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Overview of the breed

The Maltese is an adorable breed of dog, and it is easy to fall in love with it as a puppy.  Maltese are highly suited to first-time dog owners and seasoned pet owners alike.  Maltese are a small breed classified as companion dogs.  They seldom grow bigger than 10 inches in height or exceed 7 pounds in weight, so they are the ideal lap dog.  They have an expected lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Maltese is also used often as therapy dogs.  Their gentle natures make them ideal for people who have suffered some form of trauma or who are recovering from a long-term illness.

Maltese are comfortable in apartments or small homes.

What to expect with a Maltese for a pet

Maltese are quite sensitive as a breed, and they do not like being on their own for extended periods of time.  This companion dog thrives in a family with or without children, and they adjust well to other dogs.  They are playful and will require high levels of attention most of the time.

Puppy Petite highly recommends this breed for families or single people who would like a pet they can consider part of the family.

The best environment for Maltese

If you live in close proximity to your neighbours you can rest assured that your Maltese will not bark or howl excessively and annoy them.  They are a little weary of strangers though.  A home environment that provides your Maltese with constant companionship is ideal.

If you have a garden, even a small one, this will be great for your new pet as it needs a reasonable amount of daily exercise.  If you live in an apartment check out the closest dog parks in your area and take your Maltese for regular walks.

Maltese are highly intelligent and trainable so look out for a dog school in your area if you are considering bringing a Maltese into your life.

General Health Considerations

Maltese is a breed that may be prone to health issues, so ask the breeder about the health of the puppy’s parents as a precautionary measure.

If you are inclined to spoil your pet with treats often you may cause your Maltese to gain excessive weight.  Your Maltese will thrive with a balanced diet, regular exercise and limited treats.

Caring for your Maltese

Malteses shed a fair amount of hair and regular grooming is highly recommended. Invest in a good brush and bath your dog on a regular basis or get them to a good grooming parlour.  A well-groomed Maltese is an attention-grabber, for sure!

Malteses don’t do well in cold weather.  /they cope better in hot weather so keep this in mind as the seasons fluctuate.  Your Maltese will definitely need a warm spot to go to when it’s cold, and will probably curl up next to you on the couch or bed to stay warm.

Training and socializing

This breed’s intelligent nature makes it ideal for training and teaching some tricks too.  They socialize well with other dogs so dog parks are good spots to hang out with your Maltese.

Your Maltese will maintain a healthy weight if it gets enough exercise so going for long walks two or three times a week should be part of your weekly routine.

If you already have other dogs in your home your new Maltese should fit right in.

Crate train your Maltese if you have trouble house-training it.

How to select a puppy from a litter or breeder

Puppy Petite only deals with breeders who are conscientious and caring towards their breeds.

Some aspects to consider when you are visiting a breeder or selecting a puppy from a litter are:  Choose a puppy that appears to be in good health physically, that looks strong and stable on its feet, and is alert, playful and responsive.  If you choose a Maltese puppy with these attributes you are most likely to have chosen one that is going to thrive, have limited health issues and live a long and happy life with you.

Confidence in a puppy is key to choosing a healthy and lively pet.  The health of the puppy’s parents is a good indicator of the level of health you can expect for your puppy as it grows into an adult dog.

Your Commitment

15 years is a significant period of time for any family so be completely certain that you will be able to give your pet the care and attention it deserves, both physically and emotionally for that duration of time.

When you choose a new pet you are also choosing a new member of your family.  It will require the same level of attention that you would give to a child.  So choose wisely.  Your new Maltese will bring you years of companionship and fun.  By choosing your pet you are embarking on a long-term journey with a living being that is going to be completely reliant on you for all its needs.

Bringing a Maltese into your home will bring you endless joy.