Maltese Dog
The Maltese was once known as “Ye ancient dogge of Malta,” for that is where they were first recognized and how they received their name.
The breed has been an aristocrat of the canine world for over 28 centuries, owned by royalty all over the globe.
Even as far back as the 1500’s they were claimed to be sold for $2,000. And while other companion dogs such as the Pomeranian have been bred down from larger sizes, the first Maltese were the same size as the dogs we see today.
Maltese are excellent companion dogs. When treated well they rarely develop bad habits of biting or scratching.
They’re patient with children as long as the child isn’t very rough with the dog. They have a tendency to bond strongly with one person, but can still be affectionate to other members in the family.
The Maltese is a small, refined and energetic dog with long, soft white hair. Many owners choose to keep the hair trimmed short and it takes on a wavy and fluffy quality; others keep the coat long and flowing. This dog breed is intelligent and compact making it a conveniently portable little dog.
The Maltese is just one of many dogs thought to be hypoallergenic dog breeds. However, because of its coat type, routine grooming is an absolute necessity. The Maltese should be brushed out thoroughly every 1-2 days and haircuts are typically necessary every few weeks.
As with all animals they each have a personality all their own, which will develop and mature when loved cared for.
One of the most recognizable traits of the maltese, is the long, beautiful coat. Everyone has their own tricks-of-the-trade for grooming, but some of the most common and helpful grooming tools are a small or medium size slicker brush, a wide-tooth comb, and an uneven comb. There are a variety of shampoos on the market, a gentle shampoo for white coats will do fine for everything but the face. For the face a tear-free cleanser is best.
