Maltese dogs are not only beautiful but are lovable and kind natured dogs. As a member of the toy breed, they are small in stature and don’t get much bigger than 6 pounds. Most of their bulk comes in the form of thick white hair. Their coats hang long, flat and silky over the sides of the body and skim the ground.

Taking care of the Maltese coat is the most important part of grooming the breed. Maltese should be brushed and combed a minimum of every other day. Daily brushing, however, is recommended if you want to keep their coat healthy.

The best brush to use is an open-spaced pin brush. Avoid brushes with “balls” on the pins. Start by lifting up the top layer of hair, spray a light coat of water or a leave in conditioner and brush the bottom half of the coat free. Continue until that layer is tangle-free all the way to the skin and then work up to the top layer of hair. Always make sure to brush the dog’s underbelly to prevent matting.

If your Maltese does develop mats, try to work it out gently at first with your fingers. Trying to brush it out first may result in hair loss. You can also try spraying the mat with de-tangler or a coat conditioning oil to loosen the hair.

Gently pull apart the mat with your fingers and the end tooth of a comb as necessary. The most important thing to remember is to go slowly because if you try to remove the mat too hastily, you may end up needing to cut the mat out.

Another important part of taking care of the Maltese coat is regular bathing. Before beginning the bathing process, brush and comb your dog thoroughly to get rid of any dead hair and knots. If there are any mats present, they must be taken care of first because water will only tighten the knot.

Once you’ve prepared your dog, clean the dog’s ears and then place a small ball of cotton inside. This will help prevent any water from entering the ear canal and causing an infection. Make sure to have all of your necessary equipment ready before beginning the bath and have plenty of towels within reach.

Begin the bathing by getting your dog wet to the skin and then applying a quality, tear-free shampoo along the back, each leg and under the tail of your Maltese. Start lathering your dog and work from the back to front. Rinse the coat and then shampoo again.

After you’ve rinsed the second time, make sure to wash your Maltese’s face carefully with a washcloth. Rise a third time over the dog’s face and body to make sure all traces of soap are gone. Any leftover residue will irritate the dog’s skin so this is a very important step.

Many Maltese owners like to use conditioner on their dog’s coat. A special type of conditioner called a “coat handler” works as a leave in conditioner, detangler and fragrance all in one.

Work the conditioner or coat handler through the dog’s hair and then squeeze excess water from the coat. Pay close attention to the ears, tail and legs when removing water. Then you can start drying with towels. Once your dog is at the damp-dry state you can begin to blow-dry. After blow-drying, you can comb out the dog’s hair to make it smooth. Wash your Maltese no more than once a week for a healthy coat.

Robin Darch, of PRT Specialised Services Limited has a website, My Pet Dog to help you find all the information you need about pet dogs, dog grooming and training.

The Maltese is a very popular toy breed. They are a healthy breed but care must be taken against extremes of temperature. They will do fine in an apartment, just needing daily walks. They are playful, fun loving dogs and they make great watch dogs. They are good with older, considerate children and they also tolerate other animals well. They do take considerable grooming to keep their beautiful coats in shape.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Maltese is 8 to 10 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 5 to 9 pounds. The female ranges from 8 to 9 inches to the withers and 4 to 8 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Maltese is no exception. Although considered to be a healthy breed, be on the look out for genetic eye disorders, slipped stifle, sun burn, skin and teeth problems. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Maltese is covered with a single layer of long silky hair which is white in color. Her lack of undercoat leaves her at a disadvantage in weather extremes. She needs daily brushing and combing. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Her eyes should be cleaned daily to guard against stains. Consider an occasional professional grooming. Weekly baths are probably ok but be careful not to chill her.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

Life Span

The Maltese can live between 9 and 11 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Maltese comes from Malta where they were kept as pets by the kings and queens. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1888.

Some Registries

• American Maltese Association
• UKC United Kennel Club
• NKC National Kennel Club
• CKC Continental Kennel Club
• APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
• AKC American Kennel Club
• FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
• NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
• KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain
• ANKC Australian National Kennel Club
• ACR American Canine Registry

Litter Size2 to 4 Maltese puppies

Category

Toy

Terms To Describe

Eager, affectionate, vigorous, playful, lively, fearless, fun, loving, intelligent

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

• Good choice for allergy sufferers.
• Makes a great lap dog.
• Good watch dog.
• Good at obedience.
• Fast learner.

SPECIAL BAD POINTS

• Does poorly in weather extremes.
• Poor guard dog.
• Can be difficult to housebreak.
• Can snap.
• Can be a picky eater.

Other Names Known ByMelitaie Dog, the Comforter Dog, Ye Ancient Roman Ladies Dog, the Maltese Lion Dog, and the Spaniel Gentle.

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

About the Author

Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site http://www.petpages.com, a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info. Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.

The Maltese is lovely, intelligent and playful as well as being cute cuddly - all characteristics that make a great pet! This breed originates from Italy and it is thought that it was first introduced in England by Crusaders returning from the Mediterranean. They were exceptionally popular with women who would carry them in the sleeves of their dresses! Not only a wonderful pet, this breed is also one of the most sought after show dogs.

A member of the American Kennel Club Toy Group, the Maltese was admitted to the AKC in 1888. They stand eight to 10 inches tall and weigh between 6 1/2 and 9 pounds. They can be long-lived if cared for properly and may have a life span of 15 years.

Though small, the mall tease Is fairly hearty and is well-known for his beautiful long white, silky coat. this breed has a single code of thick shiny hair which is very heavy and drapes down to the floor being over 8 inches long. The ears and tail are also thickly covered with hair and the tail drapes over the dogs back. The eyes are rather large, rounded and dark. This is a small dog but sturdy. Acceptable colors for the Maltese include white and light ivory.

The Maltese makes it great bad as it is gentle and loving as well as playful and lively. Devoted to their owners, these dogs are very intelligent and quite adept at learning tricks. Though small, they can be rather bold and will let you know if there are any suspicious noises about. They typically get along quite well with other animals, however some can be snappish and they may be difficult to house train.

with the Maltese Sea to need to watch out for a few health problems the strangest of which is that they can get sunburned a long the part down the middle. Other problems could include skin problems, eye problems, respiratory problems, tooth problems and slipped stifle.

The Maltese is active indoors but can do fine in an apartment as long as you take them for regular walks. This dog will be playful well into its older years so it kind of creates its own exercise and a yard is not necessary.

This breed does require a bit of grooming and should be brushed daily as well as have his eyes cleaned daily. Since the hair does fall into the eyes, some owners will tie the hair on the top of the head in a ponytail to make cleaning the eyes easier. To avoid staining of the hair, you should clean your Maltese around the mouth after each meal. You also need to clean the ears regularly and remove hair growing inside. They can be bathed or dry shampooed as often as you wish. The good thing is that despite their mass of hair they do not shed much.

Lee Dobbins writes for Dog Breeds 123 where you can see photos and learn more about your favorite dog breeds like the Maltese.

Maltese can be protective of their owner, so will bark at strangers, other animals or upon hearing suspicious noises. In such instances, they act as watch dogs.

However, when your dog barks at practically everything that he sees or hears, this is nuisance barking. No doubt this “unnecessary” barking drives you up the wall.

Here are some tips on how to train your Maltese from barking unnecessary.

1. Every time when he barks, praise him for sounding the alarm. Then tell him to be ‘QUIET’. If he stops barking for a few seconds, praise him. You may want to hold a food treat out above his head to get his attention while saying ‘QUIET’. Give him the treat as soon as he stops barking. Gradually increase the time he remains quiet before rewarding him with the treat.

2. Carry a squirt gun with you. Whenever your dog barks, say ‘QUIET’ and squirt some water on his face. As soon as he stops barking, praise him. Eventually, he’ll just stop barking the moment you show him your squirt gun. Alternatively, put a few pennies in an empty pop can and seal it with tape. Shake the can when your dog barks and say ‘QUIET’ firmly. Praise him when he stops barking. If you are throwing the can instead, make sure you don’t hit him with it. Just toss it to the floor next to him to interrupt his barking.

3. Maltese can be anxious, clingy dogs that bark a lot when their owners are not home. If this is the case for your dog, he suffers from separation anxiety. Train your Maltese to become accustomed to being on his own.

Begin with short absences. For your first absence, walk out of the door, close it and return immediately. Remember not to make a big deal about leaving and coming back. Reward him if he sits calmly.

When your dog shows no distress, lengthen your absences gradually. Don’t stay away from your dog for too long until he becomes upset. Repeat as many absences as possible until he is comfortable with you being gone for a reasonable amount of time.

4. Give your Maltese a variety of chew toys to keep him occupied while you are not at home. Stuff Kong toys with his favourite food and hide them in several places. These should keep him busy and distracted. You may want to leave the tv or radio on so he does not feel lonely if he hears noises in the background.

5. Some Maltese bark out of boredom or loneliness. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise so that he is tired and will sleep while you are away.

It takes time, patience and consistency to train your Maltese from barking excessively. You need to test these methods and once you’ve found one that works, apply the method consistently. If none of the above methods work, you may want to use an anti-bark collar.

Do you own a Maltese or Shih Tzu? Get free tips on Maltese and Shih Tzu training at http://www.maltesedogtips.com

Breed standards are a set of guidelines commonly used to ensure that dogs measure up to certain characteristics typical of the breed. Breed standards are used to judge dogs in competitions and are considered to be the hypothetical ideal of the breed.

If you want to compete with your Maltese and are concerned about following these requirements to the letter it might also be helpful to take into account that these ideal specifications can vary in different countries. These are the standards from the American Kennel Club

So you must be wondering.. how does your Maltese measure up to the official ‘conformation’ points? Keep in mind that these refer to the ideal dog and variations in your own Maltese are not in any way a poor reflection on your pet. Unless you want to compete that is…The following is adapted from the American Kennel Club Maltese Breed Standard guidelines which have been in effect since 1984.

General Appearance:

The Maltese is a gentle-mannered and loving toy dog. Covered from head to foot with smooth, silky hair. Despite the dogs size it should be eager and energetic.

Head:

The head must be in proportion with the size of the dog. The skull should be slightly rounded on top and the stop should be moderate.

The ears are low set and hang close to the head. The ears should be covered with hair hanging over them. The eyes are not set too far apart and should have a gentle but alert expression. The eyes are surrounded by black rims.

The muzzle is of medium length, fine and tapered at the nose. The nose is black. The teeth should meet in even bite.

Neck

The neck is long enough for the head to be held high.

Body

The body is compact. The shoulder blades are sloping and the elbows well knit. The back is level and the ribs well sprung. The chest is deep and just slightly tucked underneath.

Tail

Covered in long hair and gracefully carried over the back the tip should lie to the side over a quarter.

Legs and Feet

The legs should be fine-boned and feathered. The forelegs are straight and the joints well knit. The hind legs are strong and slightly angled at stifles and hocks. The feet are small and rounded. Toe pads are black.

Coat and Color

The coat is long, flat and silky. It should hang over the sides of the body almost to the ground. The long hair on the head may be tied up or left hanging. Any curl, kinks or woolly texture is considered a fault. The color must be pure white. Light tan or cream shades are allowed but frowned upon.

Temperament

The ideal Maltese is without fear. A gentle mannered dog with an affectionate manner is the ideal. Lively and playful.

Size

The weight must be less than 7 pounds. Between 4 - 6 pounds is preferred.

Gait

The Maltese moves with a smooth, flowing gait. When in motion the forelegs reach straight and free from the shoulders. The hind legs move in a straight line.

Faults:

Color

Cowhocks

Curly coat

Whether you want to compete or are just interested in how your dog measures up these are the most widely recognized guidelines.

Caring for your Maltese will require grooming to prevent the coats from matting. Try to keep the face clean especially around the eyes to avoid the typical “tear staining” which can spoil your Maltese’s’ lively expression. Maltese are excellent companions and lively playmates. This aristocrat of the canine world is a pleasure to own and love. And if your Maltese meets the breed standards, it’s a pleasure to show off your beautiful Maltese. If for some reason they don’t meet the standard it doesn’t mean a darn thing. They are beautiful through and through.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online Steve is also the co-author of two consumer guides, Carpet Secrets and Moving Secrets Guide

Introduction:

Maltese Terriers are pure white. If they have colour in them they are probably cross bred with something else which seems to be a very popular trend today.

They are classed as a small dog 2.5-5 kg in weight.

They were breed to hunt and love to dig.

They are very good with children and love attention.

FEEDING:

Dog are carnivores - meat eaters. It is possible to bring up a dog vegetarian but you must start from when it is a puppy and make sure it has a balanced diet.

We used to spend alot of money of can dog food, but it can be high in salt and bad for their teeth. Now we feed them a large bowl of dried dog food, with smacko’s cut up and mixed in. We also have a large bowl of water. This way the dogs can have access to the food whenever they want. We find they don’t overeat. They love treats from our table. Whenever we have chicken, steak, or roasts they love the scraps. If you trim your meat in food preparation don’t throw it in the bin, give it to the dogs. We even give them spaghetti and vegetables, so long as it has meat mixed in they will eat it.

Make sure to provide bones for their teeth and worm them regularly as per manufactors instructions.

Maltese bitches tend to come into season twice a year. It is recommended by breeders that you give the bitch a rest and not breed her all the time or she will lose condition.

PUPPIES:

There are few things in life as much fun and as playful as puppies. Cute, adorable and sometimes troublemakers.

Puppies are born quite small, but they are feeding machines. After a week they begin to open their eyes first with a small hole then slowly opening more and more. After two weeks they begin to change shape from ‘fat rats’ to a more dog like appearance. By five weeks they can be fully weaned and will do fine in a good home, but six to seven weeks is probably the more ideal time to introduce them into a new home. Some people would leave it longer, but for the sake of the new owner, the sooner the better so a young puppy can settle into the routine of a new home, the older the dog is,the harder it becomes to adapt.

HEALTH ISSUES:

It isn’t too hard to keep the average dog healthy.

Keep it regularly wormed, vacinated, provide good food, water and bones.

Like most small dogs Malteses due to their coat can be a home for fleas. To control this we recommend using frontline. In Queensland, Australia you have to beware of the paralysis tick and frontline takes care of that as well.

Also in Queensland heartworm can be a problem. Another problem most people miss is heat exhaustion. Due to the high temperatures we can experience in Qld. over 30 C degrees plusm, dogs with thick coats can literally overheat and die. In summer I recommend cutting the dogs coats quite short to avoid this. Max once overheated and we had to run a hose on him for 30 minutes and used a child’s syringe to make sure he swallowed some cool water. Prevention like most things with dogs is better than cure.

Like poodles, maltese often get brown muck in the corner of their eyes, if left there it will stain the surrounding fur. Regular cleaning, combing and brushing will avoid this and also keep their coats looking great.

BREEDING:

You can tell your bitch is in season when she starts to have blood in the vagina and it swells up in size. From the first sign of blood the cycle is 3 weeks long with the prime time mating is between the 11th and 15th days.

Once pregnant the gestation period is 63 to 64 days. About a week before the bitch is due make sure you have a bitching box where the new mother will feel is a safe place to have puppies. If you have your dogs outside most of the time, this is one of the times you need to bring her inside.

If you believe at anytime the bitch is having difficulties during labour ring your local vet for advice. Try to be there when the bitch is having the puppies to assist. Ensure the sack is broken so the newborn puppies can breath, if the mother doesn’t do this herself. With Jess we found that once she had one or two puppies already she would be too busy with them to concentrate on another delivery. So we help out. The mother will normally stay close by her puppies for the first week.

Malteses tend to have litters between 3-5 puppies on average. Jess seems to have 4 every time. We have had a still born puppy which can be very sad, but it is one of things you must be prepared to accept if you choose to breed.

We breed as a hobby because children love to play with puppies. For us it is not a money making venture. One litter a year doesn’t really become a money earner. We sell the puppies up to $500. You can sell to your local pet shop who pay between $250-$300. By the time you vacinate, worm, the cost of feeding a dog and bitch for a year, the returns are not financial but for love.

This article is the property of Alastair HARRIS and his immediate family. It may be freely republished over the internet but must include original links.
Alastair HARRIS is the main promoter for article-gems.com article directory (visit http://www.article-gems.com) and the getfinancialfreedom4u family of websites, blogs and projects (visit http://getfinancialfreedom4u.ws) specializing in online business opportunities and education, income being generated by affiliate marketing, Google, GDI, eBay, e books, clip flipping and more. Alastair is rated as an expert author on numerous article directories and is very open to assisting others on the internet

The Maltese is a small Toy dog that stands no more than 10 inches at the shoulders. He weighs between 6 – 9 pounds and is covered in a long mantle of white, straight silky fur. Maltese are extremely sweet and loveable little dogs that have been apart of aristocracy for more than 28 centuries. This breed was celebrated by the Greeks, Italians and, of course, residents of Malta.

Even though the breed is now adored by both the rich and everyday people, he still holds true to his natural traits of devotion, love and trust towards his owner. The gentle temperament of the Maltese and his spirited nature is what continues to win the hearts of so many.

That being said, they should not be overly pampered as this can ruin their ideal temperament traits and make the dog extremely overprotective of their owner, and jealous of others that spend time with their master. Furthermore, they will be hard to control if he is allowed to walk over his family. Like all dogs, he must be taught his place in your home. He requires proper socialization and basic obedience training.

Maltese are the perfect size for apartments and are happy living in close quarters with their owner. They do require sufficient exercise, but they are rather active indoors. Therefore, a few short walks per day and play time should suffice.

This breed is easier to love than he is to care for. This is because his silky white coat requires daily care, as does his eyes. This breed is susceptible to tear stain, a condition that causes the dog to have watery eyes that form goopy discharge at the corner of the eyes. It also causes the hair under the Maltese’s eye to turn a deep rusted red color. Keeping their hair out of their eyes, by tying it up on their head if it is long, and by wiping up the buildup, helps keep tear stain under control.

Maltese dogs do not shed, but their coat easily mats and becomes dirty. This means anyone who owns a Maltese must be prepared to purchase grooming supplies such as combs, a brush, and dog shampoo. All of these items are a regular part of Maltese care.

If the dog does not have his hair clipped short (which requires daily combing), and his hair is left long so that it trials on the floor, his coat will require brushing a few times per day. Furthermore, he should have a bath once a month to keep his coat a pristine white. The coat should also be clipped regularly.

Maltese usually live to be 15 years of age. In rare cases, they have even been known to live as long as 18 years. They are prone to sunburn, kidney stones, tooth, eye, and knee problems. These dogs also tend to shake. This could be because the dog has the chills or is experiencing a condition known as White Dog Shaker Syndrome.

The Maltese loves his family, tolerates well mannered children and does not mind other house pets. He is a superb family companion and a true sweetheart among dogs.

Richard Cussons cares about all dogs the Maltese is a favorite. You can find out more about Maltese dogs at the Maltese Savvy website.

Originating in ancient times on the Island of Malta, the Maltese has long been held in esteem because of its small size and elegant appearance. It has changed very little since the time of the Roman Empire.

The most appealing thing about the Maltese is the glorious flow of white coat. The coat is single, not double, so it lies flat and flows easily with the movement of the dog. Any deviation from this type of coat in a show Maltese is considered incorrect. Folks who own a pet however often do not keep the coat long, because it takes a great deal of care. A short pet trim does not detract from the dog’s personality, only its looks!

The Maltese personality is as appealing as its looks. It is a small dog but behaves like a big dog. It is not as hyper as many of the smaller breeds and will lie quietly for long periods in its owners arms or simply lounging on the couch, appearing very gentle in nature. However, this little dog can also be a delightful clown and loves to play and romp. They have an elegant movement because the coat flows with the body and they appear to move much faster than they really are moving, because of this flowing motion; so they look to be very quick on their feet. The Maltese has been popular in the show ring for many years and is a crowd pleaser when it runs because of the swiftness of its movement and the fluid appearance of the silky white coat. With its lively expression and alert appearance, this little dog is often one of those who “asks for the win”.

Care has to be taken when a Maltese decides to play too hard around furniture though as jumping from a height taller than itself can damage its legs. The Maltese also have a propensity to develop slipping patella. Although this condition can be hereditary it can also be caused by trauma. An especially small Maltese can sometimes faint, this is usually caused by low blood sugar and the dog can be quickly revived by rubbing honey on its gums. This condition can occur when the dog is teething, at around the age of 4 to 6 months. The tear ducts can sometimes become blocked, a condition which requires a trip to the vet. Except for these aforementioned conditions, the Maltese is generally a healthy dog and lives a long life.

Maltese owners can take these dogs with them everywhere and often do. They fit easily into a bag type of carrier or even a lady’s shoulder bag. And since they are relatively placid in nature they do not create a stir on an airplane or in public places. They fit well into family life and except for making sure that children do not inadvertently hurt this little dog by rough-housing too much, they are fine playmates for children and companions to the elderly also.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Animals

So you just purchased a maltese puppy. Now what? How can you get your puppy to behave and to not pee or poop on your nice floor.

Keep in mind that training a puppy is a lot like raising a child. It is a lot of work, they keep you up at night, they get into things and make messes, but your new baby (puppy) also gives you a lot of joy and love.

Potty training maltese puppies is not that hard.

Here are some proven steps to potty train your new pet:

1) Purchase a play pen or kennel.

2) Line the kennel or play pen with newspaper or puppy pads.

In the play pen there is room for newspaper on one side and bedding on the other. If you use a kennel it is a little smaller and your puppy may have a few accidents at first. Generally dogs do not potty where they sleep but when they are very young they just can’t hold it for long.

NOTE: The play pen is also great for when you are unable to give your puppy undivided attention. You can place it in the play pen and it is a safe place for them to play and not get hurt or get into anything.

3) Keep your puppy in the play pen or kennel when not attended or when you are not at home.

4) Within 30 minutes of feeding make sure there is newspaper or puppy pads accessible for your puppy to go on.

5) If you catch your puppy in the act - place him immediately on the newspaper or pads so they can finish there.

6) Do not hit your puppy. They do not respond to cruelty. Instead reward with treats whenever they go potty properly on the paper or pads.

7) As soon as your puppy has received its third set of shots you can begin putting them outside to go potty. You can move the newspaper outside to help them get used to going outside.

After a while (usually 2-6 months) they will get trained to go outside.

9) The end result will be that you will get a well trained well behaved puppy and a happy owner too!

The first weeks of potty training your new maltese puppy may be a little trying at times but you have to remember this is a commitment to a life long friend and your new puppy is getting used to his or her new family.

You really want to be consistent in your training.

Your puppy will be more easily trained if you follow a routine - otherwise you will confuse him, causing him to have more accidents and have a much harder time with potty training.

Putting time into your maltese puppy at the beginning of its life will pay big dividends in good behavior later.

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Man’s best friend comes in all shapes and sizes from massive Great Danes to microscopic Teacup Chihuahuas. It pays to be educated about the breed of dog you’re considering. Here are some things to take into account about the Maltese.

The Maltese is a member of the toy class, usually weighing between three and 10 pounds. Its most prominent characteristic is its long, flowing white hair with no undercoat. Because the Maltese don’t have fur like other breeds, it will lose hair the way humans do instead of shedding like most dogs. Perhaps the most interesting and unique characteristic of the breed is its color-changing nose. The nose can change from coal black to a light brownish color or even pink depending on the amount of sunlight the animal is exposed to. The nose of a female Maltese may change color when she goes onto heat.

Because Maltese don’t shed if properly and regularly groomed, they make good pets for people who suffer with allergies.

The breed’s temperament lends itself to companionship. The Maltese is happiest when in the company of family and friends being lavished with affection. Like most small breeds, they are energetic and given to sudden bouts of activity, but their small size makes them a good option for apartment dwellers. Maltese are very smart. Their high intellect makes them easy to train and quick at picking up new tricks.

Maltese are generally good natured and playful, but like any pack-oriented animal, they might not do well with small children or strangers. They are very territorial and likely to be protective of the family unit.

Like anything else with hair, a Maltese must be regularly groomed to prevent matting. Some caretakers find a way around the chore by keeping their dogs in what is known as a “puppy cut” or a “teddy bear cut,” where the hair is kept short, about a half an inch, all over the body. This style is certainly less fuss and may be more comfortable for the dog, but it’s not acceptable for a show dog.

Maltese are relatively healthy dogs, usually unburdened with the afflictions of other pure breeds. However, luxating patella, white dog shaker syndrome and progressive retinal atrophy are common in Maltese that do develop problems. Luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of place. White dog shaker syndrome is a sudden onset of tremors, sometimes full seizures, that troubles only white dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy is just what it sounds like. It will eventually result in blindness for which there is no cure.

In keeping with the designer breed trend, Maltese are often bred with other breeds, such as poodles, to emphasize their sweet nature and intelligence.

Corinne enjoys writing about dogs and other pets. Find more of her articles at Pets 247, a pet resource website where you can find online pet store resources, pet directories, pet forums, reviews and more.