Maltese Dog Breed

History

Maltese dogs have been the aristocrat of the canine world for at least 29 centuries. It’s thought that this dog breed originated in Malta, a civilization that was famed for its elegance and wealth. However, the exact history of this breed is shrouded in mystery. They are thought to be an incredibly ancient breed because of the existence of numerous terracotta figurines of these dogs that date back to 600BC.

Some historians claim the dogs could have potentially originated in the Alps, Egypt, or even Ancient Greece. Although, the Maltese remain adamant that the breed is indigenous to their island. What we do know, is that the Greeks erected tombs for their Maltese and, from the 5th century onwards, these attractive dogs were epitomized in Greek ceramic art. Archaeological evidence also shows that Malteses were owned by the Egyptians, who may have adored and worshipped them. However, it wasn’t until the time of the Romans that these dogs finally solidified themselves as fashion statements and status symbols. A Noblewoman was not considered to be fully dressed if she wasn’t carrying a ‘Roman Ladies Dog’!

A Maltese named Issa was owned by Publius, the Roman governor of Malta, in the 1st century. This Maltese became so popular that she inspired a poem of the same name:

"Issa is more frolicsome than Catulla’s sparrow. Issa is purer than a dove's kiss. Issa is gentler than a maiden. Issa is more precious than Indian gems."

Many other famous scholars and authors, including Strabo and Pliny, the Elder, also wrote of the beauty, sophistication, and charm of the Maltese dog.

Maltese history shows that these dogs made their way to England in the 1500s, where they became luxurious companion dogs for Queens and other people of stature.

During the 1600s, records show that these dogs became notably smaller in size. This led experts to believe that they were being crossed with light-coloured poodles and miniature spaniels. However, this has not been confirmed. In 1792, the well-known botanist Linnaeus referred to Maltese as "about the size of squirrels."

In 1862, a strain of Maltese dog was accepted as a distinct class at the Agricultural Hall Show in Islington, UK. The breeder, R. Mandeville, scooped up first prize and continued to do so for years after.

The first Maltese dog shown at Westminster's first dog show in the United States was white and listed as a "Maltese lion dog" in 1877. In 1888, The American Kennel Club registered the Maltese.

Appearance

These pure white dogs can sometimes have a lemon-coloured tinge to their long, luxurious coats which is accepted under the breed standard. However, no other coat colours are permissible. These dogs also lack an undercoat which makes them a good option for allergy sufferers.

Their heads are fairly rounded but not domed, with wide muzzles and black noses. Their oval-shaped eyes are dark brown in colour with black rims that just add to their charming appearance. They also have strong jaws with a perfect scissor bite.

These regal-looking dogs have long, well-feathered triangular ears that hang close to their head, so the coat blends in their shoulders. Maltese have short, straight legs and well-sloped shoulders which adds to their well-balanced look.

Maltese dogs have compact and short bodies with well-sprung rib cages and level backs from their withers to their tails. They have short, well-angulated back legs and round feet with black paw pads. Their heavy-feathered tails are set high and arch over their short backs.

Maltese dogs have a fairly long coat, but its length does not affect their movement or sight. Their coats are silky and perfectly straight, which gives the impression that they are almost floating across the ground with a smooth, even gait.

Personality

The Maltese breed is affectionate, responsive, and lively. They are also highly intelligent, so they quickly learn how to please their human companions and their families. Despite their small size, Maltese dogs are known to be fearless however, they can be somewhat defensive around strangers.

These dogs are very affectionate and thrive on human companionship. Because of this, it’s not a good idea to leave them alone for long periods of time. They are known to suffer from separation anxiety, leading to the development of unwanted behaviours such as barking, howling, scratching at doors or floors, and even chewing on furniture. Maltese dogs are ideal for those who work from home or a home with at least one person to accompany this affectionate dog.

As they grow older, Maltese’s energy levels continue to stay high, and they remain playful throughout their lives. They are also known to be very adaptable and versatile. They can be happy living in an apartment in the city or a home with a garden in the country. Just make sure to give them enough attention, daily exercise and mental stimulation. When out on walks, it may be a good idea to keep these dogs on a leash because they can be viewed as ‘fun toys’ for larger dogs. Similarly, you should regularly check your yard for any holes in the fence as these small dogs can easily slip through small gaps.

It’s worth noting that this dog breed is known to be fond of the sound of its own voice. So, you should train your Maltese from a young age to curb their need to bark. Make sure to do this cautiously because if you scare them while training, they tend to bark even more. Remember, Maltese thrive on having their human companions around them. So, if left alone for long periods of time, they may bark relentlessly.

Trainability

Maltese are very bright which makes them relatively easy to train. However, they will also have no issue taking advantage of their owners if they lack continuous training! They are very athletic which makes them an excellent choice as competitive companions in canine sports such as agility or obedience. Maltese can be persistent and determined, but they also respond well to positive and encouraging training methods.

Remember that these dogs have a habit of testing their trainer's boundaries and limits, resulting in disobedience. This can make them challenging to manage and handle if you are not strict with training.

Like many dog breeds, their training and socialization must start at puppyhood to ensure they become well-behaved and well-rounded adults. The key to effectively training a Maltese is consistency and boundary-setting. Make sure to be firm but gentle at the same time. Lastly, it’s worth noting that some of these little dogs can be challenging to housetrain compared to other breeds. But don’t worry, with consistent care, patience and understanding, Maltese can be trained not to be rowdy inside the house and to do their bathroom business outside.

Coat & Care

Maltese’s long, white coats are striking and glorious. They require gentle daily brushing and combing to prevent tangles and mats. These dogs should also have regular baths and coat conditioning to keep the hair looking healthy.

This dog breed has fairly fast-growing nails, so they must be trimmed regularly. Long nails can lead to difficulty walking and even pain.

In addition to grooming and nail-trimming, you should check their ears weekly and remove any excess hair, wax, or debris. Like most dogs, they are also susceptible to developing dental disease as they get older. So, their teeth must be brushed frequently. Preferably each time their coat is brushed. If your Maltese has unnecessary tear-staining around their eyes, a visit to their vet to identify its possible cause is recommended.

Health

The Maltese is a relatively healthy dog breed. However, they are prone to specific health conditions. As with all dogs, you should purchase your Maltese puppy from a reputable breeder to ensure they have been well cared for and socialised. They will also be able to perform genetic testing on your pup to ensure there are no underlying health issues present.

Some of the more common health conditions seen in Maltese dogs include:

Patellar luxation – This is also known as "slipped stifles" which is a common problem in small dog breeds. It occurs when the femur (thigh bone), patella (kneecap), and tibia (calf), are not correctly lined up. This can cause limping or an abnormal step, kind of like a hop or a skip.
Portosystemic liver shunt – A renal disorder that occurs when an abnormal vessel causes blood to bypass the liver. The Maltese, alongside the Yorkshire Terrier and Wolfhound breeds, is 20x more likely to develop this condition compared to other breeds.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A family of eye diseases that involves the progressive deterioration of the retina, eventually leading to blindness.
Hypoglycemia – A condition caused by a significant drop in blood sugar. This can be caused by stress, overexertion during exercise, and lack of food or water. Signs include confusion, weakness, a wobbly walk, and seizure-like episodes. If your dog is prone to this illness, talk to your veterinarian about prevention and treatment options.
White Dog Shaker Syndrome – As the name suggests, this condition mainly affects white dogs. Some of the signs to look out for include a lack of coordination, tremors over the entire body, and rapid eye movements.
Collapsed trachea – This condition is caused by the weakening of the cartilage rings that support the trachea. The most common sign of this health condition is a dry, chronic, harsh cough that many describe as being comparable to a "goose honk." It can be treated surgically or medically.
Hip Dysplasia – An inherited health condition where the ball and socket of the hip slip out of place. Some dog breeds display pain and limping on one or both back legs, while others do not show outward signs of discomfort.

Children & Other Pets

The majority of Maltese breeders will not sell puppies to families with young kids as it is too easy for a young child to injure or harm a tiny Maltese because of their fragile bone structure. Maltese dogs do much better in a household with gentle and calm older children or with adults who will treat them with the love, attention, and care they need.

If this dog breed is socialised at an early age, they can get along with other dogs and cats. However, these fearless canines are unaware of their tiny size so they may need protection from taking on other dogs much bigger than them! Maltese dogs are very fragile so always take this into consideration when purchasing a new puppy.