Showing posts with label Maltese breed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maltese breed. Show all posts
Maltese Training Tips to Avoid Small Dog Syndrome
Do you think that a dog as small and as cute as the maltese needs maltese training? The answer is definitely yes! Apart from physical appearance, many people opt for toy or lap dogs because of the belief that smaller dogs are easier to handle than larger ones. They believe that smaller dogs need less food, less exercise and less training. But the fact is, regardless of the breed, size or age, dogs need appropriate training in order for them to become pleasant companions.
More often, people are captivated by the small breed's "cute factor" that they took for granted the need for maltese training. But believing that a maltese does not need training because he looks cute and is apparently harmless is one big mistake a dog owner can make. Training is important in preventing various issues such as small dog syndrome.
Small dog syndrome is a behavior issue that is common among small dogs like maltese. More often than not, this behavior stems from the owner who allows his four-legged companion to be in control. Not that the owner purposely wants the pet to be the boss but this behavior occurs to small dogs who are always pampered and are often allowed to get away from their mistakes because of the belief that everything they do, pleasant or not, is part of being cute.
This problem should be dealt with accordingly else you will have to succumb to a small dog that jumps on you or growls at you every time you come near his properties. Leaving this problem to get worse may be the reason for turning over your pet to rescue shelters and volunteer groups. But fortunately, proper maltese training can help you alleviate the problem.
Train and treat your maltese the same way you would treat his larger relatives. Set limitations and implement these limitations and rules strictly and consistently. Correct him for every undesirable behavior to make it clear to him that he cannot get away from anything by just looking pitiful and cute.
Part of the maltese training to avoid or alleviate small dog syndrome is to discourage him from barking without any reasons, jumping up on people, chewing on anything other than his toys and growling or snapping to whoever comes near him or his properties. You should also make it clear to him that you are the pack leader by being confident when taking control of the situation.
Solving a dog problem is not necessarily the work of a dog expert with years of experience working with dogs. Even if you are a newbie dog owner, you surely can raise a well-behaved dog by consistently making things right from the first time he steps into your home.
Small dog syndrome is a behavior issue that is common obviously, among small dogs like the maltese. More often than not, this behavior occurs because of the owner who allows his four-legged companion to be in control.
Maltese Dog Breed Standard by AKC
General Appearance
The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair. He is gentle-mannered and affectionate, eager and sprightly in action, and, despite his size, possessed of the vigor needed for the satisfactory companion.Head
Of medium length and in proportion to the size of the dog. The skull is slightly rounded on top, the stop moderate. The drop ears are rather low set and heavily feathered with long hair that hangs close to the head. Eyes are set not too far apart; they are very dark and round, their black rims enhancing the gentle yet alert expression. The muzzle is of medium length, fine and tapered but not snipy.The nose is black. The teeth meet in an even, edge-to-edge bite, or in a scissors bite.
Neck
Sufficient length of neck is desirable as promoting a high carriage of the head.Body
Compact, the height from the withers to the ground equaling the length from the withers to the root of the tail. Shoulder blades are sloping, the elbows well knit and held close to the body. The back is level in topline, the ribs well sprung. The chest is fairly deep, the loins taut, strong, and just slightly tucked up underneath.
Tail
A long-haired plume carried gracefully over the back, its tip lying to the side over the quarter.Legs and Feet
Legs are fine-boned and nicely feathered. Forelegs are straight, their pastern joints well knit and devoid of appreciable bend. Hind legs are strong and moderately angulated at stifles and hocks. The feet are small and round, with toe pads black. Scraggly hairs on the feet may be trimmed to give a neater appearance.Coat and Color
The coat is single, that is, without undercoat. It hangs long, flat, and silky over the sides of the body almost, if not quite, to the ground. The long head-hair may be tied up in a topknot or it may be left hanging. Any suggestion of kinkiness, curliness, or woolly texture is objectionable. Color, pure white. Light tan or lemon on the ears is permissible, but not desirable.Size
Weight under 7 pounds, with from 4 to 6 pounds preferred. Overall quality is to be favored over size.Gait
The Maltese moves with a jaunty, smooth, flowing gait. Viewed from the side, he gives an impression of rapid movement, size considered. In the stride, the forelegs reach straight and free from the shoulders, with elbows close. Hind legs to move in a straight line. Cowhocks or any suggestion of hind leg toeing in or out are faults.Temperament
For all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems to be without fear. His trust and affectionate responsiveness are very appealing. He is among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs, yet he is lively and playful as well as vigorous.
Approved March 10, 1964
Maltese small dog breed
Maltese small dog breed
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| A Maltese small dog breed with Short Hair in Bicycle Basket |
The Maltese had been recognized as a FCI breed under the patronage of Italy in 1954, at the annual meeting in Interlaken, Switzerland. The current FCI standard is dated November 27, 1989, and the latest translation from Italian to English is dated April 6, 1998. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1888, its latest standard being from March 10, 1964.
Appearance
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| A Maltese breed puppy |
Characteristics include slightly rounded skulls, with a finger-wide dome and black nose that is two finger-widths long.The body is compact with the length equaling the height. The drop ears with long hair and very dark eyes, surrounded by darker skin pigmentation (called a "halo"), gives Maltese their expressive look. Their noses can fade and become pink or light brown in color without exposure to sunlight. This is often referred to as a "winter nose" and many times will become black again with increased exposure to the sun.
Coat and color
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| Maltese dog |
The coat is long and silky and lacks an undercoat. The color is pure white; although cream or light lemon ears are permissible, they are not regarded as desirable. Also, a pale ivory tinge is permitted. In some standards, traces of pale orange shades are tolerated, but considered an imperfection.
Adult Maltese range from roughly 3 to 7 lb (1.4 to 3.2 kg), though breed standards, as a whole, call for weights between 4 and 7 lb (1.8 and 3.2 kg). There are variations depending on which standard is being used. Many, like the American Kennel Club, call for a weight that is ideally less than 7 lb with between 4 and 6 lb preferred.
Temperament
Maltese are bred to be cuddly companion dogs, and thrive on love and attention. They are extremely lively and playful, and even as a Maltese ages, his or her energy level and playful demeanor remain fairly constant. Some Maltese may occasionally be snappish with smaller children and should be supervised when playing, although socializing them at a young age will reduce this habit. The Maltese is very active within a house, and, preferring enclosed spaces, does very well with small yards. For this reason, the breed also fares well in apartments and townhouses, and is a prized pet of urban dwellers.Maltese have a bad reputation as yappers.
An Australia-wide (not including Tasmania) research project carried out in conjunction with RSPCA found owners likely to dump their Maltese terriers, citing the tendency of Maltese to bark constantly. This breed is Australia's most dumped dog.
Care
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| A Maltese dog Puppy in garden |
Maltese have no undercoat, and have little to no shedding if cared for properly. Like their relatives Poodles and Bichon Frisé, they are considered to be largely hypoallergenic and many people who are allergic to dogs may not be allergic to the Maltese (See list of Hypoallergenic dog breeds). Daily cleaning is required to prevent the risk of tear-staining.
Regular grooming is also required to prevent the coats of non-shedding dogs from matting. Many owners will keep their Maltese clipped in a "puppy cut," a 1 - 2" all over trim that makes the dog resemble a puppy. Some owners, especially those who show Maltese in the sport of conformation, prefer to wrap the long fur to keep it from matting and breaking off, and then to show the dog with the hair unwrapped combed out to its full length.
Dark staining in the hair around the eyes "tear staining" can be a problem in this breed, and is mostly a function of how much the individual dog's eyes water and the size of the tear ducts. Tear stain can be readily removed if a fine-toothed metal comb, moistened with lukewarm water, is carefully drawn through the snout hair just below the eyes. This maintenance activity must be performed every two or three days, as a layer of sticky film is quick to redevelop. If the face is kept dry and cleaned daily, the staining can be minimized. Many veterinarians recommend avoiding foods treated with food coloring and serving distilled water to reduce tear staining.
