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Maltese Puppies
for Sale
Maltese
Courtesy of Highsteppin' Kennel
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Pronunciation |
Mall-TESE |
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Description |
The Maltese is a hardy little companion dog with a
luxurious silky white coat hanging straight to the ground on each side of a
center part line. The coat is single, with no undercoat, and should not be wavy,
curly or kinky. It should be made of shiny, thick, heavy hair which is about 8˝
inches (22cm.) long. The color is pure white, although light ivory is
acceptable. The long pendant ears and tail are thickly covered with hair and the
tail drapes over the back. The eyes are dark, round, large and deep with
dark rims. The muzzle tapers slightly and should be one-third the length of the
total head. It should have a black nose with open nostrils and a distinct stop.
The body is slightly longer than tall with a level topline. The Maltese is
fine-boned, but sturdy. A properly built Maltese seems to float along the ground
under his cloud of white hair. |
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Temperament |
The Maltese is spirited, lively and playful.
Gentle, loving, trusting and devoted to its master. Highly intelligent. Good at
learning tricks if he feels sufficiently rewarded. Bold and quick to sound the
alarm in case of suspicious noises. It is a classical companion dog; graceful
and lovable. They do well with other animals. Maltese love to play outdoors but
have a penchant for jumping in puddles. A bath must follow! These dogs can be
snappish with inconsiderate children and may be difficult to housebreak.
Sometimes they are picky eaters. Include small biscuits and dry dog food in this
breed's regular diet to help the teeth stay strong and healthy. Do not
over-pamper or overprotect these little dogs, for some become unstable, and some
may become jealous of visitors. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 8-10 inches (21-25cm.) Bitches 8-9
inches (20-23cm.)
Weight: from 6˝-9 pounds (3-4kg.) |
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Health Problems |
Prone to sunburn along the hair parting; skin,
respiratory, eye and tooth problems, and slipped stifle. Some may be difficult
to feed with weak, upset digestion. They may get the chills, and they experience
discomfort in hot weather. Maltese should be kept out of damp areas. It is
a good idea to paper-train this breed - to avoid going out in weather extremes. |
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Living Conditions |
The Maltese is a good dog for apartment life. They
are very active indoors and will do okay without a yard. |
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Exercise |
Maltese need a daily walk.
Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all
breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get
to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will
also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in
yard. They remain playful well into old age. They
are very active indoors. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 15 or more years. It may live as long as 18,
but it is important to keep it out of the damp. |
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Grooming |
Daily combing and brushing of the long coat is
important but be gentle, as the coat is very soft. Clean the eyes daily to
prevent staining, and clean the beard after meals for the same reason. Bathe or
dry shampoo regularly - making sure the animal is thoroughly dry and warm
afterward. Clean the ears, and pull out hair growing inside the ear canal. The
eyes should be checked regularly and cleaned if necessary. The hair on the top
of the head is often tied up in a topknot to keep it away from the eyes. Some
pet owners opt to clip the hair short for easier and less time consuming
grooming. The Maltese sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy sufferers. |
| Origin |
This ancient dog was described by the Greek
philosopher Theophrastus as belonging to the "Melita" breed, an
archaic name for Malta. It was developed in Italy with the addition of miniature
spaniel and poodle blood. It was thought that these lively little dogs were
first brought to England by Crusaders returning home from the Mediterranean. The
breed became particularly popular with women, who often carried them in their
sleeves and even to their beds. The dog was not only popular with women though.
Publius, the Roman governor of Malta, prized his Maltese enough to commission a
portrait of "Issa" and even have poetry written about her. Today, the
glamorous Maltese is an adored pet and sought-after show dog. |
| Group |
Gun Dog, AKC Toy |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC,
APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Maltese
Shirts!
6 month old Maltese puppy
Courtesy of Highsteppin' Kennel
Elenore *aka* Ellie
Maltese Pictures Page 1
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