Maltese – character, disposition, price

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The Maltese is a small breed dog that wins the hearts of owners around the world with its charm and affectionate character. Over the centuries, this breed has managed to gain many followers, thanks to its beauty, cheerful character and easy care. In this article we would like to introduce you to everything you need to know about this popular breed. Here you will learn about what a Maltese looks like, its character traits and how to raise and train it. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this breed, the costs associated with owning one, as well as diseases and grooming, to help you make the decision to take home one of these charming dogs.

Maltese – description and appearance of the breed

The Maltese is a small but energetic dog that originated in Italy. This breed is characterized by soft, white and long fur and small ears that hang to the side. The eyes of the Maltese are dark, round and expressive, and the muzzle is short and straight. The Maltese’s silhouette is proportionate and harmonious, and its tail is tightly wrapped around its back. Dogs of this breed reach a height of 20 to 25 cm and weigh from 1.8 to 3.5 kg.

Character of the Maltese dog breed

According to the breed standard, the Maltese should have a friendly, kind and calm personality, and should show a lot of energy, liveliness and joie de vivre. They are very sociable dogs that like to be among people and play with them. The Maltese is also very intelligent and learns new things easily, making it an excellent candidate for training. They are dogs that need a lot of attention and time to feel fulfilled, but because of their loyalty and attachment to their owners, they are great companions for families and singles.

Skills – what should you know?

The Maltese is an intelligent dog that can learn quickly and work well with its owner. This breed is perfect for training to develop the dog’s skills and strengthen the bond with the owner. The Maltese is very sociable and friendly, which makes it easy to interact with other dogs and people.

What kind of personality does it have?

Maltese dogs are characterized by a calm temperament and a friendly disposition. They are very companion-loving dogs that need closeness with humans. The Maltese is an energetic dog that loves to play and spend time having fun. This breed is ideal for families with children, as the Maltese loves to play with children and is very gentle.

Maltese – how to train and raise?

Training a Maltese is an extremely important task for any owner. The dog of this breed is intelligent and eager to learn, which makes the training process easier. It is worth starting with basic commands, such as “sit”, “come”, “come” and “stay”. It is also worth remembering that the Maltese is a very sensitive dog and does not like shouting and violence. Training should be conducted in a positive and rewarding manner.

For whom is the Maltese suitable?

The Maltese is the ideal dog for people who appreciate four-legged companionship. This breed is ideal for families with children, as the Maltese loves to play with children and is very gentle. The Maltese will also work well as a companion dog for the elderly, as it is small, gentle and friendly.

Maltese – price

The price of a Maltese depends on a number of factors, such as the dog’s origin, age, sex and skills. Dogs with a pedigree and a good pedigree can cost up to several thousand zlotys, but you can also find dogs with good genes in shelters or from breeders who offer lower prices.

Advantages and disadvantages of Maltese dogs

Disadvantages:

  • The Maltese can be prone to destroying objects, especially at a young age.
  • This breed is prone to eye and skin diseases.
  • The Maltese needs regular grooming, especially when it comes to its fur, which can get tangled and tangled.

Advantages:

  • The Maltese is a sociable and friendly dog that is perfect for families with children.
  • This breed is intelligent and easy to learn, which makes the training process easier.
  • The Maltese is a very gentle and quiet dog that does not make a lot of noise.

Maltese – Health, diseases and grooming

Nutrition:

The Maltese should be fed a good quality food that will provide adequate nutrition and will not contribute to health problems. It is worth avoiding low-quality dry foods, as they may contain artificial ingredients and preservatives that harm the dog’s health.

Grooming:

The Maltese requires regular grooming, especially when it comes to its fur, which can become tangled and matted. Hair should be combed daily and kept clean to avoid skin infections. It is also a good idea to regularly check the condition of the dog’s ears, eyes and teeth.

Diseases:

The Maltese is prone to many diseases, especially those related to the eyes and skin. Dogs of this breed are also prone to respiratory diseases such as allergies and asthma.

Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?

Preparing for the arrival of a Maltese at home requires a few basic accessories, such as:

  • A bowl for water and food
  • Leash and collar
  • A basket for dog toys and a blanket
  • A feeder for feeding your Maltese
  • Shampoo and hair conditioner

History of the Maltese breed

Origins:

The Maltese breed originated in Italy and is one of the oldest breeds in the world. The Maltese was named after the island of Malta, where it was bred and developed. There are many theories about the origin of the breed, but it is most likely that the Maltese is a descendant of dogs from the Mediterranean.

Development of the breed:

The Maltese was bred by the aristocracy in Europe, where it was treated as a luxury companion. The breed was particularly popular in France, Italy and Spain, where it was often presented as a gift to royalty. In the 17th century, the Maltese became popular in England and was bred as a companion dog.

Today:

The Maltese is still a popular breed around the world, both as a companion dog and as a show dog. The breed is often used in commercials and movies, as well as a therapy dog.

Maltese dog pattern

The Maltese dog pattern specifies in detail the appearance and body proportions that are desirable in representatives of this breed. According to this pattern, the Maltese should be a small, elegant dog with a well-muscled body. His body is longer than taller, with a convex chest and a moderately long, straight back.

The Maltese’s head is proportionate to its body, with a short, rounded muzzle and small, black nose and dark, round eyes. The ears of the Maltese are low-set and high attached, abundantly covered with white hair, which should fall in long, silky tassels.

A characteristic feature of the Maltese is its white, silky soft coat, which grows in dense layers, has no undercoat, does not shed and does not cause allergies. According to the breed standard, the coat should fall on both sides of the body to the ground, forming long, silky tassels.

According to the breed standard, the Maltese should have a pleasant and friendly personality, be full of energy, lively and cheerful, while at the same time calm and trusting. Of course, each Maltese is an individual and his character may vary slightly depending on his upbringing and personality.

The breed standard is very important for breeders, who strive to create dogs that conform to these standards. However, if you are looking for a Maltese as a friend and companion, you should not focus only on appearance and breed, but especially on his character and health.

Maltese – interesting facts about the breed

  • The Maltese was very popular among the aristocracy in the 18th century, and Queen Elizabeth I owned many Maltese.
  • In 1964, the Maltese took second place in the “Best in Show” category at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
  • The Maltese is considered one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
  • Some Maltese have brown spots on their nose and paws, which turn black as they age.
  • Maltese dogs are great companions and become easily attached to their owner, but may suffer from separation anxiety when left alone in the house.

Summary

The Maltese is a great companion dog that is an ideal choice for families with children or the elderly. This breed is easy to train, intelligent and friendly. The Maltese needs regular grooming and attention to maintain its health and good fur condition. The breed’s disadvantages include a tendency to destroy objects and a susceptibility to skin diseases, but these are easy to control when properly taken care of. The advantages of the breed are mainly its friendly and affectionate nature, loyalty to its owner and low physical requirements, so the Maltese can function well in an apartment.

If you are planning to adopt a Maltese, keep in mind that this dog needs regular visits to the vet, vaccinations and proper nutrition. He also requires regular coat care, including bathing, clipping and brushing. If you provide him with proper care and attention, your Maltese will become a great friend and companion for many years.

Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.

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