Maltese, a dog with an ancient origin

Origin of the Maltese Bichon

The Maltese Bichon is one of the oldest breeds in the Mediterranean. It is believed that its origin dates back to the island of Malta, from which it takes its name. It was a perfect mouse hunter around ports and ships. Throughout history, this small dog has been a loyal companion highly valued by the aristocracy and royalty, due to its delicate appearance and friendly nature. It has even been depicted in works of art and ancient texts, demonstrating the appreciation many cultures have had for this dog. It has also undergone several transformations, but the Bichon has always maintained its affectionate character and compact size, making it an excellent choice as a pet.

Characteristics of the Maltese Bichon

Life Expectancy

One of the most common questions is how long does a Maltese Bichon live. In general, the Maltese Bichon breed has a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years, although with proper care, some individuals can live up to 18 years. To ensure it has a long and healthy life, it is important to pay attention to its diet, exercise, and general health.

It is crucial to visit the vet regularly to monitor its health and prevent common problems in small breeds, such as dental diseases and patellar luxations. A good diet, moderate exercise, and preventing overweight will help keep your Maltese Bichon in optimal condition.

Character and Temperament

One of the characteristics of the Maltese Bichon is that it has a charming character. It is a very affectionate and loyal dog, which makes it an excellent companion for people of all ages. Furthermore, it is usually playful, active, and enjoys being close to its family. This breed tends to get along well with other pets and children, making it ideal for family homes. However, it can be somewhat protective and prone to barking if it perceives strangers or feels something is out of the ordinary in its environment. The Maltese Bichon's character is also characterized by its loyalty and tendency to be protective of its home. Although they are not aggressive dogs, they can be somewhat distrustful of strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their sweet and friendly nature makes them ideal for living indoors, where they can spend quality time with their owners.

Intelligence

The Maltese Bichon is a very intelligent dog and, in general, responds well to training. If you are wondering how to train a Maltese Bichon, the secret lies in using positive reinforcement. This breed is quick to learn basic commands and enjoys interacting with its owner, which facilitates its education. However, it is important to maintain a consistent and patient attitude, as they can be a bit stubborn at times.

It is advisable to start training and socializing the Maltese Bichon dog from an early age. By exposing them to different people, animals, and environments, you ensure they become balanced and well-adapted dogs. Although they are easy to train, it is important to be consistent and dedicate time to their training.

Size and Weight

The Maltese Bichon is a small dog. In terms of size, adults usually measure between 20 and 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) in height at the shoulder and their ideal weight ranges between 3 and 4 kg (6.6 to 8.8 lbs). 

It is a very common dog because, thanks to its small size, it adapts to living in reduced spaces and makes it an ideal breed for apartment living, although this does not mean that it should not be walked for at least 30 minutes daily.

Coat H3

The coat of the Maltese Bichon is one of its most distinctive features. It has a long, silky, and completely white coat, which gives it an elegant and distinctive appearance. However, this beautiful coat requires regular care to prevent tangles and keep it clean. It is recommended to brush your Maltese Bichon dog daily and take it to regular dog grooming sessions. And don't let it fool you, having a lot of hair does not mean they don't get cold; they are quite dramatic about that. Try to have a coat for your Maltese Bichon in the closet, as you will need it in winter.

How to Train a Maltese Bichon Dog

How to train a Maltese Bichon can be an easy process if you follow some key principles. Since this breed responds very well to praise and rewards, it is advisable to use positive reinforcement training methods. Some tips that can help you are:

Reward Good Behavior

The Maltese Bichon dog learns best when rewarded for positive actions, whether with treats, petting, or kind words. They are very intelligent, and if you teach them well, it will be satisfying to see how they obey you, in addition to being a very good way to keep their mind active.

Maintain a Routine

Maltese Bichons thrive on clear routines, both for training and daily activities. Let them know who the leader of the pack is, and be firm. They will try to charm you with their innocent face, but if you give in, they will always do what they want... being consistent with rules will prevent them from developing bad habits.

Early Socialization

It is good and advisable to expose your Maltese Bichon to a variety of people, animals, and situations from a young age to ensure it is sociable and does not develop behavioral problems. Take it to the park from a young age, with an appropriate leash and collar; this will help it familiarize itself with street noises, cars, traffic, children playing... it will be good for its socialization.

What Does a Maltese Bichon Like Most?

The Maltese Bichon dog loves, above all, to be in contact with its family. It is a playful companion that enjoys interactive games, such as chasing a ball or learning tricks. However, what the Maltese Bichon dog likes most is receiving affection. They are very affectionate dogs, and it is not uncommon for them to seek to sit on their owners' laps for long periods of time.

In addition, these dogs enjoy short walks and activities that allow them to stay active without overexerting themselves. Despite its size, the Maltese Bichon has a lot of energy and will always be willing to play or receive attention.

Care for Maltese Bichon Dogs

Giving your dog the essential care for a Maltese Bichon means being very present in its daily life; a Bichon needs specific care beyond food and rest.

Feeding

The feeding of a Maltese Bichon is key to keeping it healthy, strong, and with a shiny coat. These dogs, being small, do not need large amounts of food, but that does not mean any food will do. The ideal is to offer them a balanced diet, rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and the necessary nutrients for their needs.

Did you know that Maltese Bichons have a fast metabolism? This means they need meals spread throughout the day, in small portions, to avoid energy slumps. Avoid giving them human food, especially high in fat or sugar, as they are prone to obesity and digestive problems. Also, always consult your veterinarian about the best type of food, whether dry kibble, wet food, or even natural diets, to suit their needs and life stage.

Exercise

Just because your Bichon is small doesn't mean it doesn't need to move, or that it's just a lapdog, even though they love spending hours on the couch with you... They need daily physical activity like all dogs, to burn energy and stay toned. About 30 minutes daily would be enough, but also include games indoors or in the park; classic fetch or scent games, even interactive ones, are perfect for stimulating them physically and mentally. 

Don't forget their emotional health: they love spending time with you. Ultimately, if your dog gets bored, it can develop anxiety or destructive behaviors, so make sure to keep it active.

Hygiene

The Maltese Bichon's coat will be the most demanding part of its care. It's beautiful, yes, but very high maintenance. You have an obligation to brush your Maltese Bichon every day to prevent knots and keep its hair soft and clean. You will also need to clean the tear stain area daily, as this breed is prone to developing stains. Get specific wipes or a damp cloth. One bath a month will be enough to keep its hair soft and silky, but it must be with a shampoo suitable for white coats. And don't forget to check its ears and nails: keep its ears clean and trim its nails regularly to prevent infections and injuries.

Dental Care

Maltese Bichon dogs are prone to dental problems, as they accumulate tartar and plaque, and if you are not careful, they can lose teeth or develop infections. It would be advisable to brush their teeth daily, but that is too much work. Get a specific dog toothbrush, and at least three times a week will be enough. We recommend an organic dental paste and natural one, which is non-toxic and usually has chicken or mint flavors that they love... You can use dental snacks or toys that help combat plaque. If you think your dog needs a dental check-up, do not hesitate to go to your vet.

Veterinary Visits

Taking your dog to the vet regularly is almost mandatory to ensure it is in optimal health. Although the Maltese Bichon is a strong and healthy dog, a check-up is always good to detect any possible illness early. Make sure to keep vaccination records and deworming up to date, as these dogs are vulnerable to fleas, ticks, and other parasites. If you have a Maltese Bichon dog, be sure to monitor its teeth and joints, as these are the two most common problems for this breed.

This post is a complete guide on the care, characteristics, and training of the Maltese Bichon, so that any owner can offer their dog a long, healthy, and happy life.