Maltese

A Maltese is a small breed of dog with white fur that does not shed. Adult Maltese range from 5 to 15 lb (2.5 to 7 kg). They are easy to train and enjoy playing. The standard type is for a straight, silky coat. Some individuals may have curly or woolly hair, but this is considered to be outside the desirable standard. Maltese do not have an undercoat.

Maltese can be extremely energetic, and are known for their occasional wild outbursts of physical activity, where they simply bolt around at top speed with amazing agility. They are very strong dogs, and their cleverness can sometimes lead them into trouble.

The breed has a reputation for having a good-natured temperament but is also fearless and may be intolerant of children and other pets. It is very protectful of a loving owner, and will bite at any hand that is perceived as a threat to its owner. Its fearlessness must always be kept in mind. A Maltese will bolt out of the house and right under the wheel of a car if you are not careful. Its small size is not an advantage in this case.

Appearance

The Maltese dog come in many different shapes, sizes and colors. These small toy spaniels have silky long hair with no undercoat and come in colors such as pure white or cream. These beautiful coats extend from the nose, through the center of the back all the way to the root of the tail. The weight of these small cuddly dogs are anywhere between 4 to 15 pounds. Many different characteristics come with these dogs such as slightly rounded skulls, a black nose, drooping ears with long hair, very dark, and short straight legs.

They have white coats that fade to a creamy color as age progresses. Some are born with more of a creamier color. Maltese have hair not fur, much like human hair. They do not shed. Some maltese have straight hair, some have curly depending on the dog. The breed standard is snow white straight sliky hair. The hair grows very long and can be kept long or groomed and short. Maltese have dark black noses and eyes. Some noses fade in color and turn to a pink color. If this happenes it means they need to get sun. It could also indicate illness. Standard maltese have black or pink paws and clear nails.

• Height and weight ranges
  • Full grown:
    • Standard reach around 10-15lbs
    • Teacup reach around 4-6lbs
    • Puppies:
      • Born less then one pound
      • At age 12 weeks, weight can be doubled and estimate full grown weight

These dogs are small build and the bodies are small as well. The dogs are very fragile and some children do not realize they they are not toys and can hurt them because of their size.

Characteristics

Maltese are very energetic but since they are so small, they get very tired after playing for too long. As puppies they like to smell and lick everything and at times will bark at other dogs or at people. But as they get older they are very friendly with most people. These dogs can be trained if time is spent with them. They learn very quickly and are very smart.