Grooming
The Maltese needs more grooming than your average dog. Even though their long, silky fur lacks an undercoat (which means they shed less than many other dogs) they still need quite a bit of brushing.
Bathing:Bathing a Maltese too often can dry out their skin and coat. So, give your pup a bath every four to six weeks. You can even use a shampoo specifically formulated to keep their fur bright.
Brushing:Maltese dogs need consistent brushing, even if they have a shorter haircut. Their long coat needs to be brushed every day, ideally with a pin brush to prevent tangles. Once a week, use a slicker brush to get deeper into the coat and remove any debris.
Dental care:Small dogs are prone to dental disease, so brush your Maltese’s teeth daily to control tartar. Get a pro cleaning at your vet once a year.
Nail care:Trim your dog’s nails once a month. If you can hear the nails clicking on hard surfaces when they walk, it’s time to trim.
Eye care: Maltese often have noticeable reddish-brown tear stains that stand out on their white coats, and you may be able to clear up the stains just by wiping your dog’s eyes and face every day with special tear stain wipes. If this isn’t enough, talk to your veterinarian about health issues that could be contributing to the staining.
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Training
Maltese just want to make their favorite person (that’s you) happy, so they’re eager to please when it comes to training. They respond great to positive reinforcement (think treats, toys, and praise for good behavior).
If you bring home a Maltese puppy, start obedience training early; you can teach them cues like sit, stay, and come as early as 8 weeks old. Also invest some time in proper socialization, which involves exposing them to new people, places, and things in a positive manner.
If you adopt a Maltese as an adult, that’s perfect, too—chat with your vet or a certified trainer about training and socialization. It’s never too late!
Some Maltese will also enjoy learning new tricks or participating in agility training. For extra mental stimulation, they may enjoy scent work.
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Diet
The Maltese breed typically does well on high-quality, commercial dog food. The best food for Maltese is AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Consider a diet for small-breed pups; some brands even sell dog food specially made just for Maltese.
Your vet can help you decide the appropriate amount to feed your dog. You may want to incorporate mental enrichment into your dog’s meal plan, dispensing treats or kibble through food toys or interactive treat balls.
Remember that treats (even ones that you use during training) count toward calories; treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.
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Exercise
Maltese dogs don’t have the high energy levels of star athletes like Border Collies or Australian Shepherds, but they still need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy (and out of trouble!). Spend some time playing with your pup at home, and take them on at least one brisk 20- to 30-minute walk around the neighborhood every day.
Maltese puppies and dogs enjoy mixing up their activities a bit. So, switch it up between walks, indoor games, fetch in a fenced yard, and mental enrichment exercises like scent work or interactive toys.
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Environment
A Maltese dog would love to live in an apartment, but they’d also love a larger home. The most important thing in their environment is you.
These pups are deeply attached to their people, so they do best when someone is with them for most of the day. If you will be away for long, check them into doggy daycare or have a friend or professional dog sitter drop by to play with them.
It’s important to note that a Maltese might be startled by everyday noises if you are away. So if you live in an apartment with close neighbors, you may need to work with a trainer to curb their barking. A white noise machine can also distract them from outside noises.
A Maltese won’t be scared to share you, and they’ll likely be delighted to have siblings. They usually get along great with other pets as well as kids, making them great family dogs. But with bigger dogs or young children, always supervise interactions to make sure the Maltese doesn’t feel overwhelmed by these larger creatures.
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