Trainability

This breed loves to please which makes training easy. However, like many small dogs they can be a challenge to housetrain and crate training is advised, as too, remembering that unlike larger dogs they have smaller bladders and much shorter legs to reach the door! This breed thrives on positive reinforcement and will respond well to praise and a good handful of treats. The adorable Maltese is highly intelligent and does well in a range of dog sports including agility and obedience training. Like all dogs, early socialisation is important – think as many sights, sounds, noises and experiences as possible. Puppy-preschool classes are a wonderful way to introduce your young dog into the world of socialisation and training. The key with this breed is to remember not to over spoil them, which is not an easy feat as they are such adorable dogs. Over pampering and not expecting manners from your pup, may cause issues with your old Maltese in terms of other pets, people and children. Ensure you have ‘some’ clear boundaries so your pup grows into a well-rounded and socially adapt dog.

Grooming

Maltese dogs will need a decent amount of care when it comes to their beautiful coats. The coat will become easily matted and dirty particularly if left in the traditional way of long and stunningly flowing. Many owners tie their beautiful dog’s hair up in a top-knot to keep the hair out of their eyes. The coat will need a daily combing or brush and many owners enlist the help of a professional groomer. These costs and dedication to grooming must be considered when contemplating offering your home to such a majestic dog. Clean your Maltese eyes daily with warm water to prevent staining around the face and consider other methods such as the types of bowls you feed your dog out of etc to keep the face clean and white. Your local groomer is a wealth of hot tips to keep your precious pooch looking their best. Like with all dog breeds getting your puppy used to touch around the face, feet and ears is important, as too early nail clipping.

Exercise Requirements

Although your Maltese is not a large dog that will require a good dose of daily exercise – don’t be fooled by size. This breed loves to get out and about with a brisk walk or play and they are known to excel in the dog sport arena. Because they are small is certainly doesn’t take much effort to keep them fit and healthy. However, getting them out and about in public is a good way to continue with your socialisation and ensuring your wee dog is well mannered when interacting with the general public. So, it is advised that your dog needs to be walked daily. Care needs to be taken when considering when you exercise your dog as this breed does not take well to the heat or to the cold. Many owners also invest in dog coats or raincoats for winter walking. Care must be taken with over exercising young puppies – only exercise lightly and stop once they show any signs of becoming tired.

Intelligence

The Maltese is most certainly a very intelligent breed. They thrive on human companionship and will pine dreadfully if left alone for long periods of time. They are an incredibly sweet breed and will easily persuade even the strictest households of bending the rules to adhere to their needs. Like with all dog breeds – boredom will result in destructive behaviours. Cue; barking and chewing, two fun and entertaining past-times for any dog looking for some enrichment into their daily life. The key to boredom is adequate exercise and ensuring your pup as a ‘job’ to do when you are not home. This can be in the form of treat-balls and puzzles or as simple as rotating your ‘home alone’ toys.

Family Friendly

Socialisation and manners are paramount with this breed. If they have been over-pampered by their adoring owners, they can become rather bossy with other people, pets and children. In saying this, those dogs who are correctly socialised throughout their lives are wonderfully well-adjusted and well-rounded dogs. Care must be taken in consideration to their small size especially with toddlers and, like with all dog/child interactions, supervision is vital. Teaching children how to correctly interact with your Maltese is important, as too teaching your pup how to play with your child. Remember with all dogs; sitting cuddles are best. To prevent injury; it is important to establish the ‘no picking up the dog’ rule quickly. They will adapt to life well with other pets if correctly introduced during puppyhood. Due to their small size care must be taken with large dogs, and boisterous toddlers.

Indoor/ Outdoor

The Maltese is most certainly and inside dog. They do not tolerate the heat or the cold well and will catch a chill quickly with a dam wet coat. Their long flowing coats will matt easily if left to dirty and run-around outside unsupervised. This makes them a wonderful apartment dog.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.