The maltese breed of dogs

 Origin of the Maltese

The Maltese dogs were found around the Mediterranean many centuries ago. It was one of several small toy breeds popular at the time. His precise place of origin is unknown, but several suggestions as to his origin have been put forward to include Sicily, Egypt, and southern Europe. However, some historians have come to believe Malta to be the place where they originated.
Conversely, other historical accounts hold it that these white dogs could have been brought to Malta and spread elsewhere around the world by the Phoenicians who were sea merchants and who are thought to have colonized the island of Malta about 1000 BCE.
Within the Island, the dog was bred to be, exclusively, companion dogs and Maltese women took special likeness for them because of their delicate nature and because they were seen as good comforters.
In the middle of the 19th century, trading activities helped to establish the Maltese as a pet dog in Britain and also in the United States about the same time. Up until now, the Maltese continues to be popular companion dogs and also used for various canine shows.
Maltese dogs have large personalities and enjoy playing with people. They can be amazing companions for kids as well as being natural watchdogs.

Maltese

Looking after the Maltese
To take proper care of a dog, there is quite a bit of work to do, and this becomes even more evident when it comes to small breeds. The Maltese breed adds another layer to this because of their single white coat. Below you will find the most important care tips that every pet owner should be following to keep their pets healthy, comfortable, and happy.

 
1. Offer quality diet
Keeping your Maltese healthy now and in the future will be determined by what he eats. He needs nutritious food to fuel his small body, keep a strong immune system, and maintain his metabolism. Breeds such as the Maltese need to avoid the harmful effects of low quality foods especially foods with artificial colorings, preservatives, and flavoring. These are harsh on the skin and coat as well as the digestive system. Likewise, you should stay away from by-products and generic meats.

2. Offer only filtered tap water.

Water in taps across various countries can be shockingly contaminated with regulated and unregulated chemicals, toxins, and harmful agents found in them. Even in the most advanced countries, regulating agencies have noticed instances in which unregulated contaminants have had to make their way into water supplies. So do not assume that it is a problem restricted to poor countries only. And considering that dogs drink so much water all day, ingesting these elements over long periods of time can be harmful to their overall health. However, because of what has been stated above, you may have to consider it risky to give an unfiltered tap water to your Maltese.

3. Take care of the teeth

Dog owners often overlook this extremely important tip, and the consequences can be dire. Just like humans, dogs continually produce plaques which attaches to their teeth and hardens into tartar within a few days after it forms. If the tartars are not thoroughly and properly removed on a regular basis, it will destroy enamel and travels under the gum line to destroy the dog's teeth. Chewing toys do not offer the proper level of cleaning and should be substituted with proper cleaning.
Undoubtedly, a lack of dental care can result in tooth decay, loose teeth, sepsis, and even infection. Bad breath and infection is another common side effect when there isn't adequate dental care.

4. Exercise is essential to a Maltese's health.

Even though toy breeds like the Maltese can very much run around quite a lot indoors, this is not the same as a purposeful outdoor exercise.
In any case, your Maltese would need you to walk him at least 30 minutes per day at a brisk pace.
The long-term benefits of such low-impact exercise are many. They promote heart health, regulate metabolism, boost immunity, and help maintain muscle ratios for a strong physical fitness. Also, it engages the dog's senses and helps him release energy that are bottled up inside him which are essential to keep the dog emotionally at alert.

5. Groom constantly.

The Maltese is known for having long silky hair. His long coat requires a lot of maintenance because the silky hair tangles easily if not brushed and combed frequently, and like human hair, it can break and split easily. The brushing of the coat eliminates debris and dead hair, stimulates hair growth, and distributes body oil.
To make things easier for you, you may want to keep your Maltese in a puppy clip to keep the hair short. In this case, the Maltese will still need to be groomed but less frequently. How often should your Maltese be brushed will depend on the length of his coat. Long coats should be brushed daily using a pin brush, while short coats should be brushed about every 3 days with a bristle brush. Moreso, It is best to bath him once every three weeks as more frequent bathing can result in excessive dry skin and coat. Dry skin results from frequent bathing as natural oils from the skin cannot be replaced easily. It is also important not to space baths too widely apart since accumulated oil blocks pores and interferes with natural circulation. It is possible for your Maltese to develop body odor if it has baths spaced too far apart.

6. Get your Maltese checked by a veterinarian

Dogs generally need routine veterinarian checkups. All adult dogs should have a wellness examination once every year, and seniors 8 years and older need twice-per-year geriatric checkups. A visit to a vet presents an opportunity to ask any questions you may have at that material time bothering on the health of your dog. Note that keeping tab of your dog's health status is the best way to catch early warning signs.

The overall statistics of a Maltese

Weight Range:

Male: 4 lbs.
Female: 4 lbs.

Height:
Male: 10 in.
Female: 9 in.

Features:
Floppy ears

Exercise Requirements:
30 minutes/day

Energy Level:
Very Energetic.

Longevity Range:
12-14 yrs

Tendency to Drool:
Low.

Tendency to Snore:
Low.

Tendency to Bark:
High.

Tendency to Dig:
Low.

Attention Needs:
High .

Bred For:

Lapdog.

Coat Length:
Long

Colors:
White.

Overall Grooming Needs:
High.

Club Recognition:
AKC Classification: Toy.
UKC Classification: Companion Dog.
Prevalence: Common.