Maltese puppies and dogs are among the most popular pets worldwide. They are small, cute, and cuddly and make great companions. But before you get a Maltese puppy, there are some things you should know about their care and training.

Maltese puppies are very active and need a lot of exercises. They also need to be adequately trained to be well-behaved dogs. Here is a care and training guide for Maltese puppies so that you can have a healthy and happy pet.

But before that, let’s discover their origin and how they have become so popular to own as a pet.

Origin of Maltese Dogs

The Maltese dogs originated from the Mediterranean island of Malta. They are one of the oldest breeds of dogs worldwide and have been around for over 2,000 years.

The Maltese were initially bred as companion dogs for rich people and nobles. They were also used as watchdogs because of their sharp bark. Nowadays, they are still bred as companion dogs but are also popular pets all over the world.

Maltese puppies are born white and stay white throughout their lives. They have silky, long hair that does not shed very much. They are also hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to cause allergies in people allergic to dog fur.

The Maltese are small dogs weighing between 4 and 6 pounds (1.8 to 2.7 kg). They are tall at the shoulder and 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm).

Maltese dogs are known for their gentle and loving nature. They are knowledgeable and can be easy to train. They are also great with children and other pets.

Feeding Maltese Puppies

Maltese puppies need to be fed a high-quality diet rich in protein and calories. They should also get plenty of exercises to grow into healthy adults.

Puppy food should be made with real meat, not just by-products or fillers. Puppies need a lot of protein to build strong muscles and bones. Look for a food with at least 22% protein and 8% fat. Avoid foods that contain corn, wheat, or soy. These ingredients can cause allergies and digestive problems in Maltese puppies.

Maltese puppies should be fed three to four times per day. Those under six weeks old should be fed every two to three hours. Puppies six weeks to four months old should be fed for three to four days. Moreover, puppies over four months old can be switched to two daily meals.

Exercise for Maltese Puppies

Maltese puppies need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and fit. They should get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Walking, running, playing fetch, and going for hikes are all great ways to exercise your Maltese puppy.

Training Maltese Puppies

Start preparing your puppy as soon as you bring them home. The earlier you start, the better. All dogs need to be trained, but Maltese puppies need proper training to grow into well-behaved adults.

Potty training

Potty training is the first thing you should start with. Puppies usually need to go potty every two to three hours. Take them outside after eating, drinking, or waking up from a nap. Reward them with praise or treats when they go potty in the right spot. Use a crate or puppy pen to confine your puppy when you cannot watch them.

Basic obedience commands.

Next, you will want to teach your Maltese puppy basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. These commands will help you have better control over your dog when they are older. Training sessions should be short, fun, and positive. Use treats and praise to reward your puppy for good behavior.

Maltese puppies are intelligent and can learn quickly, but they can also be stubborn sometimes. Be patient and consistent with your training, and you will have a well-behaved Maltese dog in no time.

Grooming Maltese Puppies

Maltese puppies need to be groomed regularly to keep their fur clean and healthy. Their long, silky hair can quickly become tangled or matted if it is not brushed often.

Brush their hair regularly.

Brush your Maltese puppy’s fur every day with a soft-bristled brush. You may also need to use a comb to remove tangles. Bathe your puppy once or twice per month using a mild shampoo made specifically for dogs. Make sure to rinse the shampoo out of their fur, so it does not irritate their skin.

Trim their nails.

Trim your Maltese puppy’s nails every few weeks with a dog nail clipper. Be careful not to cut too close to the quick (the pink part of the nail), as this will cause pain and bleeding. If you can hear their nails clicking on the floor when they walk, they are probably too long.

Brush their teeth.

Dental disease is common in dogs. Maltese puppies need to have their teeth brushed regularly. Use a finger toothbrush or soft-bristled toothbrush made for dogs. Dog toothpaste is available at most pet stores.

If you are unsure how to groom your Maltese puppy properly, talk to your veterinarian or a professional dog groomer. They can show you how to brush and trim your puppy’s nails, teeth, and fur.

Common Health Problems in Maltese Puppies

Maltese puppies are generally healthy, but like all dogs, they are susceptible to specific health problems. Some of the most common health problems seen in Maltese puppies include:

Allergies

Allergies are a common problem in dogs, and Maltese puppies are no exception. Allergies can cause itchiness, redness, and inflamed skin.

If your puppy is scratching a lot or has any other signs of allergies, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you identify the allergy and find the best treatment.

Ear infections

Ear infections are common in dogs with floppy ears, such as Maltese puppies. The warm, moist environment inside the ear is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.

If your puppy is shaking their head a lot or scratching at its ears, it may have an ear infection. Talk to your veterinarian about the best way to treat an ear infection.

Patellar luxation

Patellar luxation is a condition that affects the kneecap (patella). The patella is usually held in place by ligaments and tendons, but in some dogs, these structures are not well developed. This can cause the patella to slip out of business, which is painful for the dog.

Patellar luxation is most common in small dogs, such as Maltese puppies. Talk to your veterinarian if your puppy seems to be in pain or limping. They can diagnose patellar luxation and recommend treatment options.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative disease that affects the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye that allows us to see. In dogs with PRA, the retina slowly breaks down, eventually leading to blindness.

PRA is hereditary, so Maltese puppies with parents with this condition are at risk of developing it themselves. There is no treatment for PRA, so if your puppy is diagnosed with it, it will eventually go blind.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a condition that affects the hip joint. In dogs with this condition, the blood supply to the head of the femur (thigh bone) is interrupted. This causes the bone to die and crumble.

Moreover, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is most common in small breeds, such as Maltese puppies. If your puppy has this condition, it will be in pain and may have difficulty walking. Treatment options include surgery and physiotherapy.

Conclusion

Maltese puppies are small, fluffy dogs that make great companions. They are friendly and outgoing, and they love to play. Maltese puppies require regular grooming, brushing, cleaning teeth, and trimming.

They are also susceptible to specific health problems, such as allergies, ear infections, and patellar luxation. Talk to your veterinarian if you think your puppy may have a health problem. They can help you diagnose and treat the pain.