome. |
| This breed is easier to love than he is to care for. This | | | | |