MALTESE

The Maltese is one of the most ancient indoor decorative dogs. Its history spans at least two millennia. Artists, writers and poets have immortalized representatives of this breed in their works. The mention of the Maltese can be found in the works of art of Greece, Egypt and Rome. Even Aristotle mentioned this breed. But the Greeks erected entire tombs for their dead lapdogs. Excavations in Egypt have also shown that these dogs were highly valued in ancient Egyptian culture. For many years, Europeans believed that the Maltese was able to heal people. Also, the breed was widespread in Mediterranean culture.

Despite the fact that the Maltese is found in many cultures, its exact origin has not been established. Many believe that dogs of this breed were bred in Malta as a result of crossing Spitz and Spaniel. But other researchers suggest that the breed appeared in Italy, while others are sure that the Maltese comes from Asia.

Wherever dogs of this breed appeared, they quickly became popular. In the fifteenth century they found their admirers among the French aristocrats. During the reign of Henry VIII, the Maltese came to the British Isles. By the sixteenth century, the dog had become a real favorite of blue-blooded people. This little dog became a friend of Elizabeth I herself and even Mary Stuart and Queen Victoria. Many artists immortalized them in their paintings, including Goya and Reynolds.

Despite the fact that the dogs of this breed managed to survive the Roman Empire, nevertheless, in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Maltese was almost destroyed as a result of unsuccessful breeding experiments in order to reduce the size of the dog. After this disastrous experiment, breeders of poodles and spaniels took up active work to restore the breed. This led to the appearance of Maltese lapdogs with a diverse appearance, even new breeds appeared. Some dog breeders are confident that the Maltese is a direct ancestor bichon frize and bolognese. In the form in which we know the Maltese now, it appeared thanks to the efforts of English dog breeders.

In the United States, the Maltese appeared for the first time at the end of the nineteenth century. They were seen on the American continent in the 1870s. At the same time, according to the American Kennel Club, the number of representatives of this breed in the United States did not grow so quickly until the 1950s. But after the dogs began to gain their popularity at exhibitions and shows.

According to the official classification, the Maltese is a trusting and responsive dog. Representatives of this breed delighted people in the Middle Ages. They were and remain unsurpassed companions. Like others small breed dogs, the Maltese loves to play. At the same time, there are cases when lapdogs get along well even with relatives who are twice, or even three times, larger than themselves.

By their nature, these lapdogs are playful and calm, but still the character largely depends on the individual characteristics of a single pet. It is very important that the Maltese has a somewhat independent character. At the same time, in no case should they be pampered, because this can lead to a very masterful behavior of the animal. Proper upbringing will guarantee that independence and complaisance will have a clear boundary.

Maltese lapdogs are not prone to heavy molting. But, despite this, they must be combed daily in order to prevent tangling of hair and the formation of knots. Bathing is especially important. It is during bathing that the snow-white hair of the Maltese is most often tangled. Brushing your dog also helps keep the coat clean. Maltese dogs often get dirty. Therefore, you will have to bathe the dog once every two weeks. But teeth should be brushed weekly.

One of the problems is the appearance of tear stains around the eyes, all due to the white color of the coat. To maintain this part in good condition, it is necessary to use special wipes and detergents prescribed by a veterinarian. This will keep staining to a minimum.

It is necessary to wipe the dog's face after each meal, and you also need to wipe your beard after drinking. Some owners of these dogs prefer to teach their pets how to drink water from a bottle.

We must not forget about regular monitoring of the condition of the ears. Make sure that there is no inflammation, irritation or contamination, as well as infections. The ears are treated with a special swab soaked in a solution that is prescribed exclusively by a veterinarian. Never use a cotton swab when treating the ear canal!

Maltese lapdogs have very abundant hair in their ears. To cut them, it is better to contact a professional groomer. You can also ask a professional to teach you the correct technique for removing this hair. Nails are usually trimmed as needed. Usually this should be done once a month.

If you praise and please the dog with treats, then he will do everything to please his master. The Maltese is a very trainable dog breed. Some pets can be overly independent, but this can be easily dealt with if you use the right reward system for the commands you follow. After the dog understands that he will receive a treat for a correctly completed task, he will even more diligently comply with your requirements.

Dogs of small breeds should never be harassed or excessive perseverance, especially aggression, should be taken against them. This can lead to aggression on the part of the animal. Ill-treatment or physical punishment will cause distrust and internal protest, as well as a special distrust of people.

The main rule during training - reward for obedience and ignoring disobedience. Most experts are inclined to believe that the training of Maltese lapdogs should begin at the age of six to eight months. At the same time, some dog breeders begin this process almost from the first days of the appearance of a dog in the house.

Small breeds are prone to various health problems. Maltese - not an exception. most problematic period - the first few months after birth. At this time, you should not allow the puppy's blood sugar to rise. In the process of growing up, the tracheal cartilage may weaken in the lap dog, which, in turn, can cause breathing difficulties. In this case, you need to forget about the collar.

Dogs of this breed are also prone to dental problems. Patella dislocations are also common. Other potential problems include glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy.

Dogs of this breed are predisposed to congenital liver pathologies. According to reports published in the Journal of the American Kennel Association, liver disease in Maltese puppies can be so severe that the only way to get rid of them is through expensive surgery.

Also common among Maltese lapdogs is the so-called "trembling syndrome" in which uncontrolled trembling of the whole body is observed. Such an ailment practically does not allow the animal to move. Today, they are trying to fight this disease with medication.