Dog Community

Maltese: Coat length

Posted : 7/8/2006 6:57:34 AM

My maltese has a relatively short curly coat - he is fluffly, but his coat does not reach all the way to the ground. Is this normal?

jennie_c_d

Posted : 7/8/2006 9:16:04 AM

It happens, but isn't breed standard.

agilebasenji

Posted : 7/8/2006 3:03:27 PM

How old is your pup?

rwbeagles

Posted : 7/8/2006 5:42:36 PM

Maltese bitches are not easy whelpers and typically have small litters. This has led to them being one of the MOST popularly cross bred small breeds. Usually with Bichon Frise...a slightly larger all white breed. These are typically pups sold in pet stores, as "Maltese". The crosses as pups are almost undetectable....only when the dog is older.....and has grown past 8-10lbs in weight, and has a cottony, curly coat...is the reality even suspected.

That being said...this of course, wouldn't be the case if you purchased form someone involved in reputable breeding, and you viewed both the parents of your pup and have a pedigree from AKC or another registry that keeps decent reliable records. PLEASE don't be offended lol...I only mention this whole idea because it's really common among BYB's and pet shops...just wanted to throw it out there just in case.

Now assuming the above is TOTALLY not the case, which I hope...

The parents have the most say as to coat type...but the dogs behind them can as well....if the parents of your dog has typical Maltese coats then your pup will likely get there with maturity and proper coat upkeep and care on your part.

Maltese show coats are VERY VERY HIGH MAINTENENCE....they are kept rolled and protected from wind, brush, touching the ground etc...anything that would cause it to break off. It is conditioned and treated weekly by people with a lot of know how...it takes HOURS. If you want that "look" be advise it won't happen naturally...it MUST be helped along by a dedicated owner willing to do the upkeep. Most pet Maltese are kept in "puppy clips" or "pet clips" where they are short all over and longer on the extremities. But yes the proper Maltese coat is single layerd, and straight or just has a very slight wave...and is silky...it's hair...not "fur"...

Amanda Adnum

Posted : 7/13/2006 5:25:12 PM

thanks for all replies so far!

Ok, he isnt a pup - he's 9 years old. He isnt big either - only weighs between 3.5 - 4.2kg (around 10 pounds I think that is).

He has a typical Maltese look in every way, except his coat which only grows to around 2.5 inches long and has a slight curl to it. When I see the pics of the Maltese with the coat that flows to the ground, I wonder what is going on. Im not bothered, as in my opinion it gives him an even cuter look than the other type of hair, and I dont intend to show him.

Just wondering.

You have answered my question though as to why other dogs Ive seen that are supposedly Maltese are so big!! We always thought that my dog was a 'runt' but I read that his size was spot on. The other dogs must be bichon Fise crosses..thanks

Vivian

Posted : 7/14/2006 7:10:38 AM

April's Mother was a Maltese and her father was a Pekinese, she had 4 litters of pups, 4 for 4 litters and the last one she had 5 pups.

ling w

Posted : 7/14/2006 7:30:06 AM

If your pup purebred? If not, that could be the reason why the hair is so short. Although all maltese have varying lengths of hair, it is breed standard to have long hair.