• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 8 – 10 inches (21 – 25 cm) ; bitches: 8 – 9 inches (20 – 23 cm)
• Weight: 6.5 – 9 pounds (3 – 4 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 15 years or more
• AKC Group: Toy Group – AKC recognized in 1888
• Shedding: sheds little to no hair; good for allergy sufferers
• Living Conditions: good for apartments; very active indoors; okay without a yard

Personality of the Maltese Dog Breed

If you are looking for a beautiful lapdog, then the Maltese is a wonderful choice. The Maltese makes a perfect pet for somebody that enjoys holding and petting their dog often. And do not let its innocent look fool you, these dogs can also be very feisty and bold.  Oftentimes they will challenge dogs that are much larger in size, which makes them great watchdogs.

History of the Maltese Dog Breed

The Maltese dog has been around for thousands of years.  In fact, these dogs were specifically mentioned in writings that date back to as early as 300 B.C. The Greeks also have artwork that depict Maltese dogs from as early as the 5th century. This information tells us that this breed is the most ancient of all European Toy dog breeds.

Maltese dogs were exported and distributed throughout many parts of Europe and the Asian countries.  However, even though they reached so many different areas of the globe, the majority of the original Malta remained in a relatively isolated area, away from other dogs.  Because of this, pure breeding over centuries kept the distinctive and noble look of this small dog.

Today’s Maltese is white colored but throughout history they came in various other colors besides white. Regardless of the color changes, these dogs always kept their beautiful, long silky coat that dazzles the eye.

Maltese dogs were brought to England by the early 14th century. Here they became practically worshiped by the upper-class.  Adored and pampered, wealthy families had Maltese dogs as pets to show off their nobility. Although popular at that time, it is suggested that this breed was close to extinction sometime during the early 1800s.

Soon after this time period, two Maltese dogs were brought to England from the lands of Manila to be given to Queen Victoria as a gift.  However, the animals did not make it to their destination and were passed on to other people.  The offspring of these two dogs became the first of their kind to be exhibited in England. They were referred to as “Maltese Terriers” even though they were not related to Terriers.

The Maltese dog breed finally made its way to the United States sometime during the late 1800s, probably around 1875 or so.  At this time they were referred to as “Maltese Lion Dogs”.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a member of the AKC Toy Group.

The Maltese Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Like all pets, the Maltese must get a bit of daily exercise. These requirements can easily be met with a quick run through the yard or a short walk on the leash. They are not outdoor dogs and are best to be kept indoors when not exercising outside.

They love to be held and pampered.

Grooming requirements consist of constant brushing to keep the coat clear and clean. Monthly clipping may also be needed depending upon how long you want the hair to grow.

Health Problems of the Maltese

The average life expectancy of the Maltese dog breed is fifteen years or more.

There are no major health concerns for this breed.

Minor health issues include:

• portacaval shunt
• entropion
• patellar luxation
• hypoglycemia
• open fontanel
• distichiasis
• hydrocephalus
• dental problems

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): 12 – 13 inches (30 – 33 cm)
• Weight: 10 – 18 pounds (5 – 8 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 9 – 14 years
• AKC Group: Toy Group – AKC recognized in 1995
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: good for apartments; moderately active indoors; okay with small yard

Personality of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is said to be one of the best companion dogs and family pets. They are playful, quiet, affectionate, intelligent, and well behaved. They are great around children, strangers, other dogs, and other household pets, and considered a companion dog almost exclusively.

History of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs

The Cavalier King Charles dog is originally from Spain.

History says that people bred Oriental toy breeds with small Spaniels to create small lapdogs that were called comfort Spaniels. Wealthy people actually used them as foot warmers and to attract fleas that would otherwise be a problem for the owner. These dogs became quite popular among people of all ages.

One story claims that sometime during the 1700s, King Charles II became so taken by these toy Spaniels that he actually ignored matters of state just to spend more time with his dogs.

Stories like these about the King traveled far and wide and eventually everyone associated the dogs with King Charles himself. Over time, the dogs become known as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For generations these dogs remained a favorite among wealthy families.

Eventually, the breed started to change. People started to prefer the shorter-nosed Toy Spaniel.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a member of the Toy Group.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs Care and Grooming

These dogs require moderate daily exercise. Take them on a long walk or play active games with them in a safely enclosed area.

Grooming requirements include a good brushing every other day with a quality dog brush. They are prone to tangles and mats on the ears.

These dogs are average shedders.

Health Problems of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs

The average life expectancy of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs is about nine to fourteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• mitral valve disease
• syringomyelia

Minor health issues include:

• entropion
• patellar luxation
• tends to gain weight easily
• ear infections

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

So today, let’s do something a little different. Below, is a list of dog breeds for your consideration. They are divided up into categories and listed in no particular order. They are definitely not complete, but is meant to be a fun starting point. Please feel free to share your favorite breed in each category in the comments and I will update the lists .

Here we go…

A List of Dog Breeds That Are Great With Children

If you have children in your family, you will want to make sure that you get a dog that gets along with them. These dogs are known to love children:

• Beagle
• Basset Hound
• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Poodle

Dog Breeds That Require Less Grooming

All dogs need to be groomed. Their coats need to be brushed, their nails need to be trimmed, teeth brushed, and they all need an occasional bath. But in general, these dogs are considered low maintenance when it comes to grooming:

• Affenpinscher
• Boston Terrier
• Chihuahua
• French Bulldog
• Italian Greyhound
• Pug

A List of Great Lapdogs

If you are looking for a dog that loves to cuddle, and be snuggled, here are a few to consider:

• Dachshund
• Lhasa Apso
• Maltese
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Shih Tzu

Energetic Dogs

You are an an athletic person and are looking for a dog who can join you for a hike on the trail or a long distance jog. Consider these breeds:

• Australian Shepherd
• Border Collie
• Jack Russell Terrier
• English Springer Spaniel
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

A List of Athletic Dogs

These dogs are considered active, agile, vigorous, and strong:

• Australian Cattle Dog
• Border Collie
• Brittany Spaniels
• German Shepherds
• Greyhound

A List of Dog Breeds Who Tend To Be Obedient Dogs

If you are looking for a dog who listens, and is willing to please, check out these breeds:

• Border Collie
• Doberman Pinscher Dogs
• German Shepherd
• Rottweiler
• Shetland Sheepdog

So what do you think? Did I get them right?

Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, New Puppy Supplies, or go back to the previous article, Raising Two Puppies.