Page 64 - Buddy Life

BREEd PRoFILE

nearly disastrous experiment, breeders world. Some lines (or some individuals)
mixed poodles, miniature spaniels, are more confident and outgoing,
and East Asian miniature dogs with while some are more standoffish or
the breed to save it. This resulted in cautious. At the same time, too many
the Maltese becoming so varied that people acquire a toy breed puppy
several new breeds were formed. It without understanding how incredibly
is thought by many that Maltese are fragile a toy breed is. You can seriously
the direct ancestors of the Bichon injure a Maltese by stepping on him
Frise, Bolognese and Havanese or by sitting on him when he’s curled
breeds. English breeders developed under a blanket or pillow. And Maltese
the Maltese as we know him now can seriously injure or kill themselves
and today, it is one of the most by leaping from your arms, or off the
popular breeds among spectators back of your sofa. A larger dog can
at dog shows, and frequently win grab a Maltese and break his neck
the Toy Group. They also have an with one quick shake. Owning a toy
excellent record in the “Best in Show” breed means constant supervision and
competition. One of the brightest and surveillance of what’s going on around
gentlest of the toys, the Maltese is your tiny dog. Maltese must always
loyal, affectionate and easygoing and be kept on-leash – they are just too
makes a great companion for those easy to injure when not under your
looking for a hypoallergenic dog. But complete control. Moreover, Maltese
is this small yet sturdy dog right for are pure white and a challenge to
you? Those who have not owned a keep clean. Even a brief walk brings
Maltese before wonder, “Should I get four dirty paws in need of cleaning.
a Maltese?” and “Is a Maltese a good And, unless kept in short “summer” or
dog?”.... It’s perfectly fine to question “puppy” cuts, they’ll grow hair down
these things, because bringing a pet to the floor. By the way, Maltese have
home means adding a member to silky hair, not fur. The silky single coat
your family. This should not be taken is white or light ivory; tan or lemon
lightly. Deciding on the right breed colouring may be present on the ears.
must go far beyond simply choosing a Average height is between 8 and
cute dog; you will want to know that a 10 inches, and their weight varies
Maltese will fit well into your household from 4 to 7 pounds. The average life
and that you are able to provide the expectancy of a Maltese is around 15
type of care that this breed requires. years, although some of the dogs have
Maltese are generally peaceful with the been known to live closer to 20 years.

64 BUDDY LIFE Jan - March, 2018