The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds known to mankind and has been a companion animal for the entirety of its heritage. While these small dogs are well-known for being associated with aristocracy and living lavish lives, Maltese temperaments are actually quite spirited and playful. Even throughout their old age, Maltese remain active and energetic.
Maltese dogs are extraordinarily fond of their owners. The bond runs so deep for some of these pups, that they will experience severe separation anxiety when left alone. Although some Maltese may be short-tempered with small children, this trait can usually be avoided by exposing these dogs to children while they are still puppies. Regardless, play between Maltese and small children should always be supervised in order to keep both children and pups safe and happy.
Along with their playful attitude, Maltese are surprisingly active little dogs. Because these dogs adore humans so much, they greatly enjoy accompanying their owners on daily walks. Additionally, Maltese will be very active in most enclosed spaces, making them big fans of both small apartments and enclosed yards. While these dogs prefer enclosed spaces, they are also naturally curious and will not hesitate to explore small holes that they can fit through.
Maltese certainly love their status of the cute lapdog but are also strong-willed and determined. Most Maltese will actively “protect” their owners if they sense threats. One may not expect such a delicate bred to have such courage, but Maltese make very observant and feisty watchdogs.
Generally speaking, Maltese are outgoing and friendly dogs. This breed is well-known for making and loving new friends quickly. While some lines of Maltese are more outgoing than others, you can expect that most Maltese will get along well with other humans and other animals. It’s worth noting that temperament does not transfer through breed lines as predictably as physical traits. That means, regardless of which line your Maltese came from, this type of dog will need to spend time with other dogs and people if you want to nurture their friendly and outgoing side.
For many people, Maltese temperaments are quite desirable. However, there are a few situations where the Maltese temperament may not be a good fit for your lifestyle. Because Maltese have such a fondness for humans, and in particular their owners, most Maltese will not do well if frequently left alone. These little dogs are kind and loving and very attached to their companions. If left alone too often, many Maltese will develop severe separation anxiety which can lead to unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking.
As with any breed of dog, training can dramatically affect Maltese temperament. While you may be tempted to spoil these little dogs it is important to remember that these dogs are quite intelligent and capable. While it may be tempting to see these dogs as puppies for their entire lifespan, it’s important to remember that your dog will only behave himself if you teach him what rules to follow.
While Maltese respond quite well to rewards based training, it is important to note that housebreaking is notoriously difficult for this breed. On the other hand Maltese are one of the few dog breeds that are well suited to indoor litter box training. In general, these fragile dogs do not enjoy the cold or wet weather and will wait until the last minute to go relieve their bladders. To encourage house-breaking, providing these pups with a covered area to do their business it is extremely helpful. Additionally, adding a doggy door for your Maltese to use can help prevent accidents if they wait until the last minute to go.
Remember that Maltese are typically a long-lived breed and that they will be energetic throughout the course of their lives. While some behaviors that are undesirable may be able to be corrected at a young age, some may last for the course of their entire life. If you intend to let a Maltese steal your heart, be sure that you are prepared for the downsides along with the upsides. Remember that these dogs are lively, playful, and intelligent and be patient with them while you work together to learn each others’ eccentricities.
