When it comes to man's best friend, they come in all shapes and sizes from massive Great Danes to microscopic Teacup Chihuahuas. It pays to be educated about the breed of dog you're considering. There are a few things that you need to take into account when it comes to the Maltese.
The Maltese is a member of the toy class, usually weighing between three and 10 pounds. Its long, flowing white hair with no undercoat is its most prominent character. The Maltese will lose hair the way humans do instead of shedding like most dogs because it doesn't have fur like the other breeds. Its color-changing nose is perhaps the most interesting and unique characteristic of the breed. It is possible for the nose to change from coal black to a light brownish color or even pink and it would depend on the amount of sunlight the animal is exposed to. When a female Maltese goes onto heat, then her nose may change color.
Because Maltese don't shed if properly and regularly groomed, they make good pets for people who suffer with allergies.
The breed's temperament lends itself to companionship. The Maltese is very happy when it is in the company of family and friends being lavished with affection. Their small size makes them a good option for apartment dwellers and like most small breeds, they are also energetic and given to sudden bouts of activity. Not to mention that the Maltese are very smart as well. Because of their high intellect, they are considered easy to train and quick at picking up new tricks.
Maltese are generally good natured and playful, but like any pack-oriented animal, they might not do well with small children or strangers. They are very territorial and likely to be protective of the family unit.
Like anything else with hair, a Maltese must be regularly groomed to prevent matting. Some caretakers find a way around the chore by keeping their dogs in what is known as a "puppy cut" or a "teddy bear cut," where the hair is kept short, about a half an inch, all over the body. It may be more comfortable for the dog, but it's not acceptable for a show dog even though this style is certainly less fuss.
Maltese are relatively healthy dogs, usually unburdened with the afflictions of other pure breeds. But in Maltese, luxating patella, white dog shaker syndrome and progressive retinal atrophy are common and they do develop problems. When it comes to luxating patella, it is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of place. White dog shaker syndrome can sometimes be full seizures that troubles only white dogs and it is also a sudden onset of tremors. This can also sound just like progressive retinal atrophy. Eventually, it will result in blindness for which there is no cure.
The Maltese are often bred with other breeds, such as poodles, to emphasize their sweet nature and intelligence so keep this in mind when you are keeping with the designer breed trend.
The Maltese is a member of the toy class, usually weighing between three and 10 pounds. Its long, flowing white hair with no undercoat is its most prominent character. The Maltese will lose hair the way humans do instead of shedding like most dogs because it doesn't have fur like the other breeds. Its color-changing nose is perhaps the most interesting and unique characteristic of the breed. It is possible for the nose to change from coal black to a light brownish color or even pink and it would depend on the amount of sunlight the animal is exposed to. When a female Maltese goes onto heat, then her nose may change color.
Because Maltese don't shed if properly and regularly groomed, they make good pets for people who suffer with allergies.
The breed's temperament lends itself to companionship. The Maltese is very happy when it is in the company of family and friends being lavished with affection. Their small size makes them a good option for apartment dwellers and like most small breeds, they are also energetic and given to sudden bouts of activity. Not to mention that the Maltese are very smart as well. Because of their high intellect, they are considered easy to train and quick at picking up new tricks.
Maltese are generally good natured and playful, but like any pack-oriented animal, they might not do well with small children or strangers. They are very territorial and likely to be protective of the family unit.
Like anything else with hair, a Maltese must be regularly groomed to prevent matting. Some caretakers find a way around the chore by keeping their dogs in what is known as a "puppy cut" or a "teddy bear cut," where the hair is kept short, about a half an inch, all over the body. It may be more comfortable for the dog, but it's not acceptable for a show dog even though this style is certainly less fuss.
Maltese are relatively healthy dogs, usually unburdened with the afflictions of other pure breeds. But in Maltese, luxating patella, white dog shaker syndrome and progressive retinal atrophy are common and they do develop problems. When it comes to luxating patella, it is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of place. White dog shaker syndrome can sometimes be full seizures that troubles only white dogs and it is also a sudden onset of tremors. This can also sound just like progressive retinal atrophy. Eventually, it will result in blindness for which there is no cure.
The Maltese are often bred with other breeds, such as poodles, to emphasize their sweet nature and intelligence so keep this in mind when you are keeping with the designer breed trend.
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