Maltese lapdog (maltese): photo and description

Characteristics

Brief information

History of the breed

The Maltese, or Maltese, is an ancient breed of dog whose country of origin has never been determined. However, it has been known since ancient Egypt. Figurines and drawings of these small dogs were found during excavations of the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses II, who lived in the 6th millennium BC.uh. According to one hypothesis, the Maltese were companions of rich people also in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. However, the Maltese lapdog gained the greatest popularity during the Middle Ages, securing the status of an expensive accessory for privileged classes. Some historians are convinced that in the Middle Ages, noble ladies always had some kind of animal (cat, dog, ermine, monkey) with them so that it would take on most of the fleas, ticks and other insects that people suffered from in those days.

There is a lot of controversy regarding the name of the breed of the Maltese. The common version says that it takes its origin from the name of the island of Malta, which was once the center of European civilization. However, there is another version: for a long time, the Maltese were called “melites” by the name of the island of Melita, but it is worth noting that in ancient times all the islands of the Mediterranean Sea, including Malta, were called Melita.

It is believed that the name “lap dog” comes from the name of the Italian city of Bologna, where these dogs gained popularity in aristocratic circles. And not in vain, because the lapdog is truly a royal person. From time immemorial, the Maltese was considered an expensive gift and belonged only to selected persons, including representatives of the royal courts of different countries, especially in France and Italy. The famous English Queen Victoria and the Scottish Queen Mary Stuart were also the owners of the Maltese lapdogs. The Maltese was valued as highly as silks and precious metals.

Character

Representatives of this breed have a wonderful character: energetic, cheerful and very cheerful. They will be happy to bring the ball, learn a new team and support any activity. By the way, training lapdogs is a pleasure. Maltese are easy to train, understand everything perfectly, so even a child can deal with them.

Maltese dogs are a bit like cats. They are not intrusive, but are very attached to their owner. Maltese can stay at home alone: ​​they can easily find something to do. However, it’s still not worth leaving these dogs for a long time: they will begin to yearn.

Maltese dogs are a great choice for families with children, as they easily get along with kids. However, communication with children under 7 years of age should take place under the supervision of adults, as a child, through negligence, can injure a pet. Thanks to their friendliness and curiosity, the Maltese quickly get used to other animals. These are very calm dogs that do not show spontaneous aggression and jealousy.

Due to its small size, the lapdog is not able to act as a protector or guard, although sometimes its behavior suggests the opposite: this dog will be able to notify about guests in the house or bite the opponent’s leg. The small body contains courage, courage and courage inherent in the most worthy representatives of the dog world.

Description of the Maltese

Maltese looks like a small living toy. The snow-white and graceful creature also rarely barks, so it is considered an ideal companion.

The external characteristics of the Maltese are judged according to the strict criteria of three cynological associations. There are two types of Maltese: European and American. The latter is smaller and has shorter hair. There is even a separate category of Maltese “baby-face”, which is characterized by a shortened muzzle and a deliberately childish look.

Despite the miniature format, the Maltese has strong and hardy legs, very fluffy and with black pads. The dog’s tail is gracefully curled up. The lips and nose are black in color, the eyes are large and slightly protruding, dark brown in color. The floppy ears are covered with a lush layer of wool that can reach to the shoulders.

Perfectly white wool is considered an important distinctive feature and one of the main advantages of Maltese. It is silky and dense, straight and falls like a train over the body of the animal for more than 20 cm.

Care

Magnificent snow-white coat is the dignity and distinguishing feature of the Maltese lapdog. To maintain her beauty at the proper level, the owner should carefully care for the pet. One of the most important procedures is daily combing to prevent the formation of tangles.

About once every 7-10 days the dog should be bathed using a special shampoo for white coats and a conditioner that facilitates the further combing process.

The Maltese does not have an undercoat, which means that representatives of this breed rarely cause allergies.

Particular attention should be paid to the eyes of the Maltese. Quite often, representatives of this breed have brownish discharge, which, although considered normal, requires timely removal.

Conditions of detention

Maltese Bologka is a decorative dog, and she feels great in the apartment. She needs to allocate a suitable place where it is warm and there are no drafts. Representatives of this breed do not tolerate low temperatures, so in cold weather, you should take care of a suit that will not only warm your pet, but also protect it from dirt. But the Maltese love hot weather, they bask in the sun with great pleasure, and long hair does not interfere with them at all.

As the coat grows back, the Maltese should be taken to the groomer. It is believed that show dogs should have long hair, while pets can be cut short.

Maltese dogs tend to be overweight, so the task of the owner is to strictly follow the rules for feeding the pet, as well as constantly monitor its activity.

Health of the Maltese

The most common ailment of dogs of the breed of Maltese are all kinds of eyes of the eyes: glaucoma, blindness, overlapping of lacrimal ducts, retinal atrophy, dysthychiasis. The eyes of the Maltese should be monitored with particular care, as they are prone to tearing. They need to be cleaned regularly. Congenital diseases include heart disease and subluxation of the patella. Very rarely, but still, Maltese can suffer from hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus, yeast dermatitis, deafness, and pyloric stenosis. In general, dogs of this breed are in good health, and many diseases can be eliminated by detecting them at an early stage and timely proper treatment.