Spotlight on the Maltese Dog: A Charming Little Companion With a Big Heart

Introduction

Hi everyone and welcome to this spotlight episode of Val Talk’s Pets.  What little breed of dog do you know that is cute and fun to have, but seems to also be mixed with other small breeds quite a lot?  If your answer was the Maltese, dog you were right.  So, let’s go explore the Maltese.

I hear a lot of people say their dog is a Maltipoo or some other hybrid of names.  I find that the Maltese seem to be crossbred a lot with poodles, and I really wonder why?  Is there an issue with the Maltese that for some reason the dog is enhanced by breeding it with a poodle?  My first reaction is, I doubt it. 

A Little History of the Maltese

The Maltese is actually an ancient breed originating from the island of Malta.   There are references to a small white companion dog as far back as Ancient Greece and the Romans.  Genetically however, the Maltese is related to the Bichon, Bolognese and Havanese breeds.  The Maltese has lovely white hair that is silky and doesn’t shed.  They weigh approximately 7 – 9 pounds and have a tail that curls over their back.  Females will stand 8 – 9 inches tall and males slightly larger.  

Temperament and Personality

Maltese dogs are often referred to as “Velcro dogs”.  They have a high attachment to their owners.  In general they are lively and good natured and are not over the top energy wise.  They are known for being intelligent and trainable.  They can be vocal and tend towards separation anxiety.  It is recommended that they live in a calm household where someone is home often.  

The Right Home for a Maltese

Maltese dogs often end up with adults or seniors that want a dog that will be a real close companion.  Living in an apartment is not usually an issue unless they become vocal on a regular basis.  At the same time, they are also quite good at playing and enjoy spirited play indoors but outdoors as well.  

Homes That May Not Be Ideal

What is not recommended for a Maltese is to be in a home that has toddlers, or is busy and the dog is left alone frequently.  They also do not do well with people that dislike barking or grooming.  

Grooming the Maltese

As for grooming, a Maltese will require daily brushing and detangling spray.  The Maltese have fine long hair, so they can get matted very easily.  It is recommended that a Maltese see a professional groomer every 4 – 6 weeks.  In between grooming sessions you could give a whitening bath and a gentle blow dry.  Your groomer will be able to provide the Maltese with either a puppy cut, a teddy bear cut, or a show cut.  It is important to get your Maltese trimmed properly.  

Health and Lifespan

In terms of lifespan, being a little dog, a Maltese can live to be 12 to 15 years.  They do however have some health issues that they can be prone towards.  These include, luxating patella, tracheal collapse, dental disease, liver shunts and congenital heart defects.  

Preventive Care

It is important to screen for some of these issues and of course use a registered professional breeder.  As for ear and eye staining, that also can be an issue and a pet parent could look into the products that are specific to eye staining from their pet specialty store.  

Generally speaking a Maltese is a pretty hardy dog, so as long as preventive measures are taken, like keeping up with teeth cleaning a Maltese could easily be a long term companion without issue.  

Why the Maltese Appeals to So Many People

The perks of having a Maltese are that they have very little shedding, they can adapt to a smaller home, they are affectionate and easy to train and they have a long lifespan.  

Final Thoughts

So, we can see why many older adults like having a Maltese and we can also see what a great little dog they are.  What I don’t see is why they are crossbred with poodles so much.  Poodles do not need to be crossbred, they are great dogs unto themselves, and I think it is obvious that a Maltese doesn’t need to be crossbred.  

If having a Maltese is of interest to you, look up the registered breeders of the breed from your breed association.  The Canadian Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club etc., can be a great resource to find breeders that follow breed standards.  With a bit of research, you could have a great little dog companion, because as I say, knowing is caring.

External Sources

• Canadian Kennel Club — Maltese Breed Standard
• Canadian Kennel Club — Finding an Accountable Breeder
• American Kennel Club — Maltese Dog Breed Information
• American Maltese Association — Health Information
• VCA Animal Hospitals — Luxating Patella in Dogs
• VCA Animal Hospitals — Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

Val Talk Pets Internal Links

• Designer Dogs (Part 1)
• Spotlight – Poodles
• Backyard Breeders: The Different Types and How to Spot Them
• Pet Grooming
• Preventing Pet Bad Breath
• Pet Parenthood For Seniors

Tagged as: Val Talks Pets,  small companion dogs,  Maltese lifespan,  apartment dogs,  Maltese dog breed,  Maltese temperament,  Maltese grooming,  Maltese health issues.