The Maltese is a very beautiful small breed. By common sense, such a high-appearance dog should be loved by everyone, but in reality very few people actually keep one. Why is that? Does the Maltese have obvious disadvantages? Today we will talk about why some people say you should think twice before raising a Maltese.
The Maltese Is Not Highly Intelligent
The Maltese does not rank very high in canine intelligence and is placed around 59th in many rankings, so it is not considered one of the smarter breeds. If you truly want to begin training it, it is best to start with simple commands. Based on the Maltese's level of understanding, teaching a new cue may require 30 to 50 repetitions. In many situations the Maltese is also easily distracted and may choose to obey only when it feels like it. Even an experienced trainer often needs to invest a large amount of time in training this breed.
The Maltese Coat Is Hard to Manage
The Maltese has very long hair and usually needs 10 to 15 minutes of brushing every day. If it is not brushed for a long time, the coat will easily become tangled and matted, and its appearance will decline. During brushing, you must not only comb the surface hair but also the fine undercoat below, otherwise skin problems may develop. Although the Maltese does not shed heavily, its coat grows quickly and becomes very long, so if it is not trimmed for even half a month, it can start dragging across the floor like a little cleaning machine.
The Maltese Gets Dirty Easily
The Maltese usually has a white coat, and anyone who has raised a white dog knows that white-coated pets get dirty especially easily. Dust from the ground and the air can cling to the coat and quickly make the dog look dirty. The Maltese also has short legs, so it may get dirty even faster than other breeds when outdoors. This means the owner must care for it carefully, maintain the coat well, and bathe it regularly, at least several times a month. After every bath, the coat must be dried promptly, because the Maltese dislikes dampness and can easily develop skin disease if the hair stays wet.
The Maltese Is Prone to Tear Stains
The Maltese is a breed that often develops tear stains. If its diet is not light and low in salt, or if it is frequently fed a large amount of meat, tear staining can become severe and reduce its appearance considerably. Owners should wipe the corners of the eyes every day and dry the mouth promptly after wet food, otherwise the beard area can easily turn yellow.
Owners should also never ignore hygiene around the eyes. If the hair around the eyes grows too long and rubs the eye area, tearing becomes more likely, and over time bacteria can accumulate. For that reason, owners should regularly check the eyelashes and hair around the eyes and provide proper care.