Maltese Pups Facts and Health Problems Information
Maltese dogs are the quintessential lap dog. They love to sit with their owners for hours and were favorites of the royal families – especially with the ladies. These women would often carry Maltese to demonstrate their station in life and proclaim their prestige. History and Appearance The Greek Philosopher Theophrastus and Aristotle both alluded to the Maltese in their writings. Today, they are adored and a pampered pet, as well as a reputable show dog in the ring. They are members of the Toy Group and were accepted in 1888. The Lhasa Apso (the Tibetan Terrier) has been linked in the genetic makeup of the Maltese, as well as the Pekinese. They are an absolutely historical dog with a proud heritage. Aristotle claimed that the Island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea was where this dog came from, hence the name “Maltese.” The Maltese may be small, but they have exceptional features. The Maltese is petite, but they have a very strong build. They have a luxurious white coat that appears silky and hangs straight to the ground. The most common color is pure white, but they can have either light ivory or light lemon ears. They will be roughly 10 inches tall and anywhere from 3 to 10 pounds. Grooming and Health Problems The coat of the Maltese needs daily brushing to stay shiny. Their coat is very soft and you will also need to clean their eyes daily to prevent staining. They will need their beard cleaned after they eat and regular baths are a good idea. The Maltese does shed much at all. The Maltese can have sunburns and other skin problems, as well as respiratory, eye and teeth problems. They are most comfortable in mild weather and can have digestive problems, making it difficult to feed them. Characteristics The Maltese fits well in an apartment or other small surrounding. These adaptable creatures will exercise themselves, but would also enjoy a regular walk as well. They will stay playful even into their old age. The Maltese will benefit from puppy obedience since they are very energetic and can be a handful without any training. They can be snappish around rough children and can occasionally be tough to housebreak. They are very smart, however, and training can be easy when applied. If you want a small dog with a lot of energy, the Maltese is an incredible lap dog and companion. More Dog Breed Articles: |