maltese

When I think of a Maltese, I think of the consumate diva dog.  Like, "I know I'm just soooooo beautiful - just don't ruffle my coiffure, or I've nip you, dahhhhhling!"
 
I prefer the Shih-tzu or Japanese Chin. They are not lovable.  Maltese can be nasty.
 
 

ORIGINAL: SheltieGirl

I'd love any advise about this breed. I've always wanted a "lap dog" and am trying to figure out what breed. I've got my agiligy breed already...but they're no lap dogs! On the go go go!

So they're not a terrier, right? I've tried to do some research on line, but have found yucky websites (aestically speaking...ads and such). AKC website don't have that much info on temperment. I need a book I guess!

First hand experience anyone?

I have a 5 year old maltese named Bentley, he is very sweet and loving but has a little
territorial streak in him. Typically malts are among the gentlest of all toys , mine just happens to be my protector..probably my fault. I also have a 3 year old yorkie named Mia whom is very sweet, calm annd gentle natured. She's not a barker but my malt is. Hair care is much easier on the yorkie than the maltese. Be prepared to spend lots of time with that maltese coat. Go to spoiledmaltese.com to learn first hand about the breed. If you want more info on yorkies send me a pm.

SheltieGirl, I just wanted to mention that I had a wonderful sheltie proir to getting my maltese. Something about a long haired dog always gets me. Shelties are wonderful dogs! Over the years I have had Bird Dogs, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Cockers, a few mixed breeds and a sheltie. As I get older I have "downsized" started wanting something small and easier for me to handle and work with. I also still have that maternal instinct and wanted a little lap dog to baby.

In defense of my Maltese, she's absolutely the best dog I could have ever had. She's absolutely sweet, extremely affectionate and even smarter. She learns very very quickly and loves people! She never barks, and gets so sad when we leave for work, she hardly eats--until we come back. There is absolutely no "diva" in her, whatsoever, because personally she's the sweetest dog I have come across. She loves to approach strangers, wagging her tail. I've met more people than ever just walking her at an outdoor mall. If you have any other questions about the Maltese breed, feel free to ask. []

ORIGINAL: iLoveFendi

In defense of my Maltese, she's absolutely the best dog I could have ever had. She's absolutely sweet, extremely affectionate and even smarter. She learns very very quickly and loves people! She never barks, and gets so sad when we leave for work, she hardly eats--until we come back. There is absolutely no "diva" in her, whatsoever, because personally she's the sweetest dog I have come across. She loves to approach strangers, wagging her tail. I've met more people than ever just walking her at an outdoor mall. If you have any other questions about the Maltese breed, feel free to ask. []

 
Your little malt is very typical of the breed. They are sweet little dogs.

I dont know my boss must have the little weirdo Maltese, we call her what a mess, because she is hands down the dirtiest little dog I have ever met.  She can be bathed and with in 2 hours you cant tell.  Her name is Shelby, and she is the most rough and tumble little booger I have ever seen.  She is so far from prissy, I can say that she is the sweetest most needy dog I have ever met though.  She can not be in a room alone forget about leaving her home alone, and yes they do have another dog.  She goes bannanas.  One day she was locked in the bedroom, she made so much noise that people staying at the hotel though she was being beaten.




 
just hours after a bath

My last little dog was a maltese and what a sweetheart she was ! Sweet girl lived to be 17.

She was a dainty looking thing no more than 4 pounds, she looked like a puppy right up to her last days.

She had such a princess walk but once inside she was all rough and tumble. She didnt like to be on my lap for long periods of time but she knew just when I needed her. At night she was our little guard dog, barking at anyone that moved in the hallway.

My aunt who lives in Florida owns a Maltese and a Yorkie.

It is such an incredible difference. Pearla (maltese) is a delicate girl, absolutely tiny. She has such a princess walk, and can walk very far before her little legs get tired. At home she likes to lay on the coffee table [&:] and doesnt like to be in anyones lap. You put her on your lap and she promptly jumps off.

Ruby (Yorkie) is the total opposite. When she walks, she runs, definately yells terrier. She barks like a demon. At home though, she is the one that will lay on your lap for hours on end.

I was at her house for two weeks and the difference was shocking. Yorkies are definately big terriers in small bodies, yet the maltese was such calm, delicate girl

I'd say if you want something closer to the shelties in temperment, you should look at the Papillon.  (They also make great agility dogs!)   Or maybe pomeranian?

One of the nice things about the maltese and the yorkie is that the don't shed. Well of course everything with hair sheds but they are considered non shedders. Malts don't have a doggie odor either.

I do agree that Shelby doesnt slemm like a dog, but if you get one make sure it is froma good breeder.  Look at the parents and check the eyes, get one from a line that has been breeding dogs that have few tears.  The tears smell like nothing I have ever smelt in my life, it is so bad that you dont want her face near your nose.  It is truely gross.

Dear Shelby,
I have two one AKC the other CKC.  My oldest is almost 10.  Maltese's have the sweetest diposition and they're like an empty sponge when it comes to showering them with love.  They're excellent lap dogs and will take all you want to give them but on the other hand, are also very content to curl up somewhere warm and saft and just want to be alone.   Their hair cvan be handcombed but must be done almost daily - just like a little girls.  But if you want to have them clipped at the groomer, there's a Maltese cut that makes them look like little lambs.  Adorable, affectionate, absolutely the best.  Loves children.  The world is THEIR cookie.  I often refer to them as big sugar lumps.  Non-shedding.  Only caution I have is that like any other breed - buyer beware.  Don't lose your heart (at first) and look for high quality breed standards and have them vet checked before purchase.  This breed has been backyard-bred everywhere and alot of the things you don't want in a good Maltese abound.  This isn't really important for looks but alot of illness's/deficiencies have been handed down as well and these deficiencies are very expensive to you and cause needless suffering to the animal.  For the sake of profit, these breeders will continue to bred substandard stock because the money is there.  A well bred Maltese coming from healthy stock with an owner who can afford the maintenance of the hair  will be a treasure of a lifetime.

ORIGINAL: ruffian

I do agree that Shelby doesnt slemm like a dog, but if you get one make sure it is froma good breeder.  Look at the parents and check the eyes, get one from a line that has been breeding dogs that have few tears.  The tears smell like nothing I have ever smelt in my life, it is so bad that you dont want her face near your nose.  It is truely gross.

that smell is from bacteria. Eye and coat care is vital with a maltese. They should be kept properly clean.

My 17 month old Maltese male, is the most intelligent dog I have ever seen. My trainer agrees. He is tremendously energetic, he is only a lap dog, when he is tired out or after his bedtime. Otherwise he tries to engage me to play, he tries to "talk" because he knows he will get a reaction from me.

Bailey doesn't get the doggie odor, but hates to be brushed on his legs or underneath, so I have him clipped ever couple of months.

He does all of the basic obedience, plus about a dozen tricks. One thing I thought was impressive is that I put my two dogs, Bay and Bailey in a down stay. I said "Bailey stay, Bay come". I had treats ready. Bay came immediatly and I treated. Bailey waited until I gave the "come" command.