Basic Things You Should Know About The Maltese

The Maltese (also known as the "Roman Ladies Dog" or "Comforter Dog") is a toy breed of dog. They feature a silky white coat. The breed first appeared in the Isle of Malta. They were originally bred for acting as an exotic item of trade. These days they are popular as a companion dog. They can be recognized by their playfulness, high energy and need for attention. They are thought to originate from the Isle of Malta and are a descendant of unknown breeds that were believed to be used for catching rats.

They are classified as a tiny sized dog. The recommended male size is 9-10 inches high with a weight of 4-6 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be gentle, playful and fearless. They are typically friendly with strangers, and this along with their size makes them unsuitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be fairly intelligent, and ranks equal 59th compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are not the best with children, which can make them not highly suitable as a family pet. They do get along well with other animals such as other dogs, cats and smaller animals. Grooming them is a demanding task. They need a high amount of brushing every day, and full grooming every 4 weeks. They enjoy having a small yard to run around in, but can very easily be suitable for apartment life.

Like most tiny sized breeds, they are primarily long-lived with a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Their most severe health concern is teeth problems, and they are also susceptible to sensitive skin, eye issues or respiratory problems . They enjoy hobbies like play sessions or runs around the yard. They have a high level of energy, which means they need moderate walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the Maltese you need to be prepared to spend plenty of time grooming and giving them attention. They are less suitable for families with small children, but highly suitable for retirees, apartment dwellers, allergy sufferers or families with older children. One of the best things about this breed is that it makes such a good companion due to its playful nature and love for attention.

If you want to learn more Maltese information and other related topics take a look at this page.