The Maltese is a small breed dog with an affectionate character, somewhat nervous and quite intelligent . They are one of the oldest small breeds, dating back to Roman times for sure and, according to some indications, even further back. He was considered part of the terrier family for many years, but it is already known that he does not belong to it.
Although he does not require a large amount of exercise to stay healthy, he enjoys practicing it and especially playing, both with humans and with other dogs. Its character is balanced and docile , although without a good education it can become a nervous and restless dog.
It usually weighs a maximum of 4 kg, although the normal is 3. It is a very compact dog, since it has the same length from the cross to the ground as from the cross to the birth of the tail, and resistant. There is not a big difference in size between males and females, as with other breeds.
The Maltese Bichon coat does not have an undercoat , so its care is relatively easy, it does not shed hardly any hair and causes fewer symptoms in allergy sufferers. Its care requires frequent brushing and a good diet.
As for its character, it can be quite suspicious of strangers, so it requires good socialization from a puppy. It is not something worrisome, because his character is docile and sociable by nature, and with a basic education, without great efforts, we will make him as sociable as the Maltese can be.
It is a very common dog in families with children , due to its patience, tranquility and its playful nature. Of course, it is always alert, and do not be surprised that it barks as soon as it perceives a strange sound. That makes the Maltese an excellent “alarm” dog.
It is an optimistic animal and a perfect companion for the whole family. In addition, it possesses a very resistant health (something peculiar in a so old race and that has been perpetuated by the human intervention); It only has a tendency to obesity, distemper (so we must always keep your vaccination schedule up to date) and conjunctivitis. In short, nothing that is not prevented with regular visits to the vet.
