The small companion dogs are popular, because they are a handy companion and these small dogs almost always have roguish faces and a soft character. A real companion dog, so is the Maltese. It is one of the most popular of the small companion dogs. The Maltese is a fun dog that fits in a variety of home situations. What kind of dog is the Maltese really?
The Maltese
The Maltese, also known as the Maltese lion, is a small companion dog from the bichon family. The dog comes from the Central Mediterranean and it is believed that the breed actually originated in Malta. Incidentally, there are also people who say that the Maltese comes from “malat”, this means shelter or harbor. This Semitic origin is then reflected in a whole series of names of coastal towns in the Mediterranean. Think of the Adriatic island of Meleda, the Sicilian city of Melita and the island of Malta.
Already about 900 years before our era we come across the Maltese – bred from indigenous breeds. The Maltese is therefore the ancestor of several breeds such as the Bolognese, the Yorkshire and the Havanese.
The breed characteristics
Appearance
The Maltese can live up to 15 to 16 years old and is only there with a white coat. In the past, there were also Maltese with a color. The height of the dog is for the male between 21 and 26 centimeters and for the female between 20 and 24 centimeters. On average, the dogs weigh between 3 and 4 kilos.
The outer coat is long, thick and shiny and there is no undercoat. The coat is usually silky to the touch, the long hair parted down the middle of the back and the hair can reach the ground. The ears are set high and hang taut to the head with the long hair. To keep the coat beautiful, it makes sense to run the comb through it every day. This way you prevent tangles or felting of the hair. To keep the white beautiful, the Maltese will have to be washed every now and then. Special dog shampoo prevents the acidity of the skin from deviating. If you do this from puppyhood, the dog will not know any better.
The eyes are round and the eyelids close around the eye. The color is slightly ocher and they stand out clearly from the light coat. The whole gives an alert and wise expression.
This little dog can and wants to run nicely every now and then, but doesn’t need huge walks. The dogs are also suitable for doing exercises because they play ?? gladly.
Inwardly
The Maltese is an intelligent, lively and loving dog. This vigilant dog gives a lot of affection and once you are inside, this dog welcomes the guest enthusiastically. It is also a dog that likes to be pampered and is happy to be the center of attention.
Furthermore, the dog is fearless, affectionate and extremely suitable as a companion dog because of its accommodating character. The sometimes stubborn character of, for example, the small shih tzu the Maltese does not have at all.
However, they are not dogs to be left alone for long, they like to be with the owner. They get along fine with another dog (or cat) and children are fine too. However, a small child can quickly use the Maltese as “a toy”. and so it makes sense to stay with small children.
Purchase a Maltese
Buy a dog at least from a breeder through the breed club, then you know that they are bred according to the breeding regulations of the association (at least it states that the mother dog may only have a limited number of litters in a certain period) . This does not alter the fact that you should still be able to view the mother, possibly other puppies from the litter and you should receive a pedigree, chip and contract. Socializing the little dog with the mother, the brothers and sisters and the family is very important.
You can also arrange an adult dog through the breed club. They supervise the relocation of these dogs. Of course you can always check in the shelter if there is a copy.
With the purebred dogs you are quickly on the price in terms of costs? 1250 or even a little more. Of course, all the stuff for the dog is added, such as a leash, a basket and some toys. This can also add up to such a ?? 250.
Pay attention!
Being a popular dog also entails considerable breeding of the breed, often illegal. As a result, there are many dogs that get a bad start, sometimes come from inbreeding and are taken away from their mother early. Many of these dogs are sold by the dog dealers at “dump prices”. sold, of course without papers and warranty. Besides the fact that this trade must be restricted, it is also wise to look carefully where you buy your possible new acquisition.
A dog is a living creature and you don’t buy that. After all, you first have to figure out that you want a dog, because you are immediately attached to it for an average of 14 years. You sacrifice some freedom and you have to take care of it. Then you see which dog best suits your situation. Then the outcome may be that you want this nice Maltese.
Finally
A Maltese can be a great purchase if you are looking for a fun and active companion dog. Considering the fact that they are so popular and that there are also puppies offered through dog dealers, it is good to be alert once you start looking.