When you are thinking about getting a dog to add to your family, choosing the breed to get is not an easy choice. For those who have never owned a Maltese, they may wonder if this is a good dog for their family. Bringing a pet home is an important decision, so it is important to know all that you can about the type of dog that you are considering before you go out and purchase one.
You want to make sure that a maltese will fit well with your household and that you will be able to provide the dog with the proper amount of care that it requires. This article will provide you with information about the Maltese breed to help you determine if it is the right breed of dog for your needs. These dogs are amazing, but they may not be the right choice for everyone. Read on to learn more.
1. Size
One of the reasons that people consider getting a maltese puppy is because of their small size. Out of the 21 types of toy sized dog breeds, the maltese is one of the tiniest. Even as an adult, he will be smaller or the same size as a puppy of some of the other breeds. The average size of a full grown maltese dog is just under seven pounds.
Those that are used in shows are typically between four to six pounds. The weight range for pets is three to eight pounds. The dogs only reach a height of about eight to ten inches. They are similar to other toy dog breeds such as the Chihuahua, Papillon, or Pomeranian. These tiny dogs are quite adorable and are fun to be around. However, there are some pros and cons of owning a tiny dog that need to be considered.
2. Perfect for Small Homes
One of the benefits of choosing a small dog such as a Maltese is that they do not take up much room. There is no need for a large yard and the cost of feeding one of these tiny pups is quite low. It is also easy to take a maltese with you in when you are out running errands. There are some great carry slings available that are perfect for toting your pal around with you.
They do need exercise, but walking them a short distance at a brisk pace is quite easy. You will find that these pups are quite energetic and playful, but because they are so tiny they can wear themselves out even if you do not have a lot of room in your home for them to run around in. So if you own a small home or live in an apartment, a maltese may be the perfect choice.
3. Injuries
When it comes to dog breeds, as mentioned the Maltese is one of the smallest. The small size of this breed of dog means that it is prone to being accidentally injured. A small fall can cause big injuries to this type of pup. In addition, care must be taken to not step on these small dogs. A simple step on one of these pups can cause them great injury.
A home that has toddlers may not be ideal for this type of dog unless the parents have the time and patience to teach appropriate care to their toddlers and to provide close supervision at all times. When you own a maltese they can truly bring you great joys. However, you also must remember that they are quite tiny and very fragile, so you must be willing to provide them with the proper care and attention that they require.
