Human orientation
Very high score: gentle and attached to the owner. Behavior depends on upbringing.
THE PAW CATALOG
Maltese
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History of the Maltese breed
Origin: Central Mediterranean; patronage of Italy
Indigenous breeds date back to ancient times in the Mediterranean, and there is debate about where it originated: on the island of Malta or in Melitia in Sicily. Similar dogs are depicted on Egyptian and Greek monuments. In the 1500s, they were loved by the British nobility and royal families, nicknamed the "comforter". The English Kennel Club recognized the breed at the end of the 19th century, and it appeared at the Westminster Show in the late 1870s.
Maltese dog (Maltese), a miniature dog (up to 25 cm) with long, silky, pure white fur. Gentle, lively, very smart companion and watchful guard. Requires daily grooming, dental care and gentle handling.
SizeMiniature
OriginCentral Mediterranean; patronage of Italy
Life is nearby
Suitable for an apartment. Does not require intensive exercise, but loves walks and playing with toys. He feels best next to a person.
Walks
No special loads are required. Short walks and games at home or in the yard are enough.
Training
Very smart, gentle. Classes are short and sweet. Despite its cute appearance, it can defend its position in front of other dogs, so socialization is useful.
Care
Silky wool needs daily brushing. A show coat requires about an hour of grooming each day, plus weekly bathing and drying. Domestic dogs are usually clipped approximately every 8 weeks. Teeth are cleaned especially carefully, because tartar often forms. Eyes are wiped.
Children
Gentle and cheerful, but vulnerable due to its small size. Rough games with small children are not allowed.
Other animals
Not aggressive, but may not yield to other dogs. Gets along with animals in the family during socialization.
Peculiarities of the breed
Estimates help compare breeds. For zooaggression, 5/5 means less tendency to aggression towards dogs. The behavior and health of a particular dog depend on many factors.
Training
Medium-high rating: intelligent and eager to learn.
Zooaggression
Average score: not aggressive, but stands its ground.
Health and reproductive risks
In the British cohort, the median lifespan of the breed was 13.1 years. Among the described breed risks: dislocation of the patella, portosystemic shunt; examination of the parents is confirmed with the veterinarian.
Ease of care
Low rating: Long white coat needs daily brushing and regular trimming.
Health
Dislocation of the patella
A dislocation of the patella is often noticeable by short "bounces" on the hind leg during running. The doctor assesses the extent of the dislocation, and it depends on whether treatment is needed.
Portosystem shunt
A portosystemic shunt is a congenital anomaly of the liver vessels. Manifested by growth retardation, nausea and neurological symptoms. A veterinarian diagnoses.
Photo of the breed
