Maltese

USD $600-$800 Price Avg.

Companion Dogs

Group

Purebred

Breed Type

Small

Size

15-18 years

Lifespan

Breed Information

Group Companion Dogs
Popularity/Rank 33
Origin Italy
Other Names Maltese Dog, Maltese lion dog
Breed Type Purebred
Price (Avg.) USD $600-$800
How much does it cost to buy a Maltese?
Maltese are usually priced differently from breeder to breeder and from place to place. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay between $600 to $800 if you purchase your dog from a reputable breeder. The price will increase if the dog has a fantastic pedigree. Dogs that already have basic training maybe even more expensive. But, most Maltese can be adopted through a shelter for a lower fee.
Size Small
Weight 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Height Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm),
Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Lifespan 15-18 years
Recognized by AKC, FCI
The American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. And FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Purpose companion, comforter
Date of Origin ancient times
Ancestry Terrier

Appearance & Maintenance

Coat Feathered
Coat Colors White
Grooming Level
Shedding Level
Eye Color Possibilities Brown
Nose Color Possibilities Black
Coat Color Possibilities White
Coat Length Large
Coat Density Normal
Coat Texture Straight
Recommended Brushes Comb, Dematter, Nail Clipper, Pin Brush
Brushing Frequency Daily

Breed Characteristics

Temperament Active, Delicate, Docile, Easygoing, Gentle, Intelligent, Playful, Respondent, Responsive, Sportive, Sweet, Tempered
Intelligent
Trainability
Playfulness
Sensitivity Level
Affection Level
Social Interaction Required
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Biting Force Low
Mouthiness
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Prey Drive
Adaptability
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Fighting Dog Not really

Good & Friendly with

Apartment Life Friendly
Stranger Friendly
Kid-Friendly
Cat Friendly
Dog Friendly
Office Friendly No
Senior Citizens Friendly
Pet Friendly
Friendly with First Time Owners No
Service Dog Not really
Therapy Dog Not really
Detection, Sniffer or Security Dog Not really
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Not really
Boat Dog Not really
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Not really

Health Elements

Health Issues
Health Problems Collapsed Trachea, Hypoglycemia, Patellar Luxation, Portosystemic Liver Shunt, Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Reverse Sneezing, White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Hypoallergenic Yes
Energy Level
Exercise Required
Sleeping Required
Weight Gain Potential
Weather & Climate Prefers warm weather
Stinkiness Medium
Drooling tendency
Activity Level Moderate
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week 6 miles
Minutes of Activity Per Day 60 minutes

Food & Costing

Avg. Daily Food Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Cups Per Day 1 cups
Daily Cost $1.00 - $1.30
Monthly Cost $30.00 - $37.50

Reproducibility

Gestation Duration 60-64 days
How often can the Maltese have a litter? Once a year.
Litter Size 3-5 puppies (Once a year.)

Description

The Maltese is a small, white, fluffy dog that has been around for centuries. It is one of the oldest breeds of dogs and has been a popular companion for many people throughout history. The Maltese is known for its gentle and loving nature, making it an ideal pet for families with children or other pets.

Appearance: The Maltese has a long, silky coat that can be either white or cream in color. Its eyes are dark and its ears are long and floppy. Its muzzle is short and its tail is usually carried over its back when it walks.

Lifespan, Size, Weight & Colors: The average lifespan of the Maltese is between 12-15 years old. They typically weigh between 4-7 pounds and stand 8-10 inches tall at the shoulder. They come in a variety of colors including white, cream, black & tan, blue & tan, red & tan as well as sable & white.

Personality: The Maltese is an affectionate breed that loves to be around people and other animals alike. They are very loyal to their owners and will often follow them around the house looking for attention or cuddles! They are also intelligent dogs who enjoy learning new tricks or commands from their owners which makes them great companions to have around the house!

Friendliness with Other Dogs/Animals/Children: The Maltese gets along well with other animals such as cats if they have been properly socialized from an early age. They also get along well with children if they have been raised together since puppyhood but may become overwhelmed by too much rough play so supervision should always be present when young children interact with them!

Temperament: The temperament of the Maltese can vary depending on how it was raised but generally speaking they tend to be gentle natured dogs who love being around people and getting lots of attention from their owners! They do not like being left alone for extended periods of time so having another pet in the home may help alleviate any separation anxiety issues they may develop over time!

Health: Generally speaking the health of a Maltese dog tends to be quite good however there are some health issues that can arise such as patellar luxation (dislocation of kneecaps), eye problems (cataracts) as well as dental problems due to their small size which means regular brushing should take place in order to keep their teeth healthy!

Adaptability Level: The adaptability level of a Maltese dog tends to be quite high due to their small size which makes them suitable for living in apartments or smaller homes without too much space available outside for exercise purposes! Additionally they do not require too much grooming maintenance which makes them ideal pets even if you don’t have much free time on your hands!

Benefits Of Having A Pet Maltese Dog As A Pet: Having a pet maltese dog can bring many benefits into your life such as companionship, unconditional love from your furry friend as well as providing you with hours upon hours worth of entertainment through playing games together or teaching them new tricks! Additionally having a pet maltese dog can help reduce stress levels due to their calming presence which helps create an overall sense of wellbeing within yourself when spending time together!

History

The Maltese is a small, white dog with silky hair. They are one of the oldest breeds of dogs, and their history can be traced back over 2,800 years. The Maltese was once known as the "Roman Ladies' Dog" and was a favorite of wealthy women in Rome. The breed almost became extinct during World War II, but has since become popular again. The Maltese is thought to be descended from the Spitz or Pomeranian, and was recognized as a breed in England in 1888.

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