Maltese
Group: Toy Group
Origin: Central Mediterranean Area
Height: Up to 10 inches (25 cm) at the shoulder.
Weight: Should weigh under 7 lbs (3 kg) — 4 to 6 lbs is considered ideal.
Ch. Myi’s Lynnspride Satin N’ Lace
Photo: Lynnspride Kennels Perm. Reg’d.
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Breed Profile
The Maltese is believed to be one of the oldest of the European Toy breeds. He is intelligent, affectionate, fearless and sweet-tempered. Known to be one of the most gentle mannered of the toy breeds, they are also very playful and energetic, making them wonderful companions and family dogs.
The Maltese has a flat, long, silky coat that hangs almost to the ground from a centre part that runs from the nose to the tip of the tail. The coat is pure white and his expression is enhanced by his dark eyes, nose, lips and eye rims.
Health Issues
The Maltese is generally a healthy dog that can live 12 years or more. If you are considering the adoption of a Maltese puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the General Information page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Collapsed Trachea: The Health Problem Every Owner of a Small Dog Should Understand
- Legg-Calve Perthes (LCPD) — This is a disorder of the hip joint occuring in both humans and dogs. It is most often seen in miniature and toy breed dogs between the ages of four months and one year. No specific causes are known although it is believed to have a genetic mode of inheritance.
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
- Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.
Grooming Information
The Maltese’s beautiful coat requires daily brushing to prevent tangles in the long, silky hair. If daily brushing is maintained, the coat is not difficult to care for. However, if neglected, matting will occur.
Like many of the Toy breeds, the Maltese may have problems with his teeth including gum disease. Regular brushing is recommended to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The drop-ears of the Maltese should also be kept clean and free of excess hair.
- Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Toy Breeds — Housebreaking
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Maltese Only — “The Largest & Most Complete Maltese Dog Website in the World.”
- 10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog
- Toy Breeds—Selecting the Perfect Pooch
- Euro Bichons — Euro Bichons is Europe’s only Multi-Bichons Breed Community – Bichons Frisé, Havanese, Bolognese, Lowchen, Maltese, Coton Du Tulear.
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
Breed Listing
*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org
*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
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