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The Maltese
Overview
With a silky, long white coat, round, dark eyes and small pendant sized ears; the Maltese has been around for centuries. First brought over to England by Crusaders from the Mediterranean, Maltese have long been the companion of women being hidden in sleeves and sleeping in their beds. Their beauty and loyalty make them wonderful companions for individuals and families.
Temperament of a Maltese
The Maltese breed is affectionate, eager to please and loves the company of their human. The Maltese is very intelligent and can be easily trained with dedication and plenty of rewards. Training and socialization should be started early with your new Maltese puppy to avoid neurotic behaviors or becoming slightly aggressive to new people and other animals.
Don’t let the size of the Maltese fool you. Although they are small and would do little damage to an intruder, they are very alert which makes them great look outs. Like most small dogs, they usually bond to one person or family and are protective of their “pack”.
Small children may not be the best companions for Maltese puppies as this breed is small and fragile, making them susceptible to injuries of rough handling.
Grooming a Maltese and General Care
Because of the long coat, the Maltese requires regular grooming and combing to avoid tangles and mats. Monthly baths or grooming appointments are ideal to keep your Maltese’s coat shiny, clean and well maintained. It is to be kept in mind, however, that the Maltese is very sensitive to extreme weather, hot and cold. When giving baths or scheduling grooming appointments, be sure your Maltese will be kept dry and properly equipped for the temperature. This breed sheds very little which makes them perfect for those with allergies.
Maltese are also prone to staining underneath the eyes. Cleaning under their eyes regularly with eye stain remover, which can be purchased at most pet stores, will keep these stains under control, allowing your new companion to always look their best.
The Maltese is energetic and requires daily walks to keep them healthy physically and mentally. However, because of their small size, this breed fits perfectly into those families living in smaller houses and apartments. Plenty of play time will be sufficient to keep your Maltese puppy happy and properly exercised.
Common Maltese Health Issues
Like most small breeds, Maltese may have a sensitive digestive system which may require you to feed them higher quality foods to avoid problems such as allergies or skin and coat problems. Always consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your Maltese of having digestive issues.
Maltese are also prone to Luxating Patella which is when the kneecap slips out of its original location. This can be caused by a high jump or some type of accident to their legs. You should always keep a close eye on your Maltese to ensure they are not playing too rough due to their fragile limbs. Regular checkups with your veterinarian will allow you to keep an eye on their bone density and strength to ensure these accidents do not happen.
Eye problems, such as ulcers and Retinal Atrophy, also commonly plague this breed. Retinal Atrophy is a disease that limits the Maltese’s vision in low light which may also lead to blindness in one or both eyes.
Because of health issues that can be hereditary, you should always buy a Maltese puppy from a reputable breeder like those here at Puppy Match 4 You.
Maltese Puppies For Sale
If you are interested in buying a Maltese puppy, you have found the perfect place! Our site is here to help you pick out a pup that suits your personality, temperament and preferences. The Maltese puppies we have available have been carefully selected from those bred by professional Maltese breeders all over the country.
If you are looking for Maltese puppies for sale, check out our website or give us a call toll free at 1-866-787-7877.
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