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"Small Dog Breed Catalog"
Small Dog Breed Catalog: Page 29
of 56
Maltese Dog Breed
The Maltese (also known as Maltese Terrier) has a compact and petite
body with a long silky coat. He is a gentle, refined, and
sweet-natured breed that is good-tempered and makes a great family
pet. Although he is normally quiet and sensitive, he gets along
exceptionally well with children and generally remains playful
throughout his long life. He is usually healthy and adaptable about
exercise. This breed may be initially reserved with strangers.
Although he is intelligent, his sensitive nature requires a slow and
patient training and should never be treated in an overbearing manner.
Socialization is very important from puppy hood in order for him to
develop confidence. He may be difficult to housebreak and may be a
picky eater. This breed is also sensitive to extremes in temperature.
Size: The Maltese stands between 7-8in at the shoulder and weighs
about 4-6lb.
History and origin: This breed is described as the oldest of the
European toy breeds. There is a controversy as to whether the Maltese
originated in Malta, although he has certainly existed there for
centuries. He was kept as a companion by the ancient Greeks, Romans,
and also the Phoenicians who settled the island of Malta in 1500 B.C.
He has eventually found his way to China and the Philippines,
probably due to enterprising Maltese traders. Similar to the
Papillon, the Maltese has been depicted by many famous artists,
including Goya and Rubens. He was also depicted by the famous animal
painter Sir Edwin Landseer, who in 1930 produced a portrait entitled
'The Lion Dog from Malta ' the last of his race' which shows the dog's
rarity on the island at that time. The breed first became
established in the United Kingdom during the reign of Henry VIII and
was a popular pet among elegant ladies. The Maltese gained popularity
in the 1800s in both the United States as well as the United Kingdom.
Feeding: Required feeding for this breed is 1/3 can (13.3oz size) of
high quality meat product with equal amount of biscuit or 1-1 ' cups
of complete dry food. Lightly-cooked minced beef mixed with biscuit
is also ideal.
Exercise: An apartment is fine for this small and quiet breed,
although he requires regular walks or a game of ball in order to get a
sufficient amount of exercise.
Grooming: His long, silky coat sheds and must be brushed and combed
everyday from puppy hood with a bristle brush. The coat is absorbent
and must be kept dry to prevent matting. Many owners keep the coat in
a short clip to reduce the amount of maintenance. Apply baby powder
on his legs and along underside to keep him fresh and clean between
baths.
Copyright 2006 by Jay Jennings. All rights reserved.
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