Maltese is no less than a show-stopper dog with a floor-length shiny white coat. One can rightfully label them as ‘beauties with brains.’
The canines flaunt their aristocratic looks and have been a part of royal families for ages now. The adorable tiny breeds are playful toy companions one can have.
You can’t go by the size of these dogs. Maltese is one of the fearless dog breeds and yet gentle. The intelligent and affectionate little beings are perfect for apartment living.
How much does a Maltese dog cost?
The purebred dogs recognized by the Kennel Club always come in three categories. A basic categorized Maltese with no registration or whatsoever will cost you from a basic of INR 30,000 to INR 50,000.
The dogs that fall under the category of KCI registered will cost somewhere between INR 50,000 and INR 80,000. The final show-quality, the closest to the ideal standard puppies will cost you about INR 80,000 to INR 1,20000.
Factors affecting the cost
The cost of any puppy/ dog varies based on many factors. Some general points include their registration, gender, appearance, and even the breeders.
Type
As mentioned earlier, the types are three- Basic, KCI registered, and Show Quality.
Registered Maltese and the show quality ones are more trustworthy with their genetics and health. If you want a basic categorized one, look for the right breeders.
Appearance and traits
The coat colors hardly vary since white is apparently the official one. So the coat color affects the least on the cost. A cropped Maltese might cost you higher due to its demand.
Breeders classify these dogs into Teacup, Miniature, and Toy sized. The size, therefore, affects the price of the puppy.
Age/ Gender
Younger dogs and pups are always in demand, so are male dogs. So, these factors of Age and gender affect the overall price of the dog.
Factors like breed purity, availability, and even breeders’ reputation affect the price. Purebred dogs have less probable chances of developing future health issues than a mixed breed.
The purity is interdependent on the breeders’ ethics and work. Picking up your Maltese from a well-known breeder will always be a better choice for the doggie as well as the family’s well-being.
A few factors influencing the price/cost are breed-specific.
Training and caring Cost of Maltese
A dog is healthy and happiest when he is active and engaged. Maltese are indoor dogs and need less physical activity. A good playtime, however, is definite every day.
So you will need training items such as toys, rewards, treats, or even specific equipment for Maltese. It will cost you about INR INR 10,000- 15,000/- a year.
Grooming Cost
Maltese are all about appearance. Grooming takes the highest time and effort if you have Maltese as your pet.
The long silky white coat is prone to matting and staining. So, regular brushing, conditioning, and cleaning are very much essential to maintaining the good looks of your Maltese.
Either buy all the essentials available for grooming and caring or appoint a groomer. So a professional groomer will not cost you anything less than INR 3000/- for each visit. Grooming products must comparatively cost you lesser.
About & History
We can trace back the aristocratic history of the toy breed to at least two millennia. The roots of Maltese go back to the Isle of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea.
The possibilities are that the canine can be a direct descendant of Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Havanese breeds, Spitz- or Spaniel-type dogs.
The Egyptians and Europeans even believed that Maltese could cure the sick. The dog breed has been mentioned even by prominent personalities like Aristotle, Goya, and Sir Joshua Reynolds. It has been a part of the work of various artists, poets, and writers of Greece, Rome, and Egypt.
The dog was even a favorite among the royals such as Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Queen Victoria. The royal ladies considered the Maltese a symbol of prestige and a fashion statement. Hence, the name, ‘Roman Ladies Dog.’
There was a sudden downfall of the dog breed during the 17th and 18th centuries. The English breeders developed the Maltese as we see them today.
The small dog breed is perfect for families with older kids and even apartment living. In contrast, Younger kids may risk injuring the Maltese. The dogs have a good lifespan of 14-15 years. The hypoallergenic character of Maltese makes them the perfect pet for those with allergies.
Appearance
A proportioned head and a compelling cute Maltese face will make anyone melt. Those big, dark eyes and black nose, small floppy ears add to the conquering ability of its charming features.
The body of the dog breed is compact and athletic, with a curled tufted tail at the back.
The credits to the glamour of Maltese purely go to the silky, pure white, and straight coat reaching to the ground. The absence of an undercoat on the breed makes it shed lesser.
The males are 8-10 inches tall at the shoulder, and females measure 8-9 inches. A purebred Maltese will weigh no less than 7 pounds at maturity, so beware of those teacup-sized Maltese breeders. Anything lower than the standard might come with a set of genetic problems.
Temperament & Character
Various factors such as genetics, conditioning, and socialization affect a dogs’ temperament. The lineage of the breed being ancient is one of the reasons why they are very close to humans.
You can find a Maltese always cuddling in your lap/arms or right underfoot. The breed is hence, prone to separation anxiety. The smaller size of Maltese makes them unfavorable around the younger children.
The size of these dogs might be miniature but not their personality, which fits a much larger dog. They can get stubborn yet determined. They are also notoriously popular for being picky eaters.
Maltese, in general, are very people-pleasing with a lively persona. Everyone they meet will fall for their friendly charm. The appealing looks and the personality allows them to get their way with people.
It is yet another reason for the dogs’ crossbreeding. The breeders find it easy to deal with these dogs.
It has resulted in hybrid dogs such as the Maltipoo (Maltese and poodle mix), the Malshi (Maltese and Shih Tzu mix), the Mauxie (Maltese and dachshund mix), and the Morkie (Maltese and Yorkshire terrier mix).
Trainability
Maltese are very people-oriented and respond well to training, especially with positive reinforcements. One must stay consistent with the training and offer rewards, praise, and play.
The intelligence and companionship of the breed with humans have acquainted them with their pet parents’ expectations. If it helps in training them in a way, it also makes it hard not to fall for their personalities.
They may not look like it, but Maltese is competitive and athletic by nature. So, they might excel at dog sports like obedience or agility. It is, however, hard to housetrain Maltese, and you might need some patience and time for it.
Crate training might help the breed to avoid separation anxiety. When you leave them home alone, these poodles will get a cozy little place to rest.
Maltese are happy and bouncy to take walks and even jump around a fenced yard. They will not need much exercise. A bit of playtime now and then should help.
Grooming
The tiny poodles demand more time and effort into grooming. The long silky coat is prone to easy matting and staining. Brush and comb Maltese regularly to prevent the mats and keep them clean.
There’s a way to deal with the mattings. First, you need to work out with your fingers, can use conditioning oil or even a detangler spray. Ensure you never pull out the entire mat at once.
Maltese mats get tighter when wet, so never bathe them before removing them all. Your pet might require weekly bathing since they get dirty quickly. Also, give attention to their dental care regularly.
Tear staining is another issue that requires attention with the Maltese. As a puppy turns 4-5 months, the tea staining begins. One way to keep them at bay is by cleaning their face every day with warm water.
It is also a good practice to wash your Maltese beard after meals. A few products that help you remove these tear stains are available at pet stores.
The long hair of Maltese can cause problems like growing inside their ears which requires frequent attention. Tying their long hair into a topknot will help the dog prevent eye irritation.
Are Maltese dogs good pets?
Maltese are lively, playful, competitive poodles. The intelligent adorable dogs make it easy to be around, care for, and even train. They enjoy the company of humans and are highly affectionate.
The breed becomes friends with almost anyone and everyone they meet. The tiny structure facilitates a small space living for these dogs. So, Maltese are even apartment pets adaptable with families.
Are Maltese dogs good for first-time owners?
Maltese dogs are perfect for a first time pet-parent. These dogs are family-oriented, people-pleasing, and protective. They are easy to care for as long as you train them properly to follow your orders.
Grooming requires a bit of attention. Maltese also gets along with your other pets or small animals. They can, however, get snappish around little children, and hence nobody suggests these poodles for families with young kids.
Do Maltese dogs bark a lot?
Maltese have been with humans for millenniums now. They are very attached and affectionate towards humans. So one reason for their barking is for attention. Maltese are very much prone to separation anxiety.
Secondly, their attachment makes them protective of their humans. So, these companion dogs also bark at situations when they feel threatened. Leaving them alone for long hours might make them more destructive. Crate training helps your poodle to feel safe when you are not around.
What are Maltese dogs known for?
The long silky white coat of Maltese is a popular feature. The way it hangs down the body makes your pet no lesser than a show-stopper. There were coat colors other than white initially. Then purposeful breeding took place to keep up the white coat.
They shed very little due to the absence of an undercoat but require good grooming sessions. Matting is a common issue with Maltese one can avoid with routine brushing.
Maltese is a perfect companion for first-timers or even experienced pet parents. The breed is a purebred show dog, and all it demands is your time to groom! Whether you want a family poodle or one for yourself who can stay by you all the time, Maltese is a great choice. It’s easy to care for and needs no extensive training or physical regime.