Maltese is an affectionate miniature breed. Despite its diminutive size, it’s quite alert and fearless. Representatives of the breed are especially caring for human companions. Nevertheless, the protective instinct may bring in aggression towards strangers.

Despite its aristocratic origin, the Maltese are a hardy and adaptable pet that lives long and never gives up on making new friends. Sometimes they are stubborn and willful, but still, they always respond positively to reward-based training.

Most of the representatives of the breed are characterized by separation anxiety. Therefore, ideally, Maltese should live in a house where at least one family member will always be with them throughout the day. If left alone for a long time, Maltese may bark continuously and even show a destructive demeanor. Behavioral training and socialization are great ways to manage their anxiety. 

Despite their size, these tiny animals are quite confident and occasionally even stubborn. Therefore, early socialization and training are especially beneficial for them. Fortunately, intelligent Maltese learn everything quickly and make excellent watchdogs in terms of barking. Compared to other breeds, the Maltese require less exercise to feel happy. A short daily walk is quite enough for them.

Dislocation of the kneecap

Dislocation of the kneecap is a hereditary problem. To avoid the discomfort caused by this problem, your pet needs to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. A balanced intake of lean meats, eggs, high-quality protein, calcium, and phosphorus will help your important family members develop muscles properly. 

Corrective surgery may be necessary to correct severe cases of knee cap dislocation. However, regular veterinary check-ups will detect early signs of illness and allow you to take appropriate measures at an early stage of its development.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause a gradual deterioration of the vision and cause the crystal, which is transparent in a healthy eye, to attain a grayish or milky color. Congenital cataracts are usually caused by an infectious disease or birth trauma acquired during the mother’s pregnancy.

Although the management of congenital diseases is often beyond our control, eating foods rich in vitamins C and E can greatly improve the eye health of your important family member. As a competent parent, remember that regular veterinary check-ups and protecting the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun are prerequisites for effective disease management.

Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease makes the valve between the heart’s left ventricle and atrium dysfunctional. The valves may not close completely and this will cause the blood to flow back into the left atrium. Without treatment, the medical condition can cause damage to the heart muscle. Timely planning of visits to the veterinarian, weight monitoring, and intake of high-quality food specially designed for dogs are especially important to prevent disease.

Maltese should be fed with high-quality food specially designed for dogs, otherwise, their health and longevity may be at risk. When choosing a food for your Maltese, it’s advised to consider factors such as age, lifestyle, activity level, physiological state, and health.

Due to their fast metabolism, miniature dogs burn energy at a high rate, nevertheless, their small stomachs require frequent but slight portions. Considering food sensitivities and genetic predispositions are particularly noteworthy, in such a case, you will need the help of a nutritionist to prepare a recommended diet for your companion animal. 

It’s conventional wisdom that food provides companion animals the energy needed to support vital functions and that’s especially true for earlier stages of development. Before the age of 8 months, Maltese’s immune system is in the process of gradual evolution. Their digestive tracts aren’t yet mature and that’s why it is influential to treat them with food specially designed for puppies.

While feeding Maltese, it is vital to avoid greasy human products and adhere to the schedule at any stage of its life. Therefore, ideally, we should follow the nutritional instructions given on the food packaging.

As the name suggests, the Maltese breed originated in Malta, a Mediterranean seaport. These miniature companion animals of one of the oldest origins. The breed was probably brought to the island by the Phoenicians before the arrival of the Greeks. Later, the Greeks were so fascinated by the breed that even Aristotle and Strabo themselves discussed the perfect proportions of the Maltese.

It’s known from historical records that Maltese was a companion of high society and enjoyed a special love of aristocratic ladies. Over the years, the Maltese have been referred to by multiple names including “Maltese dog”, “Roman ladies’ companion”, “Comforter”, “Maltese terrier” and “Bichon”. 

According to the legend, St. Paul, who came to Malta by ship, after healing the father of the Roman governor, received Maltese as a gift as a sign of gratitude. In Roman times, owning a Maltese was considered a special privilege, so these important family members were not removed from the side by noble ladies. 

In the 16th century, the popularity of the Maltese crossed the borders and spread throughout Europe. Along with the Queen of Scots, even Queen Victoria and Elizabeth I of England owned this wonderful miniature breed.