Maltese

Character and behavior of a Maltese

Maltese are known for their gentle, friendly and affectionate nature. They love to spend time with their humans and have a charming temperament that enchants everyone. Despite their size, they are courageous, lively and very intelligent.

Training and education of a Maltese

If a Maltese does not have a good upbringing, he will easily dance around on your nose. Maltese are eager to learn and respond well to positive reinforcement. Due to their intelligence and curiosity, they learn tricks and commands quickly. Nevertheless, their headstrong character can sometimes present challenges during training. Patience and consistency are therefore important. A Maltese is always aware of its surroundings, can be quite loud and should be trained from an early age not to bark at the slightest stimulus. They do not require extreme physical exercise, but enjoy walks and games to keep them physically and mentally fit.

Is the Maltese a family dog?

Yes, absolutely! Maltese are excellent family dogs. As with all dog breeds, it is important that the Maltese is well trained and socialized at an early age. You should also make sure that children are gentle with the little dog and do not overwhelm it.

Do Maltese get along with other dogs?

Maltese are generally well socialized and get on well with other dogs. Their social nature makes them ideal playmates, especially if they are introduced to other dogs at an early age.

How big and heavy does a Maltese get?

Maltese are a small breed of dog with a compact, elegant build.

• Shoulder height: 20-25 cm
• Weight: 3-4 kg

Affection for people

Maltese are extremely affectionate and enjoy being close to their humans. They love attention and affection.

Maltese coat care and hygiene

The long, silky coat of a Maltese requires regular grooming. Daily brushing is important to avoid matting. They should also visit the groomer about every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat in a neat condition. Their eyes and ears need to be cleaned regularly as they are prone to tearing and ear infections.

What is the life expectancy of a Maltese?

With the right care and nutrition, Maltese can reach the age of 12 to 15 years.

What are common health problems of a Maltese?

Maltese are prone to certain diseases that are typical of their breed. These include conjunctivitis and eye irritation, which can be caused by excessively long fur. To avoid this, the coat over the eyes should be regularly clipped or tied with a hair tie so that it does not fall into the eyes.
Maltese dogs used for breeding are also examined for patellar luxation - a condition of the knee joint in which the kneecap (patella) slips out of its natural position in the groove in front of the knee joint. This condition is often painful for the dog. Affected dogs suddenly lift the affected leg and can no longer put normal weight on it. The cause may be a congenital, too shallow sliding groove, which indicates a genetic predisposition.
To diagnose a patellar luxation, the vet examines the knee and, if necessary, takes an X-ray. Whether surgery is necessary or conservative treatment is sufficient depends on the severity of the condition and the dog's symptoms. It is important to know that Maltese mongrels can also be affected by such breed-typical diseases.

How expensive is a Maltese?

The cost of a Maltese in Switzerland varies depending on the breeder and pedigree. A Maltese from a reputable breeder costs between CHF 2,500 and CHF 4,000.
In addition to the purchase costs, food, care and veterinary costs should also be taken into account.

Maltese dog insurance

Protect your Maltese from unexpected veterinary costs with dog insurance. On average, insurance for Maltese dogs is affordable. At Calingo, dog insurance for a Maltese costs an average of CHF 598.40. This is below average and shows that Maltese are one of the healthier dog breeds.
Find out more about Maltese dog insurance here.

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