Energetic and friendly to all family members, the Maltese lapdog cannot but bring joy to the owners. In addition, representatives of this breed are considered centenarians, since they live for 16-18 years. For a dog to grow up healthy, you need to surround it with care and attention.
Instructions
Step 1
In another way, dogs that were once widespread in Malta are called malteza or maltez. They are of two types - European (with a more elongated muzzle and torso) and American (their short muzzle is called "doll face") types. They are adapted to life in an apartment, very attached to the owner and do not tolerate loneliness. Do not get malteza if there are small children in the house. Playing with a fragile 3-4 kg dog, they can injure her.
Step 2
Perhaps the most troublesome thing in keeping dogs of this breed is grooming the coat. It is usually split in two from the base of the neck along the back. As a rule, by the age of one year, the coat grows to the floor. If you are preparing a dog for a show, then from 3 months, brush your pet daily. The coat should be smooth and silky. As it grows, make sure it is the same length, and trim it from time to time. Many breeders cut their Malteses short, as the long and beautiful coat of these dogs quickly gets tangled.
Step 3
Bathe your long-haired Maltese lapdog once a week. If this is not done, the dog will quickly get dirty and lose its royal appearance. For bathing, pour warm water into a basin or bathroom, and so that your paws do not slip, lay a rubber mat on the bottom. Use special moisturizing shampoos and balms that contain linseed oil. Before use, carefully read the instructions, as some cosmetics do not need to be washed off. After bathing, blot the coat with a few towels and comb thoroughly.
Step 4
Malteses require special eye care, as dogs often develop wet circles around them. Buy a special solution at the pet store and wipe the problem areas with a cotton pad moistened with it. The coat hanging from the top of the head can cause discharge. Therefore, it is fixed with soft rubber bands. An unbalanced diet can also cause discharge. Interestingly, for each dog of this breed, the diet is developed individually. Consult your veterinarian and breeder for feeding advice.
Step 5
Once every 2-3 weeks, trim the claws of the malteza, and also shorten the hair between the pads of the paws. It is better to do this after bathing. Trim the very tip of the claw to avoid hitting a blood vessel. Examine your dog's ears regularly. The hair in the auricle should not clog into the ear canal. The ears of the Maltese lapdog are susceptible to infections. If they turn red or hot, take your dog to the vet.
Step 6
Maltese does not require much physical exertion. He is quite content with short exercises on a leash and home games. From an early age, try to accustom him to a more or less specific regimen (feeding, walking). Do not over indulge the maltese, otherwise the dog will quickly become moody.
