The Maltese is a small and adorable dog that adapts perfectly to living in a floor or even in an apartment Thanks to its small size, it is a cheerful, sociable, and playful animal that loves spending time with its family, creating a very strong emotional bond.
However, being so small, you have to be very careful with it. quantity of food that is provided. Excess weight in such a compact breed could lead to problems in their joints and metabolic complications. To avoid this, it is essential to know precisely how much the maltese bichon should weigh according to their age and type.
Standard weight and size of the Maltese Bichon
The Maltese dog breed is a small and very compact animal. According to the standard established by the International Canine Federation (FCI)The female should have a height at the withers of between 20 and 23 cm, while the male should be between 21 and 25 cm. The ideal weight for both should be between 3 and 4 kg.
There are significant variations, such as the Toy Maltese Bichonwhich is an extremely small version. These types of specimens usually have a finer bone structure and a weight generally between 1,8 and 2,7 kgwith a height that can reach up to 20 cm. It is important to note that some animals can weigh less than 1,8 kg, which can increase their tendency to suffer from illnesses development.
Growth and weight by stages (Puppies)
Weight development in the first few months is crucial for monitoring your health:
- At 2 months: A puppy usually weighs approximately between 1,1 and 1,7 kg.
- Between 2 and 4 months: An average growth of 1 kg is estimated.
- At 18 weeks: Upon entering the young adult stage, the weight is usually between 2,1 and 2,6 kg.
Nutrition and nutritional care
Since it's such a small dog, you should only give it the amount of food it needs. For more cost-effective feeding and optimal health, it's highly recommended to choose a quality foodGrain-free and free of by-products. Brands like Orijen, Acana, Taste of the Wild, True Instinct High Meat, or the Yum Diet (more natural) are excellent options.
We must keep in mind that this breed can be picky about food and has a delicate digestive system. Prolonged fasting should be avoided due to their fast metabolism, as they could suffer episodes of hypoglycemiaIt is recommended to adjust portions according to age and maintain strict schedules.
Health, exercise and maintenance
It is not enough to control the diet; it is essential that the dog exerciseIt is recommended to take him for a walk daily for at least 30 minutes and dedicate time to interactive games at home. This prevents nervousness and anxiety, maintaining his emotional balance.
Regarding their physical health, there are critical points that require attention:
- Joints: They have a tendency to patellar dislocationIt is advisable to avoid overly strenuous physical activity until 8 months of age.
- Oral Hygiene: Due to their small mouths, there is an increased risk of dental crowdingGingivitis and periodontitis. Preventive cleaning is key.
- Fur: Its silky white hair has no undercoat and does not shed, but requires daily brushing and cleaning the tear ducts to prevent dark stains.
Origin and temperament of the breed
This breed is one of the oldest in the world, with ancestors originating from the central Mediterranean basinReferences to it exist in Ancient Greece, Rome, and even Egyptian tombs. Although it is associated with the island of Malta, its exact origin is debated, with some claiming Malta, Sicily, and others Croatia.
The Maltese Bichon is a the quintessential companion dogAffectionate and friendly. Despite its delicate appearance, it is very lively and vigilant; it tends to bark at unfamiliar noises or situations, which makes it a good guard dog to alert of the presence of strangers in the home.
To ensure a long and healthy life, it is vital to perform veterinary check-ups every 6 months, including blood tests and dental checkups, detecting any metabolic or cardiac abnormalities early.
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Owning a Maltese Bichon involves a commitment to its hygiene and nutrition, but the reward is the companionship of an intelligent, loyal, and extremely affectionate animal that integrates perfectly into any family.