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| Man's best friend comes in all shapes and sizes from | | | | Maltese are generally good natured and playful, but |
| massive Great Danes to microscopic Teacup | | | | like any pack-oriented animal, they might not do well |
| Chihuahuas. It pays to be educated about the breed | | | | with small children or strangers. They are very |
| of dog you're considering. Here are some things to | | | | territorial and likely to be protective of the family unit. |
| take into account about the Maltese. | | | | Like anything else with hair, a Maltese must be |
| The Maltese is a member of the toy class, usually | | | | regularly groomed to prevent matting. Some |
| weighing between three and 10 pounds. Its most | | | | caretakers find a way around the chore by keeping |
| prominent characteristic is its long, flowing white hair | | | | their dogs in what is known as a "puppy cut" or a |
| with no undercoat. Because the Maltese don't have | | | | "teddy bear cut," where the hair is kept short, about |
| fur like other breeds, it will lose hair the way humans | | | | a half an inch, all over the body. This style is certainly |
| do instead of shedding like most dogs. Perhaps the | | | | less fuss and may be more comfortable for the dog, |
| most interesting and unique characteristic of the | | | | but it's not acceptable for a show dog. |
| breed is its color-changing nose. The nose can change | | | | Maltese are relatively healthy dogs, usually |
| from coal black to a light brownish color or even pink | | | | unburdened with the afflictions of other pure breeds. |
| depending on the amount of sunlight the animal is | | | | However, luxating patella, white dog shaker |
| exposed to. The nose of a female Maltese may | | | | syndrome and progressive retinal atrophy are |
| change color when she goes onto heat. | | | | common in Maltese that do develop problems. |
| Because Maltese don't shed if properly and regularly | | | | Luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap |
| groomed, they make good pets for people who | | | | slips out of place. White dog shaker syndrome is a |
| suffer with allergies. | | | | sudden onset of tremors, sometimes full seizures, |
| The breed's temperament lends itself to | | | | that troubles only white dogs. Progressive retinal |
| companionship. The Maltese is happiest when in the | | | | atrophy is just what it sounds like. It will eventually |
| company of family and friends being lavished with | | | | result in blindness for which there is no cure. |
| affection. Like most small breeds, they are energetic | | | | In keeping with the designer breed trend, Maltese are |
| and given to sudden bouts of activity, but their small | | | | often bred with other breeds, such as poodles, to |
| size makes them a good option for apartment | | | | emphasize their sweet nature and intelligence. |
| dwellers. Maltese are very smart. Their high intellect | | | | To read about spoonbill catfish and jugging for |
| makes them easy to train and quick at picking up | | | | catfish, visit the Types Of Catfish site. |