What Are The Qualities And Characteristics Of The Maltese Dog?
Man’s best friend comes in all shapes and sizes from massive Great Danes to microscopic Teacup Chihuahuas. There is no harm in being educated about the breed of dog that you are considering. Below are some of the things you need to take into account about the Maltese.
The Maltese usually weighs between three and ten pounds and is a member of the toy class. Its most prominent characteristic is its long, flowing white hair with no undercoat. The Maltese doesn’t have fur like other breeds which means that it will lose hair the way humans do instead of shedding like most dogs. Perhaps the most interesting and unique characteristic of the breed is its color-changing nose. Depending on the amount of sunlight the animal is exposed to, the nose can change from coal black to a light brownish color or even pink. For a female Maltese, it is possible for her nose to change color when she goes into heat.
If properly and regularly groomed, the Maltese doesn’t shed so they make good pets for people who suffer with allergies.
The temperament of the breed will lead itself to companionship. When in the company of family and friends and are being lavished with affection, then the Maltese is very happy. Like most small breeds, they are energetic and given to sudden bouts of activity, but their small size makes them a good option for apartment dwellers. Maltese are very smart. Their high intellect makes them easy to train and quick at picking up new tricks.
Generally good natured and playful are the Maltese but like any pack-oriented animal, they might not do well with small children or strangers. Not only are they territorial, but they are also very protective of the family unit.
In order to prevent matting, a Maltese must be regularly groomed like anything else with hair. There are caretakers who are able to 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. This style is certainly less fuss and may be more comfortable for the dog, but it’s not acceptable for a show dog.
Most of the time, Maltese are unburdened with the afflictions of other pure breeds and they are relatively healthy dogs. However, luxating patella, white dog shaker syndrome and progressive retinal atrophy are common in Maltese that do develop problems. A condition in which the kneecap slips out of place is called luxating patella. A sudden onset of tremors is a white dog shaker syndrome and it can sometimes be full seizures that troubles only white dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy is just what it sounds like. Blindness for which there is no cure is what this will eventually lead to.
In keeping with the designer breed trend, Maltese are often bred with other breeds, such as poodles, to emphasize their sweet nature and intelligence.
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