Maltese - the pros and cons of the breed

Recently, miniature dogs, in particular, the Maltese lapdog, have become increasingly popular. Representatives of the breed are also called Maltese, they are famous for their long and silky hair. But in order not to be mistaken with the choice of a pet, it is necessary to know everything regarding the subtleties of its content, positive and negative characteristics. That is what will be discussed today.

International standard

We will not get ahead of ourselves, considering the pros and cons of the represented breed, first we will get acquainted with generally accepted standards.

1. As befits a small dog, their weight does not exceed the figures of 4 kg. As for height, it is 20-25 cm at the withers. At the same time, males are slightly taller than bitches, but this superiority is not necessary.
2. The color of the dog is more common white, but other shades are allowed. For example, ivory. If the dog is red, it will be considered a defect.
3. If you give your pet proper care, and also make sure that he has no hereditary pathologies, the dog will live to 20 years. Maltese attributed to long-lived.
4. The individuals of the breed in question are renowned for their high intellectual abilities. The main advantages of the Bologna over similar breeds are ingenuity, the ability to get along with humans and animals, and resistance in difficult situations. Dogs quickly socialize and learn.
5. As for character, it depends on education. By nature, the lapdogs are confident, friendly, mobile. They grow up late, and therefore even an adult individual may seem like a puppy when they first met. The dog will choose one owner, plus it or minus, you decide. But she will obey her master in everything, wanting to please. If you deprive the Maltese of love and care, it will become harmful and detached.
6. Many are interested in the potential of the dog in terms of a guard or watchman. Of course, the lapdog is not tied to the chain so that it protects the house. Therefore, we can say that the potential of the watchman is absent. However, the dog is not very friendly to strangers who pose a threat. She bark, and maybe bite.
7. The main distinctive feature of the Maltese is the snow-white falling wool. She is shiny and thick, like a dress. No curls, the cover is dense and weighty, drops almost to the toes. Due to the fact that the dog does not have an undercoat, the maltese is classified as a hypoallergenic animal.

Breed advantages

1. If the dog is given due attention, educate, care, it will please the owner for many years. Pet is famous for its appearance toys, which certainly can be considered a plus.
2. Contrary to popular belief, it’s easy to take care of Maltese. Enough basic procedures for washing, combing, drying. The dogs are taken to the vet for an inspection once a year, they are vaccinated and de-wormed according to a schedule.
3. Maltese is suitable for keeping in small-sized apartments, where more pets will obviously feel uncomfortable. Bolonka also have enough of his house or a place on the couch next to the owner.
4. Working people start dogs, which do not have the opportunity to walk a pet three times a day. Representatives of the breed quickly get used to the tray, are not eager to go out, they have enough walks 1 time per day.Also, individuals feel great in private.
5. You can not bypass the nature of the dog. Again, if you pay attention to her, surround her with care and love, the Maltese will be faithful. Pet good-natured by nature, calm, but at the same time can play with children.
6. The animal does not conflict with other pets, and therefore can get along with a cat or dog. There is no causeless barking, the dog loves dry food, there is no need for daily cooking. The animal will get along with the child and will not harm him in the process of games.

Breed minuses

1. In view of the fact that the specimens of the breed under discussion are famous for their long hair, it is necessary to regularly take care of the cover. So, you have to visit the groomer so that the pet always looks neat. The procedure is average for the price, in each city the cost is different.
2. Dogs have a good memory that does not always play into the hands of the owner. If you offend a pet, he will remember this, he will be offended. Maltese is emotional, they may even cry.
3. All pets eat, but it is worth to put a lot of effort to wean the animal to sit near the table when the owner eats.Even if the lapdog has already eaten, she will sit next to you out of idle curiosity and look into your mouth.

Content of lapdogs

1. It should be noted that the Maltese lapdog should be kept exclusively in the apartment. This is not only a matter of the small size of the animal, which cannot even protect itself against yard cats, but also of the specificity of the wool.
2. This breed has no undercoat, so the wool itself is practically not warm. Also in free conditions the dog will quickly become covered with mats. If you live in a private house, your pet can be let out for a while in the yard.
3. Make sure in advance that there are no loopholes under the fence. Otherwise, the dog may run away. Take into account when living an animal in the house, it should have all the amenities. Provide a pet bed and bowls. A house or a bed can be built from a thick blanket.
4. Most experienced owners recommend buying toys that squeak for Maltese lapdogs. Dogs love them very much. Consider, such toys can bother you in the first day. Therefore, it is worth thinking about alternative accessories.
5. When acquiring a collar or harness for an animal, it is worthwhile to make sure that your contact details are present on the attribute. This is necessary if the pet suddenly runs away.To prevent this from happening, the education of the dog must be practiced from an early age.
6. For hair lapdogs need constant care, so you should get all the necessary tools for grooming. Buy scallops with different frequency of teeth. You will also need a nail clipper and a massage brush for combing hair.
7. After acquiring a puppy, be sure to arm yourself with disposable diapers and a tray. This is necessary until such time as the animal does not get used to relieve the need for walks. Alternatively, the dog can be accustomed to the home tray.
8. In the cold season, the breed in question should be walked exclusively in dog clothes. This accessory will not only warm your pet, but also protect the wool from dirt. If you buy an animal in the warm season, do not rush to buy clothes. If you bought a puppy in the winter, then you should not go out into the street without overalls and shoes.
9. As for the care of the lapdog, it does not cause much trouble, with the exception of wool. This point needs special attention. The animal should always look good. Do not forget to inspect the ears and eyes of your pet every day.If necessary, clean them with a cotton sponge.
10. If your pet often has watery eyes or they are red, it is imperative to visit a veterinarian. With regard to claw clipping, the procedure should be carried out about 1 time in 3 weeks. If the dog wears shoes, claws will have to be cut more often.
11. The rest of the prevention of fleas, worms and ticks should be carried out 2-3 times a year. The procedure must be carried out before viscous. If you are not going to breed puppies, then the drugs should be used strictly according to the instructions.
12. Do not forget about timely vaccinations. The first must be done when the pet is 2 months old. A month later, the procedure is repeated. Further vaccinations are made 1 time per year.
13. Combing the lapdog will have every day. For convenience, use a special comb. Do not allow tangle of wool and mats. It is also allowed to resort to the help of special means. The advantage of the breed is that it practically does not shed due to the lack of undercoat.

Maltese lapdogs are suitable for keeping in an apartment. They have a great friendly character. Pet is not picky about food. The only disadvantage is the fact that you will need to constantly care for the dog's hair. Also do not forget about timely care and vaccinations.As a preventative, visit the vet regularly.

Video: Maltese dog breed