The Maltese are thought to have been bred from the Spitz breed. They could also be related to the Tibetan Terrier, or maybe they hail from Malta, and that’s where their name comes from.
Maltese are sweet, intelligent dogs who are devoted to their owners. This breed could be perfect for you if you are looking for a devoted and loving companion.
They require less exercise than other breeds, and they would make a great flat/apartment dog. They are pretty playful dogs, so as long as they get plenty of playtime, they should adapt well to having no garden. A bored dog will usually become a naughty dog, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to ensure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
Maltese make great playful and affectionate family pets. They are unsuitable for families with young children as they have their limits to being pulled around. This breed is very likely to suffer from separation anxiety, do not get this dog if you will leave them for long periods.
They love human attention and hate being left on their own and can become destructive or vocal in your absence. They can become intolerant of small children or other animals if they have been over-pampered.
They are excellent watchdogs and take the role very seriously; you will always know about incoming dangers and just about anything going on outside. They will want to protect their families and don’t care how small they are. This means they are very un-trusting of strangers. You must make sure you socialise them when they are young to combat this behaviour.
They have a sweet nature and will usually live peacefully with other dogs, cats and small animals brought up within the same household. Neighbourhood cats will likely still be chased for fun.
They are very sensitive and intelligent dogs. You will need to identify their reward motivation early for the best results. With sensitive dogs, be sure to keep the training fun and interesting, don’t treat them harshly or forcefully. They make sulk or hide from you. They can be difficult to house train.
Maltese have no undercoat and little to no shedding if brushed at least once a week; some people consider their hair hypoallergenic, so people may not be allergic to them. They will need to go to a professional to be trimmed/clipped; this is something you can learn to do yourself.
Maltese Stats
They are not terriers, although sometimes they get called them. They may hail from Malta or even Egypt. They are very similar to those worshipped by ancient Egyptians.
- Famous Maltese – Trouble was left 12 million by Leona Helmsley; the judge later overturned the will, so he only got 2 million!
- Famous owners – Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor & Halle Berry
- Weight – 3kg – 4kg
- Size 25cm – 30cm
- They live for 12-16 years