BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
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Breed Registries:
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
Central Mediterranean Area
Height:
Up to 10 inches (25 cm) at the shoulder
Weight:
Should weigh under 7 lbs (3 kg) — 4 to 6 lbs is considered ideal.
Breed Profile:
The Maltese is believed to be one of the oldest of the European Toy breeds. He is intelligent, affectionate, fearless and sweet-tempered. Known to be one of the most gentle mannered of the toy breeds, they are also very playful and energetic, making them wonderful companions and family dogs.
The Maltese has a flat, long, silky coat that hangs almost to the ground from a centre part that runs from the nose to the tip of the tail. The coat is pure white and his expression is enhanced by his dark eyes, nose, lips and eye rims.
Health Issues
The Maltese is generally a healthy dog that can live 12 years or more. If you are considering the adoption of a Maltese puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
- Collapsed Trachea: The Health Problem Every Owner of a Small Dog Should Understand
- Legg-Calve Perthes (LCPD) — This is a disorder of the hip joint occuring in both humans and dogs. It is most often seen in miniature and toy breed dogs between the ages of four months and one year. No specific causes are known although it is believed to have a genetic mode of inheritance. (No testing is available for this disorder.)
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
- FCI Breed Standard No. 65
Grooming Information
The Maltese's beautiful coat requires daily brushing to prevent tangles in the long, silky hair. If daily brushing is maintained, the coat is not difficult to care for. However, if neglected, matting will occur.
Like many of the Toy breeds, the Maltese may have problems with his teeth including gum disease. Regular brushing is recommended to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The drop-ears of the Maltese should also be kept clean and free of excess hair.
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Toy Breeds—Housebreaking
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Maltese Only — "The Largest & Most Complete Maltese Dog Website in the World."
- 10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog
- Toy Breeds—Selecting the Perfect Pooch
- Euro Bichons — Euro Bichons is Europe's only Multi-Bichons Breed Community - Bichons Frisé, Havanese, Bolognese, Lowchen, Maltese, Coton Du Tulear.
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
