Do you like small dogs with long hair so you can brush and pet it as many times as you want? If so, do not miss the special we have prepared for you about the maltese bichon, one of the most popular and demanded dog breeds, not only for its small size, but also for its character.
And it is that these animals are very friendly and sociable, and they love to be pampered. Let's know more about this beautiful and charming dog.
History of the Maltese Bichon
Despite its name, its origin is actually unclear. In fact, in ancient inscriptions it is sometimes described with reference to the island of Mljet or Meleda, and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in the breed standard does not refer to the island of Malta, but to that of Meleda. Still, what is known is that the Phoenicians brought the ancestors of the race from Egypt more than 2.000 years ago. Stone statuettes resembling today's Maltese have been found in the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses II (1301-1225 BC).
Later, around the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, there were some breeders who wanted the breed to be smaller. But it didn't go too well for them; so much so that the race was about to disappear. However, they began to interbreed with other small dogs, such as Poodles and Miniature Spaniel. In the XNUMXth century there were even nine races different from Maltese.
From 1902 to 1913, Maltese that had a solid color or several colors were accepted in England, and later, in 1950, in Victoria, Australia. But the age of the Maltese of different colors was short-lived, since few years later, it was instituted that it must be white.
The FCI recognized it as a breed in Switzerland, in 1954; Forty-four years later, in 1998, the American Kennel Club would do so.
Physical characteristics of the Maltese Bichon
These dogs are small, ideal for living with families in flats or apartments. Their characteristics are:
- Weight: between 3 and 4 kg.
- Fur: long and silky, white in color.
- Head: medium with small forehead; the skull is round.
- Eyes: large, oval, dark brown in color.
- Snout: fine and long.
- Ears: long, drooping and hairy.
- Legs: short and straight.
- Cola: covered with a lot of hair; it is curved on its back.
Does the Maltese toy exist?
The Maltese toy is not an official breed, but it is simply Maltese that have become smaller, with a weight between the 1,8 and 2,7kg. They are dogs that it is not recommended to have in homes where there are children, since they are more fragile than normal Maltese, and therefore, the risk of something serious happening to them is greater.
Character of the Maltese Bichon
The Maltese is a breed of dog very loving, intelligent and sociable. They enjoy being with children, but also with the elderly. As it looks like an eternal puppy, and weighs so little, it can be held in your arms for a long time without getting tired, so, even if you don't have much strength in your arms, you can also enjoy having the furry dog. with us.
But even if it is small it does not mean that it does not need to go for a walk. We cannot forget that dogs are animals that, regardless of their size, they need to exercise so they stay healthy and happy. In addition, the walk also helps them to socialize with others of their kind, which will always allow the time you spend outside with the dog to be pleasant and smooth.
In addition to the walks, it is also advisable that play with it on a daily basis, as otherwise the Maltese can become a nervous and insecure dog. And, also, you have to teach him the basic rules of coexistence from an early age; like sitting, lying down, not biting, not getting on the places that cannot, among others. In this way, by working with the animal a little every day, we will get it to behave as any good dog should behave.
Maltese Bichon care
Food
Apart from everything that has been said so far (walks, games, basic training), so that the health of our dog is very good, excellent, it is very important that we give them a quality diet, either with BARF (raw food), or with feed with a high percentage of protein of animal origin and without cereals. Likewise, it is advisable to give only the amount that corresponds to you according to your weight and age, otherwise you could end up being overweight.
Fur
As for your hair, having it long requires a series of care to stay healthy and without knots. To do this, you must bathe once a month, and brush it daily. During the summer, it is advisable to take him to the dog groomer for a puppy cutThat is, keep it short so it can keep cool.
Eye care
What can not be missing is the cleaning of the eyes. As he has white hair, the one he has in that area can turn brownish-brown as a result of tearing. To avoid it, each day they will be cleaned with gauze moistened with warm water (that is neither too cold nor too hot).
Maltese bichon health
Usually this is a dog that does not usually have many problems. However, yes you can have leg problemsespecially with the knees. But this is a problem that can be largely avoided if we make sure that you stay at the proper weight.
Another problem that can affect you is conjunctivitis; Although the risk of suffering from it will be minimal if we clean his eyes every day.
The life expectancy of the adult Maltese Bichon is 13 years in the Making, if he is cared for properly and receives veterinary attention whenever he needs it.
Tips for buying a Maltese Bichon
Would you like to know where you can buy a Maltese? To do this, you can go to a cattery, a pet store, or buy it from a private person.
Hatchery
It is the most recommended option, but it is not always easy to find one that is serious and professional. To know that you are in one, it is important that:
- Facilities they have to be clean.
- Animals they must be healthy and clean.
- Feeders and drinkers They must be full, and without insects.
- The puppies They must have a playful and curious character That characterizes them.
- The one in charge must answer all the questions you have, and also has to let you be with the parents of your furry future.
- On the day of delivery -when the dog is at least two months old-, it will give you all the documentation of the animal (dog passport and pedigree papers).
Pet Shop
The Maltese breed is in high demand, and that is something that pet stores know, so it is not surprising that from time to time you find puppies for sale. The problem is, if you take a dog from the store, You will not know anything about the family nor will you have the pedigree papers.
Buy it from a private party
Buying it from an individual is a case similar to buying it from a pet store: you will not have the pedigree papers. Often those that have Maltese cross them and sell them online, but you have to be very careful. It is very important that in the ad you see the name of the person who sells them and the phone number, and that if in the end you are interested in buying one of his puppies, he should be able to let you go to his house to see them.
And by the way, if he wants to give it to you before two months, distrust. A dog must be at least eight weeks with its mother. Separating him sooner could end up hurting him.
Price of a Maltese Bichon
The price of a Maltese dog varies depending on where you buy it. Thus, in the kennels, with the pedigree and all the papers in order, it costs about the 600 Euros; the toy € 700. In pet stores and in private ads the price is lower, about 200-400 euros.
What did you think of this special about this incredible breed? 