How to Care for a Maltese Dog - Deciding if a Maltese is Right For You

The Maltese breed of dogs make delightful companions, with a reputation for being gentle yet bold. They are "toy" dogs and thus will be happy companions who will sit by your side, hour after hour, while you read a book or watch television. Your Maltese will live well into its teens and you can expect it to be its same playful and mischievous self for most of those years. While they make good pets, Maltese are not suitable for all households. Think carefully before acquiring any dog, but also
be aware of the specific needs of the Maltese breed, particularly its grooming needs.

1. Determine whether the Maltese personality is right for you and your lifestyle. Maltese do like company and can bark or suffer anxiety related problems if they are left alone for long periods of time. Think about whether you can structure your day so that the Maltese is not left alone for more than 4 hours at a time.
- Be aware that because Maltese like to be with people, they can easily become over-dependant on human company and suffer from stress or "separation anxiety" unless trained from a young age to cope in solitude. To train the dog to do this means deliberately spending small periods of time away from the dog so that it learns to be alone. Be careful not to over pamper the dog as this can make it even more difficult for it when you're not there to fuss it.[1]
- Be aware that not all Maltese dogs are tolerant of children or other animals. They are physically small and can easily feel threatened by an over exuberant child. This can result in the dog growling or nipping. If you have small children, then think carefully because you will need to supervise the Maltese and children all the time.[2]

2. Gauge whether you can care for a Maltese properly. Be aware that the Maltese feel the cold easily. If your home is chilly or you live in a cold environment, then reconsider your choice of dog. Also be aware they have long silky coats, which needs daily grooming and also sheds heavily. If you have black soft furnishings then either be prepared for lots of shed hair or consider a different breed.[3]

3. Prepare to have a dog that lives well into its teens. If you can't commit to such a long term undertaking, or you expect your circumstances to change, then reconsider getting a dog , especially one that can live to be 14 or 15. Adopting a dog is a long-term commitment, not something to take lightly.

4. Pick your specific Maltese wisely. There are thousands of Maltese breeders out there, but there are also plenty of purebreds in animal shelters. If you know someone with a Maltese ask where that person got it. Make sure that before you bring your Maltese home, that it gets along with other pets or children you may have.
- Make sure you see the Maltese puppy with his mother. If for whatever reason the mother is not present, walk away. This is a give away sign that the puppy is from a puppy mill and such immoral breeding programs should not be encouraged.[4]
- Make sure your Maltese was socialized well as a puppy, as this helps make it become a confident outgoing adult.