The Maltese are charming little dogs that many people love. Not only are they incredibly adorable, but they also make great companions! This toy breed has an adult weight of between 4 and 7 pounds, with a height of 7 to 10 inches.

They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, so there is plenty of time for you to bond with your four-legged friend! With the Maltese, you’ll get a long, silky, straight single coat that is white. Plus, these pups definitely make the list when it comes to hypoallergenic breeds.  Related Breeds are Malshi and Morkies.

If you’re looking for a loving pup that can bring lots of joy and laughter into your home, then look no further than the cuddly Maltese! 

History

The exact origin of the Maltese breed is unknown, but it is believed that they were first bred in Malta, an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. According to legend, these dogs can trace their lineage back to ancient Egypt! That’s right – some believe that these little dogs have been around since at least 200 B.C. and may have even been favored by Cleopatra herself! 

Throughout their long history, these dogs have been prized for their gentle nature and luxurious white coats. They also had a reputation for being incredibly loyal companions, which many attribute to their intelligence and ability to form strong bonds with humans. This made them particularly attractive as lapdogs for European noble families during Medieval and Renaissance times. 

Today, the Maltese continues to be one of the most popular breeds worldwide thanks to its intelligence, sociability, and ease of care. These days they are often found competing in shows or accompanying their owners everywhere, from parks to cafes. And while they may no longer be favored by royalty, it’s clear that these lovable companions still hold a special place in many people’s hearts (including ours!). 

Appearance

The Maltese is a little dynamo of a pup, sporting an irresistible athletic build hiding beneath their luxurious white coats. Their small and floppy ears are one of the most endearing features, along with their tufted tail that curls up over the back. In addition, they have black button eyes, black lips, and an adorable black nose that’s just too much to handle! 

Coat

The Maltese coat is truly a thing of beauty – long and silky, straight as an arrow, and as pure as snow. This hypoallergenic and low-shedding coat is the epitome of elegance, with its single layer of fur leaving all other breeds envious!

Perfect for those who suffer from allergies, Maltese coats provide all the glitz while conveniently avoiding all the sneezes.

Size

The Maltese is an incredibly cute and endearing breed of dog known for its petite size that can range from 4-7 pounds and up to 10 pounds.

Lifespan

The Maltese is one of the longest-living dog breeds, boasting an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. These little pups have been known to be spunky and full of personality well into their golden years as they age gracefully while remaining loyal companions.

Regular vet appointments, good nutrition, and plenty of exercise are all important elements to ensuring your Maltese stays healthy and happy until their final days. Growing old is inevitable, but your Maltese can have a long and fruitful life with adequate care.

Environment

The Maltese breed of dogs is the perfect companion for anyone wanting a furry friend. Living in an apartment? Not to worry! These pups were bred with adaptability in mind, so they easily adjust to urban living.

And when summer rolls around, you don’t have to stress about keeping them cool: according to many owners, these guys tend to thrive in almost any temperature. Plus, if you prefer the countryside and are looking for a dog that loves the great outdoors, Maltese often fit right in.

Although, having said that, they do tend to bark. However, some soft training will soon put that habit into order!

Temperament

Who could resist the Maltese’s natural charms? These little dogs are a true people-oriented breed and have no shortage of personality. Despite their tiny size, they’re fearless and naturally loyal to their humans.

Not to mention, they’re unbelievably sweet and cute! Plus, Maltese are known for being curious and playful, which is why teaching them tricks can be fun. Last but not least, due in part to the obvious watchdog mentality, they may sense danger better than you’d expect despite their size – it helps that they’re smart too.

So if you want a canine companion with a big attitude in a small package, the Maltese temperament may is just the thing for you.

Grooming

Whether you’re a proud first-time owner of a Maltese or have been living with one for years, proper grooming is essential to keeping your pup healthy and happy. So read on for the basics of Maltese grooming, from brushing to bathing and everything in between! 

Brushing

Brushing your Maltese’s coat is an essential part of its grooming routine. Make sure to use a brush specifically designed for this purpose. A slicker brush is ideal as it can go through the thick fur without pulling too much.

Start at the neck and work down in sections, brushing against the grain while being careful not to tug at their skin. Keep brushing until all tangles are out and their coat looks shiny and smooth. 

Bathing

Bathing your pup should be done every six weeks or so using a mild shampoo formulated specifically for dogs. Make sure the water isn’t too hot or cold before you start, and keep the shampoo away from their eyes and ears.

Once your pup is thoroughly lathered up, rinse them off completely before drying them with a towel, and then a hairdryer on its lowest setting with no heat added. 

Ears

Ears should be cleaned regularly, preferably every other week, using an appropriate ear cleaner solution made especially for dogs (never use cotton swabs).

Gently wipe around the outside of each ear before putting a few drops into each ear canal and massaging it gently around the base of their ears. Let them shake it off after 30 seconds or so before wiping away any remaining residue with a soft cloth or cotton pad. 

Nails

Your pup’s nails need to be trimmed about once a month, depending on how active they are, since walking naturally wears them down over time.

Use either clippers or nail grinders explicitly meant for dogs—clippers work best if you have small hands—and make sure not to clip too close to their quick, as that can cause bleeding or discomfort. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, ask your vet or groomer for help! 

Teeth

Finally, brushing your pup’s teeth is an integral part of their grooming routine too! Use toothpaste made especially for dogs (never human toothpaste) at least three times per week but preferably daily if possible.

This will help reduce plaque buildup, which can lead to serious dental problems such as gingivitis if left unchecked. Work slowly so they get used to the sensation but don’t forget those hard-to-reach areas like back molars! 

Proper grooming is essential when caring for your Maltese pup—from regular brushing and bathing to cleaning their ears and teeth —but luckily, these tasks are easy enough that even first-time owners won’t find them difficult!

With just a little knowledge, patience, and practice, you can ensure your pup always looks their best while staying healthy inside and out. Good luck!

Nutrition

You might be wondering what kind of food your furry friend needs to stay healthy and happy. The good news is that Maltese have relatively simple nutritional requirements. So here’s an overview of what your Maltese needs to remain strong, healthy, and lively for years and years to come. 

Protein and Fat Content in Dog Food 

When considering the best food for your pup, ensure it has the right balance between protein and fat content. Adult dogs need a minimum of 18% protein content. For puppies, this should be at least 22%.

Regarding fat content, adult dogs need a minimum of 5%. Puppies require about 8%. Check the back label on the food packaging to ensure that you are meeting these basic requirements. 

Maltese Need Smaller Kibble 

Maltese usually have smaller mouths than other breeds, which means they will do better with smaller kibble sizes.

This helps them chew their food more easily and prevents choking or gagging while eating. If you are unsure what size is best for your pup, consult your vet before purchasing.

The amount of food you give your pup will depend on their age, size, and activity level. But, again, your vet can provide more specific advice.

In any case, it is important to remember not to overfeed your pup. Stick with the recommended serving sizes and watch for signs of weight gain like a large stomach or lethargic behavior. 

Training

Training a Maltese can be a tricky business! These little dogs are energetic, and they love to have their way. So while providing plenty of exercise for your pup is essential, you’ll also need to set some rules.

Otherwise, these precocious pups will take over the household! Fortunately, Maltese are delightfully responsive to training, and with the proper technique and patience, you can teach them basic commands quickly.

Positive reinforcement is key — reward your pup with treats and praise when they do something correctly. Be consistent in your expectations; soon enough, training your furry pal will become second nature!

Exercise

Exercise is a crucial part of life, and it’s imperative if you’re the owner of a Maltese. Not only do they need regular exercise to stay agile, fit, and healthy, but their curious and adventurous nature also means they’ll want plenty of mental stimulation.

As an active and intelligent toy breed, the Maltese can be taken for brisk walks daily or multiple times throughout the day. Alternatively, long games in the park that involves fetching and chasing will tire them out and reduce their boredom.

With adequate exercise, your Maltese will be sure to lead an enriched and enjoyable life.

Conclusion

All in all, owning a Maltese is a rewarding experience that will bring lots of joy into your life! These pups are loving companions who will always be by your side no matter what life throws at you.

With proper care and attention, these dogs can live long, happy lives filled with plenty of playtime and cuddles! So if you’re looking for an affectionate furry friend who will never leave your side, look no further than the beloved Maltese dog breed!