The Maltese dog (Mal dog) is a noble dog breed. Mal dogs have long fur and a noble appearance but are active, friendly, and dynamic.
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Maltese dog origin
The Maltese dog is a famous pet dog breed in the Mediterranean region. The name of this dog breed is named after the Mediterranean island of Malta.
The Maltese dog is an ancient breed of dog that appeared about 2000 years ago on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean region. This dog line is considered the ancestor of the Poodle, Pomeranian, and Chihuahua dog breeds…
In the 15th century, these Maltese dogs were brought to France to be raised. In the 16th century, they were widely raised in England and became the pets of the Queen of England.
Many upheavals occurred around the 17th and 18th centuries, and Maltese dogs almost became extinct. By the mid-18th century, the genetic source of the Maltese dog was restored and widely developed in the United States around the 20th century. Since then, Maltese dogs have been bred and raised widely worldwide.
Appearance characteristics of the Maltese dog
Maltese is a small dog breed, so they are classified as Toy dogs, similar to a tiny Poodle, Pom toy… An adult Maltese dog weighs 3 to 4 kg and is 21 to 25 cm tall. Maltese dogs with smaller sizes will weigh about 2.5 – 3.5 kg, height is from 20 – 23 cm.
The body proportion of the Maltese dog is quite balanced. The head and face of the Maltese are quite similar to the Chihuahua dog. The head of the Maltese dog is slightly rounded, the forehead is protruding, the nose is large, the mouth is small, and the eyes are large and round, usually black. The Maltese dog’s ears are long and covered with long, silky hair.
Maltese is a noble ornamental dog breed with long, thick, soft, and smooth fur. In the past, Maltese dogs had a variety of coat colors such as yellow, cream, yellow, brown… However, only black-white, all-black, and white dogs are common when bred widely.
The Maltese dog line with pure black or black color is the main color of the hybrid dog; only the pure white coat color line is considered purebred.
Personality characteristics of the Maltese dog
The Maltese dog is considered one of the most intelligent dogs in the world, very obedient and loyal to its owner. Maltese dogs can understand the emotions of their owners. Not only that, the training exercises only need to be taught 3-5 times, and they can completely imitate and follow very standards.
Maltese dog looks very classy from the outside but is quite sociable and friendly. However, the Maltese dog is quite difficult to eat. Maltese dogs are very cute, but if they do not know how to teach them properly, they are susceptible to “small dog syndrome.” This phenomenon occurs because the owner is too indulgent and does not teach harshly, making it difficult to obey.
Health and fitness of the Maltese dog breed
Possessing a super small physique, the physical strength of the Maltese dog is also a bit modest. They are very susceptible to gastrointestinal diseases that seriously affect their health. Therefore, you absolutely must not feed Maltese junk and unsanitary foods.
Maltese dogs are only < 25 cm tall and weigh less than 2.5 kg even when mature. Therefore, you should not let them play with children under 5. Just a small accident can cause serious injuries to your dog.
As an adult, Maltese dogs are prone to tracheal diseases. This will make their breathing more difficult. Therefore, you should be careful when using collars for them.
Another common disease in Maltese dogs is epilepsy. Symptoms are that they often lose control and tremble when waking up or moving. However, you do not need to worry too much because this Maltese disease can be treated quickly. It’s not as dangerous as other dog breeds.
In addition, Maltese are susceptible to broken bones, even if they fall at a low height. For example, falling from a table, chair, or bed can cause injury.
How to take care of a Maltese dog
Maltese are active dogs, so you should spend 30 minutes to 1 hour walking them daily in large spaces.
You can also play games with the Maltese, such as chasing or throwing balls for them to pick up… Or let the Maltese interact with other friendly pets.
What you need to pay attention to when taking care of the Maltese dog breed is the coat. People are very impressed and pay attention to the Maltese because of its long, smooth, snow-white fur. Therefore, help them brush their fur every day.
To keep Maltese fur clean, you must bathe them twice a month. This dog breed likes to run and jump, so its hair gets stuck in the dirt easily.
In addition, you also need to clean your dog’s face regularly, especially the eye area. Maltese dogs can adapt to cold climates because they have thick fur that can warm their bodies in cold winters. However, they are terrified of summer because this is not their ideal living condition. When the weather is hot, you must trim your Maltese’s fur to make it neat and cool.
Maltese dog lifespan
Although the Maltese dog breed is small, it has a relatively high average lifespan. A Maltese dog can live from 12 to 15 years. If the care conditions are good, you can live longer.
Maltese dog price
The cost of acquiring a Maltese dog can vary significantly, influenced by several factors, with lineage being a key determinant. Whether you adopt an adult Maltese with an undocumented lineage or opt for a purebred puppy, there are different price ranges to consider.
Breeders and Pet Shops: $1,000 – $3,000
Many prospective Maltese owners turn to breeders or pet shops to ensure a specific pedigree and family health history. When considering these options, you’ll find that the cost of Maltese puppies can range from a modest $ 1,000 to a more substantial $3,000. The price fluctuation is primarily due to the lineage of the puppy. Generally, the more distinguished and superior the lineage, the higher the puppy’s price tag.
If you’re uncertain where to begin your search for a Maltese puppy, consider finding a reputable pet shop specializing in dogs. They often have established relationships with breeders and may be able to connect you with a trustworthy source if they don’t have Maltese puppies available at the moment.
Rescue Shelter Adoptions: $50 – $500
Another option for acquiring a Maltese dog is through rescue shelter adoptions. These typically come with an adoption fee that can range from as low as $50 to as high as $500.
The specific adoption fee depends on various factors, including the policies of the shelter, the number of dogs they have available, local regulations, the age of the dog, its temperament, and its overall health condition. The fees collected through adoption often cover essential services such as spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and medical treatments that the dog may have received while under the care of the rescue organization.
Free Maltese Dogs
While relatively uncommon, there are instances where Maltese dogs become available for free. This can occur when owners find themselves unable to afford the ongoing costs of pet ownership, experience significant life changes, or when unforeseen disasters leave animals homeless. In such cases, you might come across a Maltese dog in need of a new home through a local shelter or online advertisements.
While free Maltese dogs are not common, they provide individuals an opportunity to offer a loving home to a dog in need, often with the potential for waiving adoption fees.
