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MALTESE BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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| Breed Registries: |
- Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) - Toy Dogs
- American Kennel Club (AKC) - Toy Group
- United Kennel Club (UKC) - Companion Breeds
- The Kennel Club [U.K.] (KC) - Toys
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) * - Standard No. 65
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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 Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. 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. |
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The Maltese is believed to be the oldest of the European Toy breeds. He is intelligent, affectionate, fearless and among the best mannered of the toy breeds. Truly charming with an outgoing personality, he is delightful and a joy to have as a family companion.
The Maltese has a flat, silky coat that hangs straight to the ground from a centre part that runs from the nose to the tip of the tail. The coat is white and his dark eyes, nose, lips and eye rims enhance his expression.
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Health Issues:
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:
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Breed Standards:
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AKC MALTESE VIDEO
18 Min. Video Edition Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
Available from Dogwise.com |
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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 required to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The drop-ears of the Maltese must also be kept clean and free of excess hair.
- Grooming This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
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SHOW OFF YOUR DOG: GROOMING BASICS VIDEO
60 Min. Video Edition Published by A.R.T. Productions
Suitable for 54 longhaired breeds, but especially good for parted-coat breeds. Will also show you to make grooming a pleasant and rewarding experience for you and your dog. Groomer is Ena Lane, breeder and handler, Shih Tzus.
Available from Dogwise.com |
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PET GROOMING THE SMALL LONG COATED BREEDS VIDEO
70 Min. Video Edition Published by Sonnen Productions
This is one of the breed grooming videos from Sonnen productions under the guidance of Michael Kemp, a top handler and groomer.
Available from Dogwise.com |
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Training Resources:
- Training For information on training your Maltese, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
- Toy BreedsHousebreaking
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LITTLE DOGS: TRAINING YOUR PINT-SIZED COMPANION
by Deborah Wood
2004 Dog Writers Assn. of America Writing Competition Nominee! Contains all the information essential to the training success of both you and your little dog! Geared specifically toward small dogs 12" and under or 20 lbs. and under.
Available from Dogwise.com
For additional titles, see the Books & Merchandise section. |
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Additional Information:
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Copyright © P.Mitchell 2004-2007. All Rights Reserved.
All content, including graphics, on the Canada's Guide to Dogs Website is Copyright-P.Mitchell,
unless otherwise noted, and may not be copied or reproduced without prior written permission.
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Last Updated: 21 September 2007
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