Maltese dogs are not only beautiful but are lovable and kind natured dogs. As a member of the toy breed, they are small in stature and don't get much bigger than 6 pounds. Most of their bulk comes in the form of thick white hair. Their coats hang long, flat and silky over the sides of the body and skim the ground.

Taking care of the Maltese coat is the most important part of grooming the breed. Maltese should be brushed and combed a minimum of every other day. Daily brushing, however, is recommended if you want to keep their coat healthy.

The best brush to use is an open-spaced pin brush. Avoid brushes with 'balls' on the pins. Start by lifting up the top layer of hair, spray a light coat of water or a leave in conditioner and brush the bottom half of the coat free. Continue until that layer is tangle-free all the way to the skin and then work up to the top layer of hair. Always make sure to brush the dog's underbelly to prevent matting.

If your Maltese does develop mats, try to work it out gently at first with your fingers. Trying to brush it out first may result in hair loss. You can also try spraying the mat with de-tangler or a coat conditioning oil to loosen the hair.

Gently pull apart the mat with your fingers and the end tooth of a comb as necessary. The most important thing to remember is to go slowly because if you try to remove the mat too hastily, you may end up needing to cut the mat out.

Another important part of taking care of the Maltese coat is regular bathing. Before beginning the bathing process, brush and comb your dog thoroughly to get rid of any dead hair and knots. If there are any mats present, they must be taken care of first because water will only tighten the knot.

Once you've prepared your dog, clean the dog's ears and then place a small ball of cotton inside. This will help prevent any water from entering the ear canal and causing an infection. Make sure to have all of your necessary equipment ready before beginning the bath and have plenty of towels within reach.

Begin the bathing by getting your dog wet to the skin and then applying a quality, tear-free shampoo along the back, each leg and under the tail of your Maltese. Start lathering your dog and work from the back to front. Rinse the coat and then shampoo again.

After you've rinsed the second time, make sure to wash your Maltese's face carefully with a washcloth. Rise a third time over the dog's face and body to make sure all traces of soap are gone. Any leftover residue will irritate the dog's skin so this is a very important step.

Many Maltese owners like to use conditioner on their dog's coat. A special type of conditioner called a 'coat handler' works as a leave in conditioner, detangler and fragrance all in one.

Work the conditioner or coat handler through the dog's hair and then squeeze excess water from the coat. Pay close attention to the ears, tail and legs when removing water. Then you can start drying with towels. Once your dog is at the damp-dry state you can begin to blow-dry. After blow-drying, you can comb out the dog's hair to make it smooth. Wash your Maltese no more than once a week for a healthy coat.

caring for your maltese

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Maltese

The Maltese dog has been around for thousands of years.  In fact, these dogs were specifically mentioned in writings that date back to as early as 300 B.C. The Greeks also have artwork that depict Maltese dogs from as early as the 5th century. This information tells us that this breed is the most ancient of all European Toy dog breeds.

Maltese dogs were exported and distributed throughout many parts of Europe and the Asian countries.  However, even though they reached so many different areas of the globe, the majority of the original Malta remained in a relatively isolated area, away from other dogs.  Because of this, pure breeding over centuries kept the distinctive and noble look of this small dog.

Today's Maltese is white colored but throughout history they came in various other colors besides white. Regardless of the color changes, these dogs always kept their beautiful, long silky coat that dazzles the eye.

Maltese dogs were brought to England by the early 14th century. Here they became practically worshiped by the upper-class.  Adored and pampered, wealthy families had Maltese dogs as pets to show off their nobility. Although popular at that time, it is suggested that this breed was close to extinction sometime during the early 1800s.

Soon after this time period, two Maltese dogs were brought to England from the lands of Manila to be given to Queen Victoria as a gift.  However, the animals did not make it to their destination and were passed on to other people.  The offspring of these two dogs became the first of their kind to be exhibited in England. They were referred to as “Maltese Terriers” even though they were not related to Terriers.

The Maltese dog breed finally made its way to the United States sometime during the late 1800s, probably around 1875 or so.  At this time they were referred to as “Maltese Lion Dogs”. The AKC recognized the Maltese in 1888 and has become one of the more popular dogs breeds of today.

Personality

If you are looking for a beautiful lapdog, then the Maltese should be your #1 choice.  A dog to be admired and pampered, the Maltese makes a perfect pet for somebody that enjoys holding and petting their dog often. And do not let its innocent look fool you, these dogs can also be very feisty and bold.  Oftentimes they will challenge dogs that are much larger in size, which makes them great watchdogs.

Taking Care Of Your Maltese

Like all pets, the Maltese must get in a bit of daily exercise. These requirements can easily be met with a quick run through the yard or a short walk on the leash. They are not outdoor dogs and are best to be kept indoors when not exercising outside. They love to be held and pampered. Grooming requirements consist of constant brushing to keep the coat clear and clean.  Monthly clipping may also be needed depending upon how long you want the hair to grow.

Health Information

Maltese dogs have a lifespan of up to 15 years, with 12 to 13 being the average.  There are no major health concerns to worry about, however minor issues that occasionally come up are portacaval shunt, entropion, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, open fontanel, distishiasis, hydrocephalus, and dental problems.

History

These dogs possibly originated in the Orient, but they are identified with Malta, which is a small island close to Italy's coast. They have been the dogs of  royal households for centuries in various areas of the world. They are ancient dogs.

General Looks

Maltese are toy canines with lengthy, white, silk-like fur.

Is This Your Breed?

These are courageous dogs. They are mild natured, like to play, and have plenty of vitality. They are loving and frolicsome.

Coat

Maltese don't have undercoats. The coat hangs like a sheet of fur along the dog's sides.

Color

White is the only color.

Locomotion

His movements flow and are buoyant.

Personality

He is affectionate, brave, gentle, and trusting.

Maltese video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aih9uqQcskE

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Timmy is a Maltese dog available for adoption from Dog Rescue Newcastle www.dogrescuenewcastle.com.au He is playful, very affectionate and calm. He just loves to be with you. He is deaf but you would hardly know it. For more info about Timmy or our other rescued puppies and dogs available for adoption, visit our website or ring 02-4954-2234 in Australia.

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Adopt a Maltese dog by searching for breed rescue organizations on the Internet, which will have connections to shelters and foster organizations. Find a cute, fluffy Maltese to adopt with help from a dog trainer in this free video on dog adoption. Expert: Nancy Frensley Contact: www.berkeleyhumane.org/ Bio: Nancy Frensley is a certified pet dog trainer. Filmmaker: Sam Lee

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Rescue a Maltese dog by contacting a breed rescue organization that fosters and adopts Maltese dogs from shelters. Be prepared to groom Maltese dogs on a regular basis with advice from a dog trainer in this free video on dog adoption. Expert: Nancy Frensley Contact: www.berkeleyhumane.org/ Bio: Nancy Frensley is a certified pet dog trainer. Filmmaker: Sam Lee

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