Maltese Questions and Answers

As a Maltese matures, it is not uncommon for skin to develop black spotting. While this is usually an aesthetic issue, these are steps you can take to fade these spots.

One of the great aspects about this toy breed is that there are lots of options for hair styles, from shaved to long and everything in between. 

Not all Maltese puppies and dogs have halos, however this is preferred in show and are quite beautiful. These are a part of the dog's black points. 

This is a marketing term that can be used to lure people into buying puppies. Learn what this really means, and the different ways that it is used. 

Colitis is a condition in which the colon becomes swollen and irritated, it leads to diarrhea and other issues. 

This is a very unfortunate condition in which the rings surrounding the windpipe collapse inward. It can be quite painful and cause moderate to severe breathing issues. This can be prevented in many cases, and there are options for treatment. 

This is a disease that is seen with the Maltese breed and other small white dogs. Learn the symptoms and treatment options. 

This breed is predisposed to skin issues, hip dysplasia, collapsed trachea, White Dog Shaker Syndrome, and certain heart conditions, among other things.

There are several conditions that can cause a Maltese puppy or dog to have breathing issues with symptoms including wheezing, coughing, and/or trying to catch their breath.

The most common cause is allergies, however this can also be due to such conditions as asthma or even collapsed trachea. 

This breed, with its full white coat of hair (not fur) is prone to dry skin and it most often develops over the winter due to overly arid air. If not addressed, it can be a year-round problem and it can cause lots of itching. 

In many cases, this can just be a behavioral quirk. However, other times this can point to an issue with the ears, and in some rare cases this may be due to a more serious condition. 

This can be a rough time for both owner and puppy. See the steps you can take to help soothe teething woes. 

Separation Anxiety is not uncommon with this breed; fortunately, there are lots of steps you can take to help your puppy or dog better cope. This includes setting up the right environment, and using aides such as certain background music and companion toys.

Every dog is going to be vocal some times. However, some Maltese can be set off by certain triggers, or if barking was not addressed correctly early on, this can become quite a habit. Luckily, there are certain steps that you can take that will lead to greatly reduced barking episodes. 

Fortunately, there are some training methods you can incorporate to help stop this sort of acting out. It involves taking your place as leader, having your Maltese on a short leash and harness in a heeling position, and reacting to both times of barking and quiet times in the right way., 

Being so small, Maltese puppies and dogs do not eat large quantities of food, so the correct serving size may surprise you. Also read about feeding tips and how to choose the best food for your Maltese.  

There are pros and cons to these procedures; however, overall most veterinarians agree that spaying and neutering extends a dog's life span. Benefits are greater if this is done early. 

It's best to feed a dry kibble instead of wet canned food to help your dog maintain healthy gums and teeth. For optimal health, offer a formula with wholesome ingredients and all-natural preservatives (such as a vitamin blend and/or herbs). Avoid artificial preservatives, coloring, flavoring, by-products, generic meats or oils, fillers, and a high grain or wheat level. 

Most puppies will need to have 3 rounds of puppy shots. Rabies vaccinations are also a must. Once those are complete, ask for titer tests to see if there are enough antibodies in your dog's bloodstream so that boosters are not necessary. Learn about possible adverse reactions. 

A harness is far superior to a collar, so much so that it's recommended to throw away any collars that you have and make an immediate switch. This is to help prevent collapsed trachea and other issues seen with toy breeds that are walked on leash and collar. 

For automobile rides, having a safe car seat and taking enough breaks will be key. For planes, having the right carry case, planning ahead for bathroom needs, and taking steps to help your Maltese relax will be some of the most important aspects. 

Rust color stains under or around the eyes is a common problem and are usually quite noticeable on this adorable solid white breed. The key to resolving this is to remove all possible triggers, and then treat the area with an effective stain remover. 

When you have a dog with a solid white, single-layered coat, using the right products is vital for both good skin and coat health. You'll want shampoos and conditioners that are effective yet gentle, and are geared towards making white coats clean, stain free, and shiny. 

There are 5 steps involved in keeping a Maltese free from discoloration and with a pure white coat. 

There are several reasons why a Maltese may have an unpleasant odor including microorganisms on the skin reacting to water, a shampoo that fails to wash away accumulated body oil, infrequent brushing, overgrowth of yeast, leaking scent oil from the anal sacs, and dental issues (if odors are coming from the mouth). Read 8 helpful tips to have your Maltese smelling super fresh and clean. 

This breed lives a relatively long life span, typically ranging from 12 to 14 years. Read about the leading causes of death and steps that you can take to help your Maltese live as long of a life as possible. 

For small toy sized breeds like the Maltese, the heat cycle can start as young as the 4 month mark; however, for others it will happen several months later. Learn about the signs and helpful advice for care during this time. 

Not knowing if a Maltese is carrying a litter can be a stressful time. In most cases, signs will not appear until the beginning of the 3 week mark. There are both signs that you will be able to notice, and there are several tests that the vet can perform to confirm a pregnancy. 

There are quite a few actors and other well-known people that had or currently have a Maltese. There are also a few TV shows that have featured this amazing toy breed. 

Unlike some lists that simply copy human names, here you'll find a wonderful compilation of names that were submitted by Maltese owners. While you may always opt for one of the more popular ones, why not get a bit creative? 

This breed has an interesting history and are known to be an ancient breed. While there was very little record keeping long ago, it is known that they were developed on the island of Malta (off the coast of Italy) and then were later perfected by bringing in some other breeds such as light-coated toy Poodles.