Maltese

The Maltese does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Match the diet to your dog's life stage: puppy, adult, or senior. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

Because of their tiny size, young Maltese puppies can be prone to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, if they do not eat enough during the day. Feed small meals three to four times a day until around 4 months old, when their bodies regulate glucose better and they can move to two meals a day, or three if you prefer. Adult Maltese typically do well with two meals a day, morning and evening.

Maltese can be prone to weight gain, and extra calories add up fast for such a tiny dog. Portion the food with a measuring cup, follow the guidance on the packaging for your dog's weight, and limit treats to no more than 10 percent of daily calories. Your veterinarian can refine these amounts based on your dog's lifestyle and health.

For supplements, a joint product with glucosamine and chondroitin may support dogs with luxating patella, and omega-3 supplements, or fish oil, can support joint health and keep skin and coat soft. Always talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplement.

The long white coat needs daily gentle brushing and combing down to the skin to prevent mats and tangles, which can lead to skin infections if left uncared for. Regular baths with a dog-friendly shampoo keep the coat tidy and the skin healthy. Rinse thoroughly and then dry the hair fully, since leftover shampoo and moisture can irritate the skin. This breed does not typically have sensitive skin, but contact your veterinarian if you notice changes.

Maltese have fast-growing nails that need regular trimming to prevent cracking, splitting, or pain when they walk or run. Check the ears weekly and remove excess hair, wax, and debris, and clean them with a veterinary-approved cleaner any time your dog has been in water, such as after swimming or bathing.

Because Maltese are prone to dental disease as they age, brush their teeth often, ideally each time you brush the coat. Start a dental routine while they are young, use dog-safe toothpaste and a toothbrush, and schedule professional cleanings for good oral hygiene throughout their lives. Dental chews can help too.

If your dog has excessive tear-staining around the eyes or other eye discharge, ask your veterinarian to look for a cause, since it could signal an underlying condition.

Maltese need moderate daily activity rather than vigorous exercise. Neighborhood walks, yard or living-room play, and indoor games usually meet their needs.

Provide mental stimulation, such as games, puzzle toys, and learning new tricks, to keep these intelligent pups engaged. A Maltese that grows bored or lonely may turn to unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking.

Maltese can participate in obedience and agility and need moderate daily activity.

The typical Maltese temperament is affectionate, friendly, and playful, and they make good family dogs. Over centuries as human companions they have learned how to get exactly what they want from their people, so they can be smart but stubborn and may not always want to follow directions.

Use a consistent, positive-reinforcement program. Keep sessions short and fun, like a game, and use praise and toys along with treats as rewards. Be mindful of how many treats you give, since calories add up fast for these tiny dogs. Group sessions and games help engage their outgoing personalities.

Regular socialization helps Maltese feel comfortable with unfamiliar people, pets, and places. Supervise Maltese around young children. Households with older children may be easier to manage.

Maltese form close bonds with their family and prefer to be by your side, and this breed can develop separation anxiety when left alone too long.