Maltese Poodle.
Compiled and researched by Izelle de Klerk (BSc) - Dodgy Dogs & Crazy Cats
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Pic from SA Maltese Rescue and their contact info below. If you are considering a dog, do have a look at rescue centres first - they are very good at pairing the right dog with right owner. If link below out of your area, do search for Maltese rescue in other areas. https://maltese.rescueme.org/za
The true origin of Maltese is still debated:
The oldest record of this breed was found on a Greek amphora found in the Etruscan town of Vulci, in which a Maltese-like dog is portrayed along with the word Μελιταιε (Melitaie). Archaeologists date this ancient Athenian product to the decades around 500 BC. References to the dog can also be found in Ancient Greek and Roman literature.
Around the 17th and 18th centuries, some breeders decided to "improve" the breed, by making it smaller still. Linnaeus wrote in 1792 that these dogs were about the size of a squirrel. The breed nearly disappeared and was crossbred with other small dogs such as Poodles and miniature Spaniels. In the early 19th century, there were as many as nine different breeds of Maltese dog.
These charming lap dogs were kept as pets and were favorites among the ladies who carried them around in their sleeves and slept with them in their beds. It is thought by many that the breed is a direct ancestor of other toy breeds - Bichon Frise, Bolognese and Havanese.
The Maltese is a small hardy compact, fine-boned, but sturdy dog. They have large dark eyes and a silky, single layer coat that is white or light ivory and can be straight, curly or woolly hair
Personality
The Maltese has a spunky determination that is in inverse ratio to their size. They are intelligent, spirited, lively, keen and individualist as well as gentle, affectionate, loving, trusting and devoted to their master. They are extremely lively and playful, and even as they age, their energy level and playful demeanor remain fairly constant. They are known as the best therapy dogs in the world because of their extremely loving nature.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
The Maltese is very active within a house, and, preferring enclosed spaces, does very well with small yards. For this reason, the breed fares well in apartments and town houses, they are definitely indoor dogs who would not do well in extremes of outdoor temperatures.
They are extremely responsive to their environment and quick to sound the alarm in case of suspicious noises, thus making them very effective watchdog. However, because of their love for people they make horrible guard dogs as they are more likely to lick you to death.
These dogs don’t need a lot of exercise. They love to play and this will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, they also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead. However a daily walk is highly recommended as this not only exercises them physically but mentally as well.
Maltese are bred to be cuddly companion dogs, and thrive on love and attention. If they don’t get the human attention they need they can suffer from separation anxiety which results in excessive barking and destructiveness.
Like a lot of small breeds the Maltese is prone to developing Small Dog Syndrome, this is where the dog believes that they are boss and is due to the fact that the owner is too lenient with them and lets them get away with more that they should because they are so small and cute. This can lead to the dog becoming snappish with children/adults, jealous of visitors, guarding and obsessive barking. To prevent this you need to give this dog rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do; be firm and consistent.
In a nutshell, the Maltese Poodle is for you if you:
- Many believe that "the little white dog of antiquity" comes from the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea.
- On the other hand, there is plenty of evidence to support another theory that claims that the Maltese ancestry and its name begins in the Sicilian town of Melita.
The oldest record of this breed was found on a Greek amphora found in the Etruscan town of Vulci, in which a Maltese-like dog is portrayed along with the word Μελιταιε (Melitaie). Archaeologists date this ancient Athenian product to the decades around 500 BC. References to the dog can also be found in Ancient Greek and Roman literature.
Around the 17th and 18th centuries, some breeders decided to "improve" the breed, by making it smaller still. Linnaeus wrote in 1792 that these dogs were about the size of a squirrel. The breed nearly disappeared and was crossbred with other small dogs such as Poodles and miniature Spaniels. In the early 19th century, there were as many as nine different breeds of Maltese dog.
These charming lap dogs were kept as pets and were favorites among the ladies who carried them around in their sleeves and slept with them in their beds. It is thought by many that the breed is a direct ancestor of other toy breeds - Bichon Frise, Bolognese and Havanese.
The Maltese is a small hardy compact, fine-boned, but sturdy dog. They have large dark eyes and a silky, single layer coat that is white or light ivory and can be straight, curly or woolly hair
Personality
The Maltese has a spunky determination that is in inverse ratio to their size. They are intelligent, spirited, lively, keen and individualist as well as gentle, affectionate, loving, trusting and devoted to their master. They are extremely lively and playful, and even as they age, their energy level and playful demeanor remain fairly constant. They are known as the best therapy dogs in the world because of their extremely loving nature.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
The Maltese is very active within a house, and, preferring enclosed spaces, does very well with small yards. For this reason, the breed fares well in apartments and town houses, they are definitely indoor dogs who would not do well in extremes of outdoor temperatures.
They are extremely responsive to their environment and quick to sound the alarm in case of suspicious noises, thus making them very effective watchdog. However, because of their love for people they make horrible guard dogs as they are more likely to lick you to death.
These dogs don’t need a lot of exercise. They love to play and this will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, they also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead. However a daily walk is highly recommended as this not only exercises them physically but mentally as well.
Maltese are bred to be cuddly companion dogs, and thrive on love and attention. If they don’t get the human attention they need they can suffer from separation anxiety which results in excessive barking and destructiveness.
Like a lot of small breeds the Maltese is prone to developing Small Dog Syndrome, this is where the dog believes that they are boss and is due to the fact that the owner is too lenient with them and lets them get away with more that they should because they are so small and cute. This can lead to the dog becoming snappish with children/adults, jealous of visitors, guarding and obsessive barking. To prevent this you need to give this dog rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do; be firm and consistent.
In a nutshell, the Maltese Poodle is for you if you:
- Want a small, loving, companion lapdog
- You want a good watchdog
- Have the time to give them lots of attention
- Don’t mind a dog that barks
- Are willing to spend the time and money grooming them
- Want a dog that will do anything and go anywhere with you
Where do I get my pup from?
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available or you can try one of the KUSA affiliated breed clubs.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Maltese Poodle?
Any breed with a good temperament will be fine with your Maltese. Rambunctious breeds like the boxer may be a little rough during play and can accidently hurt the Maltese.
If you want another small dog, you can look at naturally another Maltese, Bichons, French Bulldogs, Brussel's Griffons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, Papillon, Shih Tzu, Poodle, etc.
But if you want a larger breed just keep in mind that due to their size they can accidently hurt the Maltese. Good breeds to go for would be the Greyhound, Labrador (although they are quite rambunctious when young), Saint Bernarg (they are naturally careful around small dogs), Wolfhound, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you should not get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available or you can try one of the KUSA affiliated breed clubs.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Maltese Poodle?
Any breed with a good temperament will be fine with your Maltese. Rambunctious breeds like the boxer may be a little rough during play and can accidently hurt the Maltese.
If you want another small dog, you can look at naturally another Maltese, Bichons, French Bulldogs, Brussel's Griffons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, Papillon, Shih Tzu, Poodle, etc.
But if you want a larger breed just keep in mind that due to their size they can accidently hurt the Maltese. Good breeds to go for would be the Greyhound, Labrador (although they are quite rambunctious when young), Saint Bernarg (they are naturally careful around small dogs), Wolfhound, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you should not get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
They do well with other dogs as well as non-canine pets. Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
They are not recommended for families with young children as they tend to handle the dogs roughly, this can cause the dogs to be snappish and they should not be left unsupervised with young children. Other than small children they adore humans, and prefer to stay near them. Even strangers will be seen as attention givers.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
Because of this dogs intelligence and eagerness to please they are easy to train and will learn tricks quickly. However; they will not respond well to rough training; they need someone who is patient, consistent and gentle using positive reinforcement techniques. They can be a little hard to house train. Just because this is a small breed does not mean it should not go to puppy school. Puppy school forms the social foundation of your pups future life and should never be missed.
Grooming
The amount of grooming depends on the cut of the of the dog - show cut or puppy cut.
For the show cut the hair is kept long (about 22cm) and hangs over the sides of the body with a centre part. They need to be brushed daily to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting, but be gentle, as the coat is very soft. They will also need professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks
The puppy cut is where the hair get clipped to 1 - 2cm all over, it makes the dog resemble a puppy. They only need to be brushed occasionally and go to the professional groomer every 8 to 12 weeks to get clipped.
Daily cleaning for both cuts include cleaning the eyes daily to prevent tear-staining, and the beard after meals for the same reason. They only need a bath once every 6 weeks, although some owners bath them weekly, but this is not ideal as it removes the natural oils and can dry their skin out.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
Maltese are one of the healthiest toy breeds available, they only have a few health problems: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), eye infections, respiratory problems, week gums, hypoglycaemia, deafness and slipped stifle
Some may be difficult to feed with weak, upset digestion. They may get the chills, and they experience discomfort in hot weather. They are also susceptible to "reverse sneezing," which sounds like a honking, snorting, or gagging sound and results often from overexcitement, play, allergies, or upon waking up. It is not life threatening or dangerous, it will go away after about a minute.
Beware of breeders who offer "tea cup" Maltese. A Maltese under four pounds is more prone to genetic disorders and is at a higher health risk in general.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
About 15 years but they may live as long as 18.
They do well with other dogs as well as non-canine pets. Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
They are not recommended for families with young children as they tend to handle the dogs roughly, this can cause the dogs to be snappish and they should not be left unsupervised with young children. Other than small children they adore humans, and prefer to stay near them. Even strangers will be seen as attention givers.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
Because of this dogs intelligence and eagerness to please they are easy to train and will learn tricks quickly. However; they will not respond well to rough training; they need someone who is patient, consistent and gentle using positive reinforcement techniques. They can be a little hard to house train. Just because this is a small breed does not mean it should not go to puppy school. Puppy school forms the social foundation of your pups future life and should never be missed.
Grooming
The amount of grooming depends on the cut of the of the dog - show cut or puppy cut.
For the show cut the hair is kept long (about 22cm) and hangs over the sides of the body with a centre part. They need to be brushed daily to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting, but be gentle, as the coat is very soft. They will also need professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks
The puppy cut is where the hair get clipped to 1 - 2cm all over, it makes the dog resemble a puppy. They only need to be brushed occasionally and go to the professional groomer every 8 to 12 weeks to get clipped.
Daily cleaning for both cuts include cleaning the eyes daily to prevent tear-staining, and the beard after meals for the same reason. They only need a bath once every 6 weeks, although some owners bath them weekly, but this is not ideal as it removes the natural oils and can dry their skin out.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
Maltese are one of the healthiest toy breeds available, they only have a few health problems: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), eye infections, respiratory problems, week gums, hypoglycaemia, deafness and slipped stifle
Some may be difficult to feed with weak, upset digestion. They may get the chills, and they experience discomfort in hot weather. They are also susceptible to "reverse sneezing," which sounds like a honking, snorting, or gagging sound and results often from overexcitement, play, allergies, or upon waking up. It is not life threatening or dangerous, it will go away after about a minute.
Beware of breeders who offer "tea cup" Maltese. A Maltese under four pounds is more prone to genetic disorders and is at a higher health risk in general.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
About 15 years but they may live as long as 18.
Interesting Facts
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
Don’ts
Reference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltese_(dog)
http://www.petsplace.co.za/Maltese%20poodle.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/maltese.htm
http://www.gopetsamerica.com/maltese/maltese.aspx
http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10226465.asp
- Charles Darwin himself theorized that the Maltese originated as a solid breed in 6000 B.C.
- Despite their size, Maltese dogs are excellent jumpers. They have great hindquarter muscles that helps propel them to at least a full body-length into the air.
- A Maltese is also a hypoallergenic dog - which is the same with some breeds like the Bischon Frise and the Poodle. It means that they are less likely to cause you dog allergy.
- Josephine Bonaparte, Marie Antoinette, Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria are all great ladies who also share one common denominator: all of them had a pet Maltese at some point of their lives.
- In August 20, 2007, Leona Helmsley - a billionaire New York City Hotel Operator and Real Estate Investor - bequeathed $12 million to her pet Maltese named Trouble at the time of her death.
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
- Keep them well groomed
- Give them lots of attention
- Start training and socialization early
- Give them daily exercise, be it a jog, walk or play-session at home.
Don’ts
- Leave them outside as they are sensitive to hot or cold weather
- Let them run the house, be firm and let them know their place
- Leave them unsupervised with small children
- Leave them alone without human companionship for long periods of time
Reference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltese_(dog)
http://www.petsplace.co.za/Maltese%20poodle.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/maltese.htm
http://www.gopetsamerica.com/maltese/maltese.aspx
http://www.terrificpets.com/articles/10226465.asp