Have you ever seen a Maltese dog and thought, “I want one”? It’s not hard to understand why—these tiny pups are some of the most adorable creatures on four legs! But before you bring a Maltese pup into your home, it is important that you know about their history, personality traits, health concerns, and grooming requirements. Let’s dive in!

Maltese Dogs - Cute and Fuzzy!
Maltese Are Wonderful Small Dogs

History of the Maltese Dog

Maltese dogs have been around for thousands of years. In fact, they were one of the earliest breeds recognized by the ancient Greeks. They were often given as gifts between kings and queens in Europe during the Middle Ages. The breed made its way across the Atlantic to North America in 1888 when several arrived at a New York City dog show and was recognized by the AKC.

The Maltese is an ancient dog breed that dates back thousands of years. It was originally bred as a lapdog for wealthy Roman families and was treasured throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. They were considered a symbol of luxury and nobility, so only affluent members of society owned them. By the 13th century, they had become popular among Italian aristocracy, where they were known as “the comforter” because they would provide comfort to those suffering from depression or grief. In the 18th century, these tiny pups made their way across the pond to England where they became favorites among royalty.

A Great Small Family Dog: Maltese
Maltese are Great Family Dogs

Personality Traits & Temperament

Maltese dogs are known for being affectionate and intelligent. They are loyal companions who love spending time with their owners and will often follow them from room to room! They have high energy levels so make sure you have plenty of time to take them out for walks or provide them with interactive toys. Despite their small size, they also make great watchdogs because they can be quite vocal if something doesn't seem right.

Maltese dogs are spunky little pups who love attention and affection from their owners. They’re extremely loyal to their family and make great watchdogs due to their alertness and intelligence. While they do have an independent streak, they’ll be sure to show you lots of love if you give them plenty of exercise and attention every day. These adorable pooches have a life expectancy of 12-15 years when properly cared for and will usually weigh between 4-7 pounds when fully grown.

Maltese Dogs - What's Not to Love?
Maltese - Adorable and Sweet

Health

The Maltese is one of the more robust toy breeds and can be expected to live a full life, often well into the double digits with good care. To ensure optimal health for their beloved fur babies, responsible breeders screen breeding stock for conditions such as luxating patella or heart anomalies like PDA (patent ductus arteriosus).

Bile acid testing should also be administered at an early age in order to rule out congenital liver issues that may arise over time. There have been notable instances where this playful little pup has developed encephalitis - sometimes referred to as GME; while no definitive test exists currently, The American Maltese Association are partnering up with researchers worldwide in hopes of identifying effective preventative measures through genetic screening tests which could become available soon!

Last but not least remember: taking care of those tiny teeth by brushing daily using toothpaste specially formulated just for doggos along with regular vet check-ups will go a long way towards ensuring your cuddly canine enjoys many happy years together come rain or shine!

Conclusion

The Maltese may be small in stature but they certainly pack a lot of personality! These tiny pups are full of love and energy which makes them excellent companions for anyone looking for an affectionate sidekick.

While there are certain health concerns that come along with owning a Maltese, regular vet checkups can help keep those risks under control. And don’t let their long coat scare you away; with regular brushing and occasional trips to the groomer, your pup will look as good as new!

So if you’re looking for an adorable new companion that loves nothing more than cuddling up next to you on the couch—the Maltese might just be perfect for you!