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 Maltese Information and Picture
Dog Breed Group
Toy Group
History and Origin
Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds and known as the most ancient toy breed.
According to the early writings and greek art, its believed that Maltese dog have been found at around 6000 B.C to 2000 B.C. Descended from a Spitz-like dog which was bred for hunting rodents in the marsh and wooded areas.
Some believes that Maltese is actually originated in Asia and later carried to the Isle of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. This breed quickly become very popular among women who often carry this little dog in their sleeves and even brought them to bed.
Today, Maltese is adored pet and frequent winners in dog show under Toy Group.
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Temperament
Maltese is bred as a companion dog.
It is gentle, trusting, loving, well-mannered and devoted to its master.
Maltese is lively, playful, highly intelligent and good at learning little tricks.
For all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems to be without fear.
It is very good with children and it likes playing games with them.
Maltese is also suite for the elders.
Same with other small dog, Maltese may be difficult to housebreak.
Description (Appearance)
The body of Maltese is compact, the height from the withers to the tail and length from the withers to the ground are equal. Its long white coat is parting to two sides of a center part line.
Its head is slightly rounded on top and its muzzle is of medium length.
It has dark and round eyes which set not too far apart and its nose is black in color with open nostrils and a distinct top.
The ears of Maltese are drop down, set low, long and thickly covered with long hair.
The coat of Maltese is single coat, which doesn't have undercoat. It appears flat, long, silky and white hair
The coat should not appear to be wavy, kinky or curly.
Size
Height: Dog 8 - 10 inches (21 - 25 cm)
Height: Bitch 8 - 9 inches (20 - 23 cm)
Weight: 6.5 - 9 pounds (3 - 4 kg)
Living Conditions
Able to adapt to different environment such as apartment, house, country or town.
Maltese is active indoor and do okay without a yard.
Exercise demand
Maltese is a very playful indoor.
Do not need much physical exercise but daily walk is needed.
Health problems
Prone to eyes, tooth problems, skin and respiratory problems.
There are other minor concerns which are patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, open fontanel and entropion.
Life Expectancy
About 15 - 17 years.
Grooming
Maltese does not shed.
It's long coat should be comb and brush everyday to maintain it in good quality.
Owners should comb and brush its coat in gentle as the coat is very soft.
Special Concern
Maltese tense to get sunburn easily along the hair parting part.
Recognition
AKC, CKC, FCI, UKC, KCGB, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
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