The+Maltese

= TheMaltese = By: Stephanie Kramer

The Maltese History or Mystery
The background of the Maltese is a real mystery. No one really knows where they come from or what two breeds were together to makebut, we do know that there are many different beliefs and stories of where they come from or hpw they were made. One belief was that they had some type of spaniel structure but, later on we started to think that they were some type of terrier. We don't even know were the name came from. We don't know if it actually began on the island of Malta or if the little dogs of ancient Egyptians were or weren't similar to those of today. There are several other thoughts of how they came to be but, to this day nobody really knows how they were made or where they come from. Even so they are still one amazing breed.

Caring for your Maltese
The Maltese is a very clean breed or so they thought. In my opinion they aren't the cleanest of breeds because the Maltese is mainly only a mop with legs unless you shave them down but, lets just save that for later.They mostly enjoy rolling around in the grass and I don't knowif this happens to you but, my dog likes to hang out by my houses sliding glass door and eat up all the bugs. Later on, me and my family get a very unpleasant surprise... my dog barfs up wings. Not the prettiest sight toto see. Also after your dog is done outside you will have a very green dog, if you have fresh cut grass. If not you will have a very dirty dog. especially around the mouth. In the snow my dog is invisible, so watch out if you have or want to get this dog because you might lose them in the snow. If your dog does make it out of the snow, because they have very fine fur,you will have a dog sicle because the snow sometimes sticks to their fur.

Baths
Baths are a nightmare if you have a white dog like the Maltese. It takes a while to get stuff out of their fur. They also have very sensitive skin, so after a bath make sure you don't brush them to much otherwise they will get nervous and they will try to bite you, so be careful! In the summer you will probably want to shave them down because if you don't they will get very hot and they will also be sweeping your floors.

Feeding
When feeding them you will must give them dry food or else you won't find anything pretty. Never give them human food because it dosen't always agree with them. Remember not to give your dog to much food because if you feed them to much you'll have a problem. One cup of dog food will probably do the trick.

Training
They are very difient dogs so you will probably want to start training them in their early years of life like when you first get them you will want to start teaching them commands like: sit, down, stay, come, heel, and watch. You must continue training every day or else they will forget everything that they learned and you will have to start all over again. Treats will usually help so remember to buy lots of treats.

The Maltese
Well now you know how to care for them, feed them, bathe them, training, and their history, part of it. If you get a dog I'm sure you will pick the Maltese!

P.S.They have very hard heads and if you are unlucky enough to have small garbage cans don't leave them out for the dogs or else.....