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Maltese (Dog) | altese | | lternative names | | {| align=center | | ichon Maltiase | } | | ountry of origin | | a href="/encyclopedia/Malta" title="Malta">Malta | | lassification and breed standards | | {| align=center | FCI: | Group 9 Section 1 #65 | Stds | | a href="/encyclopedia/American-Kennel-Club" title="American Kennel Club">AKC: | Toy | Stds | | a href="/encyclopedia/Australian-National-Kennel-Council" title="Australian National Kennel Council">ANKC: | Group 1 (Toys) | Stds | | a href="/encyclopedia/Canadian-Kennel-Club" title="Canadian Kennel Club">CKC: | Group 5 - Toys | | a href="/encyclopedia/Kennel-Club-(UK)" title="Kennel Club (UK)">KC(UK): | Toy | Stds | | a href="/encyclopedia/New-Zealand-Kennel-Club" title="New Zealand Kennel Club">NZKC: | Toy | Stds | | a href="/encyclopedia/United-Kennel-Club" title="United Kennel Club">UKC: | Companion Breeds | Stds | A Maltese is a small breed of dog with white fur that does not shed. Appearance Adult Maltese range from 5 to 15 lb (2.5 to 7 kg). The standard coat is straight and silky without an undercoat, and colors range from pure white to cream. Some white coats change to a creamy color as age progresses. Some individuals may have curly or woolly hair, but this is considered to be outside the desirable standard. Characteristics include slightly rounded skulls, a black nose, drooping ears with long hair, very dark eyes, and short straight legs. Maltese have hair, not fur, much like human hair, so they do not shed but do need trimming or the hair can grow very long. Their noses can fade in color and turn pink, which could indicate illness. Standard Maltese have black or pink paws and clear nails. Puppies weigh less than a pound each when they are born, but by twelve weeks have more than doubled in weight and often approach their full adult weight. Height and weight ranges for adults: - Standard: 10-15 lb
- Teacup: 4-6 lb
Temperament Maltese can be extremely energetic and are known for their occasional wild outbursts of physical activity, where they simply bolt around at top speed with amazing agility. They are strong dogs for their size and their cleverness can sometimes lead them into trouble. They are easy to train and enjoy playing. These intelligent dogs learn quickly but, like all dogs, learn good behavior only with time and training. The breed has a reputation for being good-natured but may be intolerant of children and other pets. It is protectful of its owner and will bite if animals or people infringe on their territory or are perceived as a threat. The Maltese is also fearless and might bolt out of the house and under the wheel of a moving car if the owner is careless or the dog poorly trained. Maltese are small dogs and appear fragile, but are very tough for their size. Children might not realize that they are not toys and could play too rough with them. This could result in the child getting bitten if the Maltese decideds to protect itself. As puppies, like most dogs, they like to smell and lick everything and at times will bark at other dogs or at people.
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