Houston Vet Clinic
The Maltese
One of the smaller breeds in the world, the Maltese is well recognized with its luxurious fur, expressive face, and distinctive mouth and tongue. One of the quintessential toy breeds, the Maltese tends to weigh between three to seven pounds, but they act as though they are many times their own size.
Behavior
Despite being one of the smaller breeds, the Maltese is relatively fearless, making them ideal for households with other animals or small children. Given their breeding history as companion dogs, they enjoy spending time with those they see as masters or members of their “pack.” Although they tend to be good natured, healthy socialization is important to ensure that the Maltese becomes accustomed to other animals and children. Because they are so small, an apartment, small house, or other similarly urban dwelling is an acceptable environment and provides sufficient room for them to exercise.
Health Problems
The Maltese tends to be a relatively healthy dog, although they do share health risks common with all small breeds. They must be well-monitored to ensure that they are not crushed or otherwise injured as a result of their small size. Additionally, their weight and diet must be monitored to ensure they do not develop diabetes or other weight-related issues. Their bone structure makes them prone to tear staining which can be averted with consistent cleaning and care of the area around the eyes. If your Maltese develops serious tear staining, make sure to consult with your veterinarian to discuss your options.
For more veterinary care, breed specific, and other general pet health care questions, contact your Houston Vet Clinic.