A toy dog covered from head to toe with a mantle of long, silky white hair, the Maltese is gentle-mannered and affectionate, known for being lively, playful and fearless despite its small size. Maltese are intelligent little dogs that are very fast learners if they feel sufficiently rewarded. Today, their refinement, cleanliness and portability make them a popular choice as a companion dog.
A Look Back
The Maltese was once known as "Ye ancient dogge of Malta," for that is where they were first recognized and how they received their name. The breed has been an aristocrat of the canine world for over 28 centuries, owned by royalty all over the globe. Even as far back as the 1500’s they were claimed to be sold for $2,000. And while other companion dogs such as the Pomeranian have been bred down from larger sizes, the first Maltese were the same size as the dogs we see today.
The Maltese was once known as "Ye ancient dogge of Malta," for that is where they were first recognized and how they received their name. The breed has been an aristocrat of the canine world for over 28 centuries, owned by royalty all over the globe. Even as far back as the 1500’s they were claimed to be sold for $2,000. And while other companion dogs such as the Pomeranian have been bred down from larger sizes, the first Maltese were the same size as the dogs we see today.
Right Breed for You?
Even though the Maltese is a very small dog, they tend to be brave and without fear. They are one of the most gentle mannered of all little dogs, but are also full of energy and very playful, making them great family dogs. Maltese should be brushed daily, and groomed often to prevent mats from forming in their long, white coat.
Even though the Maltese is a very small dog, they tend to be brave and without fear. They are one of the most gentle mannered of all little dogs, but are also full of energy and very playful, making them great family dogs. Maltese should be brushed daily, and groomed often to prevent mats from forming in their long, white coat.
Source: American Kennel Club - www.akc.org
Grooming
General: A Maltese in full coat requires a lot of grooming attention. Daily brushing is ideal, but most people do not have time to brush their dog daily and it becomes a weekly event. It is very common for owners of a Maltese to keep the dog trimmed short, this is easier to maintain the coat and prevent tangles and skin problems. A Maltese with a shorter trim should be groomed every 4 – 6 weeks to keep up with toe nail trimming, ear hair pulled and ears cleaned, hair clipped away from the eyes, and rear end and sanitary trim.
Brushing: Be sure to spray on the Aloe Hydrating Spray or Aloe Silk at the beginning of the brush out to add moisture and silk proteins to the coat. This adds elasticity to the coat and helps keep the coat from breaking. If you find any tangles or mats, spray on the Detangling and Dematting Spray or the Quick Finish spray to help remove the tangles.
Eyes: Maltese’s are prone to having eye issues. Tear Stain Remover should be used daily to help control the stains and discoloration under the eyes. Optisoothe Eye Wash should be used in the eyes on a regular basis. Facial cleaners are also a great way to control staining and you can pick the scent you like best to wash the face daily or weekly depending on the needs of your dog.
Ears: Maltese need to have the ear hair pulled each time they are groomed. Put a little Ear Powder inside the ear canal and pull the ear hair from the canal; follow with Ear Care and clean only as far as you can see. This will prevent the wax inside the ear canal from closing over and causing ear infections.
Bathing: Whether you have a full coated Maltese or a trimmed Maltese they should be bathed and conditioned at least every other week to keep the coat in great shape. First bathe with a Hypo- Allergenic or Classic Care or Professional Care shampoo for a general dirt removal then target the specific need of the dog. Full coated dogs should use the Silky Show Shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner to add silk proteins to the coat and add elasticity to the coat and prevent breakage of the coat. Pets with a shorter trim that have a normal coat can pick from any of the Scent Renewal types that they will smell for the days to come. Be sure to follow up with a conditioner to keep the coat in great shape.
Show dog tips: Use Quick Finish Styling Spray while drying the coat to help prevent breakage. It is helpful to use Aloe Silk before using the flat iron, Freeze Hair Hold on the top knot, and Aloe Hydrating Spray when brushing the coat. Silky Show Shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner will add silk proteins and elasticity and a great shine to the coat. Bright White Shampoo will make the color pop!
Tools: A brush and a comb are basic essentials to keep your Maltese in tip top shape. After brushing you need to check the dog over with a metal comb to be sure the coat is mat free. Your groomer may need to use a dematting tool to help remove the tangles, if the tangles are too bad shaving might be the best option. Clipping the nails every 4 weeks will help keep the quick at proper length.
