The Maltese is highly intelligent, very attractive in appearance, and does not shed heavily, which makes grooming relatively convenient. That is why many people consider it an easy and low-maintenance dog. Because of this popularity, however, some dishonest sellers may take advantage of buyers by selling impure dogs or other similar-looking breeds as purebred Maltese. So how should you choose when buying a dog, and what traits define a purebred Maltese?
Height and Weight Characteristics
A purebred Maltese has relatively strict standards for height and weight. If the dog is too short, too tall, too heavy, or too thin, it does not fit the ideal breed standard. A purebred adult Maltese usually stands about 20 to 25 centimeters tall and weighs about 2 to 2.7 kilograms. In many standards, a dog over 3 kilograms is considered outside the ideal range.
Facial Features
In a purebred Maltese, the shape of the body and the size of the head should be in good proportion. The top of the head is usually somewhat rounded, and the ears hang down and are set relatively low.
Features of the Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
In purebred dogs, the eyes are set fairly wide apart, the eye color is dark, and the eye shape is generally round. The area around the eyes is also black, which gives the dog an alert and lively expression. At the same time, the nose should be black, the chin and muzzle should be of moderate length, and the teeth should form a correct bite.
Although the Maltese looks very cute, if it is spoiled too much it can become stubborn and willful. From puppyhood, it should be taught to distinguish acceptable behavior from unacceptable behavior, so that biting, destruction, and similar problems are less likely to occur.