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An aristocratic-looking toy dog, with dark eyes and a pure white coat that is long and silky, the Maltese is a most striking dog.
The Maltese breed can be prone to:
- Patellar luxation
- Portosystemic shunt
- Mitral Valve Disease¹ which is where the heart valves become diseased and don't work properly.
- Chiari malformation syringomyelia² which is a condition where fluid-filled areas develop around the spinal cord causing pain.
- Cataracts³ which is a condition where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy and this can result in blindness.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
¹C. M. Lee, 'Genome-wide association study of degenerative mitral valve disease in Maltese dogs', Jan 2019, Journal of Veterinary Science
²S. Sanchis‐Mora et al, 'Dogs attending primary‐care practice in England with clinical signs suggestive of Chiari‐like malformation/syringomyelia', 2016, Vet Record
³S. A. Park et al, 'Clinical manifestations of cataracts in small breed dogs', 2009, Veterinary Ophthalmology
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 2/5 |
| Easy to train: | 4/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
| Energy level: | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 2/5 |
| Shedding: | 2/5 |
This is one of the earliest of the small companion dog breeds and they may well have existed in Malta for hundreds of years, although the earliest records are from the early 1800s where they became known as lapdogs of the nobility - and were frequently seen in the paintings of the time. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries they became increasingly popular both in Malta and wider afield, and thanks to both their appearance and their temperament they quickly found fans around the world, first appearing as a show dog in England in 1859.
Suited to first time owners who enjoy dog grooming, can provide active daily walks and enjoy both basic obedience training and fun trick training to keep the Maltese brain and body busy. Ideal for child free homes or for those with quiet/older children who can listen to instruction and understand this small dog is not a toy no matter how cute!
Half an hour's daily exercise will keep a Maltese content, though they are capable of more if you can offer it. They can be surprisingly game when out and about, and their past history as a one-time vermin catcher can come to the fore! The also enjoy games with their owners.
Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.
Daily grooming is needed to keep the long, silky coat tangle-free. If neglected, mats will form, which will become painful for the dog. Getting a Maltese puppy to view grooming as a rewarding experience is therefore very important.
The Maltese is far cleverer than many people think and they will enjoy learning tricks and games - and should be trained to walk on a lead and harness as well as come back when called. While this may look like a cute fluffy dog, the Maltese can enjoy the occasional ‘squirrel chase’!
The Maltese is an enchanting companion dog and they will happily live in a family; however, they bond closely to one person and are too small and gentle for noisy families with young and boisterous children.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
