Maltese: Dog Breeds

In Dog Breed Corner this month is the Maltese! Check out the Maltese’s stats, personality, trainability, grooming and more! And for the best Pet Sitters for Maltese, take a look at Mad Paws!

Maltese Breed History♜

You’ll often hear people call the Maltese an “ancient breed” but what does that mean? Is this dog as old as the pyramids? The Trojan War? The invention of the wheel? Unfortunately, we’re not sure.

The true origin of the Maltese is also up in the air. The toy dog we know today may have come from Spitz-type dogs from Northern Europe and Siberia or Terrier-type dogs from Asia. There is shakey historical evidence for either.

So, when and where these dogs originated, we don’t know. But somehow, they ended up on the island of Malta off the coast of Italy. And at some point, probably around 700 BC, Greek traders showed up. Malta was the perfect stop off on their trade route, so they made frequent visits to the island. Most likely, the sailors took a few Maltese dogs with them to help control rodent populations on the ship.

Maltese dogs quickly became a tradable commodity as a companion animal for the wealthy, which is how they came to be so valuable in the region. Soon, you could find Maltese dogs in Egypt and later on in Rome, where these puppers took on a mythical and glamorous role. They were so beloved in Greek society that families would erect monuments for their little white dogs after they died. And in Egypt, they were believed to have healing qualities.

Centuries later, the Maltese breed became a favourite with the upper class and aristocracy. For many years, these dogs were wildly popular as props in portrait painting of wealthy women in the 18th and 19th centuries.

With such a long and winding history, it’s not surprising that these dogs have had many a name over the years. In the past, they’ve been called the Maltese Lion Dog, Maltese Terrier, Melitaie Dog, Roman Ladies’ Dog, Shock Dog, and the Spaniel Gentle.

Today, the Maltese still has the air of an ancient and royal dog. They continue to be one of the most popular companion animals in the world, and you can see them on just about every continent. But don’t think they’ve given up their time in the limelight. These dogs continue to draw attention in dog shows and other competitions.

Maltese Personality Traits ★

There’s a reason why the Maltese has made a name for itself as the perfect companion dog. They’re sweet, mild, gentle and very attached to their beloved Owners. They’re also intelligent and lively, which makes them a joy to have around.

Maltese dogs get along with everyone, and they’ll quickly bond with family members and their dedicated Pet Sitters. And, with proper training, they’re great with strangers and children. Most Maltese Owners would say they don’t have an aggressive bone in their bodies.

If there’s one thing the Maltese is good at, it’s dispelling some of the Small Dog Myths out there. This is a dog that doesn’t need to be coddled or carried around. Instead, they’re sturdy and brave and will be happy to run alongside doggos that are three times their size.

What the Maltese wants most in the world is to cuddle and play with their favourite humans. They’ve got more energy than most dogs of their size, and they’ll resort to some wily tricks to get their Owner’s attention when they’re feeling bored or lonely.

If you’re looking for a dog that is completely silent, the Maltese is not the best choice. These dogs are quite vocal, and they’ve been known to bark at everything from a knock at the door to the telephone ringing to their favourite toy. Happy or angry or bored, your Maltese will let you know.

Trainability & Exercise Needs

As part of the Toy Group, Maltese are at risk for what we call Small Dog Syndrome, which is a group of behaviours that are common with little doggos. Often, the reason for Small Dog Syndrome is insufficient training, so here’s how to prevent it in your Maltese.

First, start early. Socialisation when your Maltese is a puppy is the best way to prevent fear or anxiety around new people and dogs. Creating positive connections between your Maltese and newcomers is also a great way to avoid territorial aggression and possessiveness.

Make sure to rely heavily on positive reinforcement for your Maltese, rewarding them for good behaviours like moving off of the couch to make room for your guests and responding to “quiet” commands.

Also, make time for exercise. Many unwanted traits in Maltese dogs boil down to pent up energy. These may be small doggos, but they’ve got higher exercise needs that most toy breeds. With daily exercise and playtime, you’ll see a huge reduction in the behaviours, like barking, jumping up, and chewing, that you don’t want to see in your Maltese.

Finally, you might find that training for separation anxiety is necessary for your Maltese. After all, these dogs were bred to be lap dogs, and getting them to a place where they’re comfortable alone will take some time and effort.

Gradual crate training can be effective for your Maltese which will allow them to have a safe and comfortable space to relax while you’re away. It will also cut down on destructive behaviours that come with separation anxiety. The key is to take this training slowly and use plenty of positive reinforcement. It’s also a good idea to hire a trusted Dog Walker to give your Maltese a break in the middle of the day.

There is one final thing we should talk about in the realm of Maltese training – potty training. This doggo has a reputation for being difficult to potty train, but it is entirely possible for them to be fully trained by 4 months. Where this rumour came, we’re not entirely sure. But with early and consistent potty training, your Maltese can be expected to be accident free while you’re away, just like any other pupper.

Living Conditions ⌂

Maltese are well adapted to small living spaces, making them ideal for apartment dwellers and families in the city. Remember, though, that this is a vocal doggo, which might make for some grumpy neighbours if you live in a sleepy apartment building.

In addition to what we’ve already covered in training and exercise, you can help to manage the barking tendency by Matlese-ifying your indoor space.

First, make sure they always have access to fun and interesting toys that challenge them mentally. Who cares about the neighbours walking to the elevator when you’ve got a basket full of treat-dispensing puzzles to play with?

You might also set up a noise machine to drown out any triggers that could rile up your Maltese. And, make sure to set up comfortable places to snuggle up and nap the day away waiting for you to come home.

Another way to ensure that your Maltese feels comfortable at home and gets as much exercise as possible is to install small dog ramps throughout the house. With toy breeds like the Maltese, it’s easy to fall into the habit of picking up your dog when they want to get on the bed or climb the stairs. While that’s the easy route, it’s not the best for your dog’s sense of autonomy. Plus, you’re missing out on an opportunity for a bit of exercise. With ramps and strategic furniture placement, your Maltese will be more confident and active.

Maltese Health +

Like all small dogs, the most important way to keep your Maltese healthy is to prevent injury. These dogs are brave and always ready to play, but they’re tiny. Make sure that small children are gentle around your dog and that they don’t get too trampled at the dog park.

When it comes to genetic diseases, there are a few to watch out for. Glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy are two common eye disorders in this breed. They may also suffer from weak windpipes, which can lead to chronic coughing, reverse sneezing and, in the worst case scenario, collapsed trachea.

Because of their weak windpipes and small bones, it’s best to walk your Maltese with a full harness instead of a collar and leash. This will prevent undue stress on the spine and trachea.

Liver shunts can be an issue for the Maltese, as well as some forms of heart disease and hypoglycemia.

White Dog Shaker Syndrome is another common health problem in the Maltese. It’s a non-harmful disorder causing trembling and impacted coordination, especially when your dog is excited or stressed.

As you can see, there are quite a few health concerns when it comes to the Maltese. Always make sure that you get your Maltese from a reputable source and that you make vet visits a regular occurrence from the start.

Maltese Grooming ✄ 

If you have in your mind that you want your Maltese to look like a dog show champion, your pup will happily become the gorgeous superstar you want them to be. All you have to do is learn the best grooming routine.

Luckily, the Maltese has a single coat – no dander undercoat – which means that you don’t have to worry too much about shedding. All Maltese coats can grow to floor length, so you can decide whether you want a short haired, medium haired, or long-haired Maltese. Each option will require brushing to prevent mats and tangles. For the short haired look, you’ll need to brush a few times per week. For that dazzling long haired style, daily brushing will be necessary.

A big part of Maltese grooming will be keeping that coat clean and white. Many Maltese owners think that browning around the eyes and mouth is inevitable, but it can actually lead to bacteria growth and discomfort. To prevent it, you’ll want to wipe down your dog’s face with a dog friendly cleaning wipe a few times per day. Check with your local pet store for the best eye wipe products.

Another way to prevent fur staining is to keep an eye on their water consumption. Mineral water can lead to discolouration of the fur, which is why some Owners prefer to give their Maltese purified water. It’s also best to feed them in bowls that don’t promote bacteria growth – stainless steel is perfect. Take a look at this article on Dogs and Fur Stains to learn more about discolouration prevent for your Maltese.

In addition to regular grooming and cleaning, a bath every three weeks is standard for the Maltese.

Final Thoughts on the Maltese 

This is a dog with as much history as personality. It’s easy to see that this breed has thrived over the years because they are so adaptable and fun to be around. Plus, who wouldn’t love those adorable round eyes, short little snout, and gorgeous white coat?

If you’re ready to bring one home, be prepared for 15 years of giggles and playtime. And, of course, you’ll always have a friend to cuddle up with for some quality time.

In terms of maintenance, these dogs do require quite a bit of training, grooming, exercise, and health monitoring. They’re a vocal, brave pup that needs structure, care, and daily walks to keep them healthy and happy. And with early socialisation, they’ll happily step into the role of the life of the party. After all, you’re in the presence of royalty when a Maltese is in the room!

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