Maltese

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Maltese

Maltese Characteristics

Size:
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Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Maltese Breed Information

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 4-7 lbs

Height: 9-10 inches

Color(s): white

Overview

The Maltese is considered to be the oldest of the European Toy breeds. Nobles, royals, and aristocracy favored them. They are very well mannered and affectionate. The Maltese displays a graceful and regal demeanor.

Character

The Maltese exudes great joy and delight. They are highly intelligent, animated, and playful. They are very social. They are happy and content being the center of attention whether they are with their family or in the show ring. This endearing breed is bright, loving, and a deeply devoted companion.

Temperament

The Maltese is gentle, trusting, and obedient. They are typically good natured and amiable and love to be held and cuddled. They will tolerate other pets, but are not suitable for inconsiderate or ill-behaved children. They most often will establish a close bond with one person. They do not do well when left alone for extended periods of time. They may be over-protective of their owner, family, and territory, and bark or bite if they perceive a threat. They are a fearless, vigorous, and agile breed. The Maltese commit themselves fully to their owner and families.

Care

The Maltese coat requires daily brushing and combing to prevent matting. The coat is extremely soft and silky, so gentle care is highly recommended. They need to be bathed or dry shampooed on a regular basis. The eyes need daily cleaning to prevent staining. It is also important to keep their ears clean and free from stray hair. They may be prone to eye problems, skin disorders, and respiratory problems. The Maltese do not do well in very hot climates or damp conditions. They may be finicky eaters and suffer indigestion. Dental hygiene is important to prevent tooth loss.

Coat

The Maltese has an elegant mantle of long, silky hair. The coat is straight, lacks an undercoat, and is pure bright white in color. They are non-shedding. Their luxurious cloak of white is the hallmark of the Maltese.

Training

The Maltese may be difficult to housebreak so crate training is recommended. They do best with early socialization. Training must never be harsh in nature. It must be done with gentle love, consistency, reward, and patience. They are adept at learning tricks. The Maltese does not need extensive obedience training, as they are naturally obedient to their Master.

Activity

The Maltese does not require a high level of exercise. They are suitable for apartment or condominium living. They enjoy a daily walk, indoor play sessions, or a romp and run in a secured small yard. The Maltese loves to be social, so a play date at the park is always welcomed. They must be supervised and securely leashed.

Ask a Question Maltese Questions & Answers

QUESTION: how many years can a maltese poodle live

Anonymous - 2/1/2012 4:47:01 PM

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QUESTION: Is the maltese a great family pet ?

Anonymous - 1/26/2012 9:55:24 AM

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yes!! I have a maltese and she is 7 years old and great with everyone!! I would Highly recommend you getting one! She does really great with my niece and nephew and she even plays hide and go seek!

Anonymous - 1/31/2012 3:33:43 PM

QUESTION: I have two female maltese, 10 months old and they have not started their first cycle. Should I worry or something normal?

Anonymous - 1/20/2012 1:55:12 AM

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QUESTION: My Maltese can't seem to climb steps to small. She is 2 years old. Are there miniature Maltese.

Anonymous - 1/19/2012 11:55:33 AM

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QUESTION: My Maltese hates other dogs she only likes hanging around birds?!?! Plz HELP

Anonymous - 1/19/2012 7:50:52 AM

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My maltese is very territorial but once she is exposed to the same dog for a short period of time (less than a week) she warms up to them. And I don't know how to solve the bird problem!

Anonymous - 1/31/2012 3:35:41 PM

My Maltese hates other dogs too

Anonymous - 1/26/2012 6:38:40 PM

well I have a 16 month old male maltese whom i have had since he was 8 weeks old ,he is showing some signs of aggression and doesn't like dogs either

jleinart - 1/23/2012 12:45:34 PM

QUESTION: My Maltese are 7weeks old but they do not have the five black points is something wrong

Anonymous - 1/14/2012 11:58:58 AM

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QUESTION: why does my Maltese lick alot?

Anonymous - 1/13/2012 12:30:38 AM

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my Maltese does too. I think its just their nature after all they are very clean dogs

Anonymous - 1/15/2012 7:56:19 PM

QUESTION: how long does a maltese usually live

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 6:12:20 PM

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15-18 years

Anonymous - 1/19/2012 10:42:54 AM

QUESTION: I have a 2 1/2 month old male maltese puppy and he has a kink at the end of his tail. Is this normal for this breed?

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 12:54:18 PM

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Yeah it's ok for maltese, all you have to do is comb it out .

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 5:36:35 PM

QUESTION: I have a two-year old Maltese who barks at everything and everyone except me and my kids, is this normal or should I be worried.

Anonymous - 1/5/2012 3:58:46 PM

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Yes it is normal. Maltese think they are bigger than they are and really want to protect what is theirs (you).

Anonymous - 1/18/2012 7:59:04 PM

QUESTION: I have a maltese that barks at everyone and every dog that it sees. Is this normal or should I be worried.

Anonymous - 1/5/2012 3:51:04 PM

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QUESTION: My son has allergies - is a Maltese a good breed for him?

Anonymous - 1/4/2012 9:22:31 PM

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I am an allergy sufferer, especially to cats and dogs. I had gone for allergy shots for year but stopped a few years ago. My children really wanter a dog so I gave in. The Maltese was the only breed I considered because I had heard they were as hypoallergenic as they come. Unless someone is allergic to the saliva (i am not), this is a good breed. I am allergy free with this breed.

Anonymous - 1/31/2012 5:58:29 PM

I would say it is safe to have a maltese if any dog because a maltese does not shed and therefore the allergies should not be a problem

Anonymous - 1/31/2012 3:37:10 PM

We have a lot of allergies and the Maltese has not harmed anyone in my household. In fact, Trippe sleeps at the end of my daughters bed.

Anonymous - 1/18/2012 8:00:17 PM

If your son has allergies i would stay away from all dogs. Dogs that are hypoallergenic are better since they don't shed. Talk to your doctor but personally i would stay away from any dog.

Anonymous - 1/17/2012 9:54:30 PM

QUESTION: I have three maltese puppies one male two females. How much can I sell them? They are not registered but do have all their shots. they are beautiful.

Anonymous - 1/1/2012 4:45:42 AM

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QUESTION: My 5 year old maltese isnt very active and he is very depressed even before we got our teacup yorkie.They pay attention to her instead of my maltese. Me and my dad only understand his pain and he bites a lot. I want to make him happier and less violent again, im very worried. What do i do?

Anonymous - 12/29/2011 5:43:05 PM

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I would recommend trying to teach your maltese some tricks and using doggy treats too. My maltese is 7 years old and she still acts like a puppy and knows many tricks!! Maltese's are a very smart breed of dogs and I think thats why my girl is very active.

Anonymous - 1/31/2012 3:50:25 PM

QUESTION: My Maltese is 2mos. and she seems to jump in her sleep. Should I be worried? Also, she is eating science diet puppy food and I wet it with warm water because that's what they were giving her before I got her... we ran out of her food and it was Xmas and we had to get food from cvs and the only thing they had was Iams mini chunks 1year and older, so I went with that but it started giving her the runs...I bought the right food but now she seems to not want to eat that food..sooooo what should I do?

Anonymous - 12/28/2011 11:23:38 AM

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You should try adding tiny drops of chicken broth to the food and see if your maltese will start eating it again. Also if she is hungry enough she may start eating it naturally! And don't worry about her jumping in her sleep, my girl maltese is 7 years old and she jumps every time she sleeps. I think she is dreaming most likely.

Anonymous - 1/31/2012 3:52:47 PM

QUESTION: My maltese we rescued from some bad children in a park about 2 yrs ago. She is starting to shake her head once in a while. Worried whats happening to her, vet says if its her head only not to worry kind of a trait for that type dog. Thoughts?

Anonymous - 12/18/2011 6:56:47 PM

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QUESTION: I have a 5yr/o Maltese that is panting a lot and can't seem to get comfortable

Anonymous - 12/5/2011 1:50:05 PM

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QUESTION: My small black maltese is about 3mnths old ..she is very active and very loyal and all but her nose is not as cold as it should be her breath is very warm ..but still very playful ..is that a problem or is that normal for her?

Anonymous - 12/4/2011 12:14:11 PM

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Number 1 - a true maltese is all white. Two - warm noses and breath is a sign of illness. Please take your dog to the vet for evaluation.

Anonymous - 12/18/2011 12:56:50 PM

QUESTION: My Maltese is 7 months, he weighs almost 5 lbs. when should I get him neutered

Anonymous - 12/2/2011 10:21:40 AM

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Normally the vet makes you wait until the dog is 6 months old, the longer you wait after 6 months the more expensive it gets

Anonymous - 12/25/2011 9:13:36 PM

QUESTION: what is it called when a breed of dog requires having their gland released every second month

Anonymous - 12/1/2011 4:46:24 PM

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QUESTION: How many pups do maltese have at one time, do they do better with a playmate, I have 1, and she has bad separation anxiety.

Anonymous - 11/26/2011 6:31:53 PM

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Yes! Do it! BEST thing I ever did for my dog! She LOVES her sister! :D

Anonymous - 12/22/2011 11:39:23 AM

My maltese is 7 yrs old and has the same problem. I am also trying to decide if getting him a playmate is the right thing to do. (im now working away from home more) I took mine to the vet and he said give him benadryl. It will take the "edge off" There are also anti anxiety drugs for dogs but its really an anti depressent. The dog will have to get bloodwork done first to make sure there arn't any other things going on. I tried the benadryl..only helped the first week. Now im looking into a playmate. Medication of any kind isnt usually a long term thing anyway. Has anyone else got a suggestion?

Anonymous - 12/12/2011 11:59:11 PM

QUESTION: I got a maltese puppy and she is only 6 weeks old and away from her mother, how can I feed her and what to feed her?

Anonymous - 11/14/2011 1:35:27 AM

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First you should not buy or sell a puppy that is less than four months old. An AKC registered breeder should know. I would take the puppy to the vet.

Anonymous - 1/17/2012 9:58:54 PM

I had the same thing happen to me with my maltese and we feed him every two hrs from a baby bottle with milk and his food grinded up and Bama loved it! He lived to be 7 years old.

Anonymous - 12/29/2011 11:53:43 AM

My Maltese is 2mos. and when I got her the lady said to give her science diet puppy and I wet it with warm water but we ran out and stores were closed on xmas, so we got her Iams mini chunks...but now we have the right food and she seems to not want to eat the right food anymore...so I dont know if she just doesnt like the wet food anymore or she just likes the iams..but when I gave her the iams(1yr n older)n wet it, it gave her the runs sooooo what do I do?

Anonymous - 12/28/2011 10:56:46 AM

When I first got my maltese puppy, I mixed Iams kibble with hot water ad it turned to mush. He loved it! Th first day i had him, he didn't want to eat, so I just put some on a baby spoon, and he gave it a try and loved it! Once he was a little older, I switched him over to Iams kibble mixed with Cesar dog food. I used the same method and he loves it!!!

Anonymous - 12/18/2011 5:46:09 PM

QUESTION: at what age does a female maltese start getting their period?

Anonymous - 11/12/2011 1:02:10 AM

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Per my vet, females usually start around 7 to 9 months. We had our maltese spayed at 5 months. She is doing great. Best dog we ever had.

Anonymous - 12/18/2011 12:50:56 PM

QUESTION: i have a maltese puppy around 8 months and she doesnt have alot of hair and lost a little hair on top of her nose s that bad?

Anonymous - 11/12/2011 12:54:56 AM

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Your maltese might be allergic to something, food, shampoo, etc... consult a vet ASAP.

Anonymous - 12/27/2011 1:28:37 AM

QUESTION: what does a maltese-yorkie mix look like?

Anonymous - 11/10/2011 11:42:13 AM

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QUESTION: How long can a Maltese be left alone with food/water/toys/radio/puzzles etc? Anyone have any other suggestions for keeping them entertained when alone?

Anonymous - 11/9/2011 1:55:11 AM

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Get another one. Maltese love company!!!

Anonymous - 12/2/2011 2:54:26 PM

QUESTION: Is there such a thing as a black maltese

Anonymous - 11/5/2011 1:35:07 PM

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No. As the first respondant stated, Maltese are always white. They may have a little tan or lemon color on ears. As they grow older, some may develop some tan spots in their hair.

Anonymous - 12/16/2011 10:24:23 PM

No. A Maltese is completely white with some lemon color allowed around the ears. (see AKC Maltese standard). You may be thinking of a Havanese which is very similar and closely related to the maltese, but they come in various colors.

Anonymous - 12/2/2011 8:22:23 PM

yes, they are white, black and gold

Anonymous - 12/1/2011 2:37:02 PM

QUESTION: I have a maltese and she is 6 months old she seems to be losing her hair around her eyes

Anonymous - 11/1/2011 8:24:16 AM

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This might be a sign of an allergy. Consult a vet...

Anonymous - 12/27/2011 1:27:09 AM

QUESTION: i have a maltese 2 yrs. old, all of a sudden he is beginning to shed ,why?

Anonymous - 10/27/2011 5:13:12 PM

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QUESTION: My little Maltese puppy loves to jump around! But when guests come, he gets a little too excited. He starts to breathe funny when he gets over excited and he almost chokes himself. He is 1 1/2. When will he grow out of this? I want to keep him happy and healthy! Is this a habit I should be more concerned about?

Anonymous - 10/24/2011 8:51:48 PM

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My dogs do that too. The doctor says that it's called reverse sneezing. It's ok and not dangerous. They do that to me when I get home too so I have a habit now of giving them my used sock for the day to help them calm down for a bit. I know it sounds weird but whatever helps them calm down for a bit.

Anonymous - 11/2/2011 12:21:39 PM

If you are looking for Maltese puppies for sale from reputable Maltese breeders or to adopt a Maltese from a Maltese rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Maltese puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Maltese puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.