Who Should Own A Maltese?

Although the tiny, furry Maltese makes an adorable, intelligent companion, there are some things a pet owner should be aware of before bringing home this lively little breed.

The Maltese is one of the most vocal of all dog breeds, and its talkative nature has led it to also become one of the most rejected dogs breeds, even as it retains a place as one of the most popular. A good dog for apartment dwellers (it can be paper trained, eliminated the need to outside potty breaks, which can be dangerous for the easily overheated Maltese), the lap-sized breed is loyal and loving, although its tiny size makes it somewhat nervous and snappy around young children.

History and Origination

The Maltese is a descendent of one of the most ancient dogs breeds in history, and it is represented in both Egyptian and Greek artifacts from around 500 B.C. It also is mentioned A prized pet for royalty early in its history, the Maltese is now one of the most popular breed choices for Hollywood’s elite, including Elizabeth Taylor and Halle Berry, both of whom have been known to bring their dogs with them on photo shoots.

Activity levels

The Maltese is an active breed, but because it is so very sensitive to heat, indoor activities are preferred to outdoor playtime or long walks. A few toys tossed around the house and regular game time should be enough activity to satisfy your playful Maltese.

Health problems and appearance

The Maltese has a long, silky white coat that is often trimmed short to make grooming easier to manage, and it rarely sheds. A topknot will keep your dog’s hair out of its eyes.

Show dogs also wear a topknot, but their long coat is allowed to grow until it skims the ground. Whether yours is a treasured family pet or a show dog, the breed requires daily brushing. Also, because it its light coat, the Maltese is prone to tear stains near its eyes, although daily cleaning will prevent these stains. This breed is prone to sunburn and digestive difficulties, and is uncomfortable in both extreme cold and heat. Puppies should be watched for signs of hypoglycemia, which could be fatal. Symptoms include lethargy, an unsteady, wobbly gait and drooling and frothing at the mouth. Your puppy should be kept warm if signs of hypoglycemia occur. The tiny breed weighs less than 10 pounds, and has a life expectancy of 15 to 19 years.

Notable Malteses:

The late Leona Helmsley left her Maltese, Trouble, a hefty $12 million dollar trust fund, although a judge later reduced that sum to $2 million. Anna Nicole Smith had a treasured Maltese named Marilyn (named after her idol, Marilyn Monroe), Halle Berry’s two Maltese dogs are named Willy and Polly and Elizabeth Taylor has a Maltese named Daisy.

Fast facts:

• Because the Maltese sheds very little, it is considered a good choice for a pet for a person with allergies.
• The Maltese is a friendly dog when it comes to other breeds, although it prefers dogs of similar size.
• An Australian study showed that the Maltese is the breed most often dumped by its owner, most likely due to the dog’s propensity for barking.
• If your Maltese doesn’t get much sun, his perky black nose can fade, becoming pink or tan in color. Exposure to sunshine will return the nose to its original black.

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