The Maltese is loved by many people for its dignified and elegant appearance. It is one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe, and its image still appears in many European works of art and handicrafts. The Maltese has a very gentle temperament and forms a deep bond with its owner, but it can also be somewhat hostile toward strangers, making it a dog with a distinct personality. So how much do you really know about the Maltese?
1. Appearance
The Maltese has low-set drooping ears with abundant fringe hair, and the coat on the ears hangs down gracefully. The eyes are set wide apart, dark in color, and round, with black eye rims, while the nose is also black.
Its neck is quite long, which gives it an especially proud appearance. The body is compact, the topline is fairly level, the ribs are well expanded, and the loins are firm. The leg bones are fine, the forelegs are relatively straight, and the legs carry lovely feathering without obvious curvature. The hind legs are strong, the feet are small and round, and the paw pads are black. The tail has long feathering and is carried beautifully over the back. The body proportions of the Maltese are excellent. Its coat is a single coat that is long, straight, silky, and white, falling along both sides of the body almost to the ground, which gives the dog a very elegant and naturally noble look.
2. Temperament
The Maltese is a gentle little dog and a pet for the whole family. It is refined and affectionate toward its owner, eager and lively in movement, and can generally be allowed to play with children with confidence. Although it is very small, it does not seem to know fear. It is quite self-confident and often gives people a very energetic impression, remaining lively even into old age. Even though it is not large, it can still serve as a good watchdog. It is very brave and often shows a stubborn side. It is extremely warm toward its owner but more hostile toward strangers. At times it can also behave like a mischievous child and may play little tricks, which many people find very endearing.
3. Grooming and Care
When caring for a Maltese, the most important thing is its coat, which requires special attention from the owner. The hair is fine and soft, so it tangles easily into mats. If it is not brushed in time, skin disease may even develop. For this reason, many people choose to keep the dog's coat short, which is both neat and cute. If the dog goes out to play, it should also be groomed promptly after returning home. One advantage of the Maltese coat is that it does not shed much and does not usually go through strong seasonal shedding.
Overall, the Maltese is quite suitable as a family dog. It is emotionally rich and steady in temperament, yet also lively, playful, and energetic. It is especially suitable for growing up alongside children, so for families with children who want a good canine companion, the Maltese is often a strong choice.