Thursday, July 9, 2015

What To Know About Maltese Dogs

By Olive Pate


Many people are pet owners. In fact, a lot of pet owners have dogs. These animals are considered close companions to humans. There are numerous breeds that are available in the modern day, including those listed in the toy group. Maltese dogs are a small breed that are considered a toy breed.

The origins and name of the breed is said to come from the Mediterranean nation known as Malta. Still, the name may also be considered a reference to the island called Mijet or the Sicilian town that once existed under the name Melita. People who are interested in this dog should do research to find out more about it. This is important to ensure that the animals are properly taken care of and given everything the need to live happy and healthy lives.

The breed has existed for centuries, which is why its known as an ancient breed. Originally referred to as Canis Mellitaeus, this animal has had many names over the years. The origin for the name used in the modern day remains unknown. Still, this was first used during the middle of the 1960s. Maltese was settled on by the Kennel Club as the official name for the breed in the 19th century.

This breed has a finger dome and rounded skull. They have brown eyes and black, button noses. Their drop ears may have long hair on them and usually there is a halo or darker skin pigmentation that gives the breed its expressive look. If these dogs to not receive enough sun, they might have winter nose, which is when the nose turns light brown or pink. It usually goes back to black after exposure to the sun has increased.

Their coats are silky and long. They lack an undercoat. While there are some Maltese with curly hair, this is recognized as a fault in the breed. Pure white is the color of the coat with a tinge of ivory on the ears. In some instances, a pure white coat that has some slight yellow or lemon marks is considered acceptable.

The breed is not expected to shed, which makes it ideal for people who are allergic to animals. Some may prefer dogs with a short coat. The common cut for animals is called puppy cut, which includes trimming or shaving the entire body to one length. Adults will range from 3 to 10 pounds and most are 7 to 12 inches in height.

These are bred to be companions. They are extremely playful, lively and cuddly. Even as they grow older, their demeanor is expected to remain the same. Some of these dogs could be snappish with small kids and should be watched when playing. Although socializing them while they are puppies can help with reducing this problem. Sometimes these dogs suffer with separation anxiety and need to be close with their owners or other humans.

These are recognized as hypoallergenic dogs. They need daily cleaning so that their coat is not stained. People should be familiar with the care needs of these animals.




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