Snow white, small, playful and intelligent. With these characteristics alone, the Maltese Bichon Maltese dog breed makes any animal lover fall in love and enthusiastic.
If you want to know all its care and characteristics, keep reading our complete guide about the Maltese Bichon dog breed. In Las Almenas we breed responsibly this and 6 other breeds of the so called mini, toy or dwarf dogs, and we are going to discover you all their secrets, from the time they are puppies.
Characteristics of the Bichon Maltese Dog Breed
There are two types of Maltese. On the one hand, the American Maltese, known as toy or mini. On the other hand, there is the European Maltese, which is slightly larger. Despite the differences, they have the same characteristics and care.
It is a dog that attracts attention, despite being small and reaching a height of about 20-25 cm. The European Maltese bichon barely manages to exceed 4 kilos in weight, while the smallest ones weigh a maximum of 2 kilos.
Its small, dark eyes and black nose contrast with its shiny, smooth, silky white coat that reaches down to the ground.
It has always been a popular breed as a companion dog. The Maltese dog’s personality is characterized by being playful, happy and intelligent dogs that like to learn new tricks and be in the company of their handler. So keep in mind that the Bichon Maltese dog breed does not find it easy to be alone and, therefore, you should not leave your dog alone for a long time.
It is a dog that adapts to any type of housing and, due to its small size, it is ideal to live in an apartment. Besides, as it is not a barking dog, except with strangers, the coexistence will be very quiet and your neighbors will hardly notice its presence.
Although the Maltese Bichon dog breed (https://almenas.es/razas-criadero-bichon-maltes-mini-toy/ ) is quite brave and has an eagerness to learn, you must educate him so that he learns immediately what is right or wrong. Do not let yourself be softened by his sweet look! We already know that it is difficult not to give in to his emotional blackmail, but if you give in just once, you will have to start his education again from scratch.
How to take care of your Maltese Bichon’s health
To all the families that come to our kennel in Las Almenas, before taking their dog home, we explain which are the aspects to take into account regarding the health of their new friend. It is our responsibility, as a kennel for the Maltese Bichon dog breed, to inform you about its characteristics and main problems so that you can avoid them and know how to take care of it in the best possible way.
1-Kneecap Problems
As with other small dogs, the Maltese poodle breed is also prone to patellar luxation. To prevent this problem and its complications, you should prevent your dog from becoming overweight. Exercise is also essential to strengthen the muscles and tendons throughout his body, especially around his knee. But such exercise should be gentle, since long walks are not suitable for him.
2-Diabetes
Dogs in general more prone to diabetes are older and unspayed female dogs. But there are also veterinary studies that identify a genetic and hereditary predisposition to suffer from diabetes in certain breeds of dogs, as is the case of the Maltese Bichon. However, diabetes can occur in any breed of dog and you can avoid it or delay it if your Maltese’s diet is adequate.
3-Overweight
Avoid letting your Maltese bichon Maltese exceed 4 kilos in weight. Keep in mind that two extra kilos is too much for such a small dog. Overweight in a toy Maltese increases the risk of diabetes, joint problems and also cardiovascular diseases.
4- Irritable eyes
Keep your Maltese’s eyes free of hair. It is very common for the tips of the hair to get into the eyes and irritate them. Try to remove the hair from the area and use a special eye cleaner for dogs.
5-Fungus and skin infections
It is advisable to brush the Bichon Maltese dog breed daily. If their hair becomes matted or tangled, there is a risk of skin infections or fungus.
6-Tartar on its teeth
Having such a small mouth makes it easier for tartar to accumulate and more difficult to remove. It would be better not to abuse treats or wet food and clean his mouth and teeth regularly.
Feeding a Maltese, what’s so special about it?
If you are wondering how often should a Maltese be fed? Or how much food should it be fed, here we solve it for you.
The best diet for a Maltese, as for other breeds, is to provide a complete and balanced nutrition. Again, we insist on the conditioning factors of being a small breed, since its metabolism forces it to eat small meals several times a day.
Three meals a day is recommended, but you can adapt the feeding habits to your bichon. If you have any doubts, it is best to ask your dog’s breeder, as we breeders know the particularities of each dog inside out. Or if you prefer, your veterinarian will also be able to answer your questions.
Don’t forget to buy food whose kibble is the right size for your Maltese. This will help him chew it better and will help him clean his teeth. Before buying the food for your dog, check the nutritional table, which is usually indicative, but it will help you to adjust the daily dosage depending on its energy and nutritional needs.
If you have chosen a good quality dog food, you will notice that your dog will successfully face each stage of growth and life, besides having a shiny and healthy coat.
Lots of games and few walks
The Bichon Maltese dog breed does not need long walks. With 15 minutes twice a day, the Maltese will stay happy and healthy. Remember that walking on a leash is also a task in which the Bichon Maltese learns and serves as training. But don’t take him out for a walk until your Maltese puppy has had all his shots.
What your Maltese will need, especially if it is a puppy, is playtime. They are very active indoors. After all, this is another way to exercise and keep the muscles and especially the bones strong of your little furry friend. Here you will also have to take into account the qualities of your dog and his age, as there are dogs that have unlimited amounts of energy to be released.
Brushing a Maltese, mission possible!
The Maltese poodle breed loves to be given as much attention as possible by its caregiver. So you have to try to associate the brushing of the Maltese with a positive aspect such as the care and attention of its caregiver.
But be aware that, if your Maltese hates having its hair brushed, it will do like other breeds: it will growl and try to escape. To avoid this, it is better to start as soon as possible, from puppyhood, to get used to this care. If he does well, don’t forget to give him his reward.
It is best to start with a soft brush, so he won’t pull so much. In addition, he sheds very little hair and is therefore considered a hypoallergenic breed.
If you need more information about the types of brushes you may need to care for his coat, you can read our article Las Almenas Dog brush, which one is the most suitable?
Why choose a Maltese bichon?
The Maltese Bichon dog breed generally adapts well to all types of families, as it is a small dog that is very safe to live with children.
Maltese bichons love to be indoors and spend time cuddling with the family. Children can take care of him and walk him on a leash under supervision.
In addition, the Maltese bichon dog breed is usually quite hypoallergenic. So it is a good choice for those who are predisposed to suffer from allergies.
Generally males are more dominant and active than females. They will want to play and run and, being more independent, you will be able to leave them alone more easily. On the other hand, if you are looking for companionship and lots of cuddles, the female Maltese can be the best option.
Still not sure if the bichon maltese dog breed is for you? Don’t worry. At Las Almenas we can advise you and help you select your puppy and take care of it with useful tips and information. After all, if you choose him, this affectionate dog will be your companion for the next 15-17 years… Yes, Maltese dogs live a long time!
In Las Almenas we develop a responsible breeding (https://almenas.es/crianza-responsable-de-perros-de-raza-importancia/ ) of the Maltese Bichon dog breed and 6 other toy or mini breeds. We know what needs these puppies have and we like to explain the characteristics of each of our puppies before giving them to their new families.
And if you already have a Maltese and you want to keep receiving tips on the care of the Maltese bichon dog breed you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram or on our YouTube channel.
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