Maltese Dog Breed - Origin, Pictures, Caring Needs, Friendliness and more
Maltese At A Glance
Maltese Overview
The Maltese is a small, elegant breed with a white, silky coat that requires daily grooming. Known for its playful nature and intelligence, the Maltese makes an excellent companion for families or individuals who appreciate a low-maintenance pet. Originating from Malta, these dogs are often described as "bichon frise" in French due to their soft, fluffy appearance. They typically weigh between 7-12 pounds and stand 9-10 inches tall at the shoulder.
Maltese Key Points
- •The Maltese is a small, toy-sized breed known for its distinctive white coat.
- •They have large, expressive blue eyes and a compact body structure that gives them a sturdy appearance despite their small size.
- •Malteses are very intelligent dogs and are often described as being very eager to please, making them excellent candidates for obedience training and competitive sports like agility.
- •These dogs are generally good with children and make great companions due to their affectionate nature. They are also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming since their coat is short and requires minimal brushing.
- •Malteses are known for their longevity and can live up to 15 years or more with proper care, making them a popular choice among pet owners who value long-term companionship.
Maltese Quick Facts
- Average Purchase Price
- $700
- Average Food Costs
- $300/year
- Average Lifetime Costs
- $19100
- Origin
- Malta
- Type
- Toy
- Average Life Span
- 13 years
- Size
- Small
- Average Weight
- 4 kg
- Average Height
- 8 inches
- Fur Colours
- White
- Eye Colours
- Brown
- Exercise Requirements
- 1 hours per day
- Grooming Needs
- Very High(Every day)
- Shedding Fequency
- Infrequent
- Ideal Living Size
- Apartment
- Health Issues Risk
- Low(Dental problems, eye issues, skin allergies)
- Temperament
- Playful, Docile, Fearless, Affectionate, Sweet-Tempered, Lively, Responsive, Easygoing, Gentle, Intelligent, Active
- Character
- Intelligent, energetic, playful, good-natured
Maltese Characteristics
Friendly Rating8/10
Trainability6/10
Intelligence Rating7/10
Good with Other Dogs6/10
Good with Strangers6/10
Shedding Tendency2/10
Drooling Tendency2/10
Coat Length2/10
Playfulness6/10
Protectiveness8/10
Energy6/10
Barking Tendency6/10
Adaptability6/10
Beginner Friendliness10/10
Cold Weather Tolerance2/10
Hot Weather Tolerance6/10
Physical Needs5/10
Intensity6/10
Maltese FAQs
1. What is the Maltese breed known for?
The Maltese is renowned for its white, silky coat and regal appearance. This small toy dog breed is often described as a "lap lap" due to its desire to be close to their owners.
2. How big do Malteses typically grow?
Malteses are tiny dogs with an average height of 9 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm) and a weight of about 6 to 10 pounds (2.7 to 4.5 kg).
3. What is the life expectancy of a Maltese?
Malteses generally have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which can be considered quite long for a small breed.
4. Are Malteses hypoallergenic?
While some people may find that Malteses are relatively hypoallergenic due to their short coats, it's important to note that no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Allergy sufferers should consult with a veterinarian about managing allergies.
5. What are the exercise requirements for a Maltese?
Malteses are small dogs and do not require a lot of exercise. A daily walk or play session in a secure area is usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
6. Can Malteses be trained?
Absolutely! Malteses are intelligent dogs that can learn commands quickly with positive reinforcement training. They excel at obedience and make excellent service animals.
7. What health issues are commonly seen in Malteses?
Malteses are prone to several health issues, including dental problems due to their small mouths, ear infections, eye problems like glaucoma, and patellar luxation (knee problem). Regular veterinary check-ups are important for maintaining their health.
