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If you’re looking for a small dog that resembles a toy, this breed is undoubtedly one of the options you should consider. This particular breed rarely exceeds 25 cm in height. Their weight is also quite low, as it’s rare to find specimens that reach 4 kg.

But the most distinctive feature of this tiny dog is that it looks like a stuffed animal. Its small, round, black eyes stand out against a body completely covered in soft, woolly, white fur. This characteristic coat, long and single-layered, tends to form curls. Its skull is round, and its forehead is small. It also stands out for its very fluffy tail and short, furry legs, completing the appearance of an utterly adorable little dog.

The Maltese puppy is not known for being one of the most intelligent dog breeds, but it makes up for it with a lively and restless behavior that makes it an ideal companion for homes with children. That said, it’s also not among the least intelligent breeds.

They are characterized by having an always-active spirit and being constantly alert, along with a very pleasant personality when interacting with humans. Additionally, with proper training, they can learn tricks and obey various commands.

Don’t let their small size fool you, as they are quite strong for their size and have good stamina. This makes them ideal companions for exercise. Moreover, they are very independent dogs and enjoy spending time alone. So, if you want to buy a mini toy, miniature or standard (large) Maltese, you now have a deeper understanding of their characteristics.

Physical characteristics of the Maltese can vary, resulting in diverse and unique specimens within the breed. Below, we detail the different types of Bichon Maltese based on their origin, color, and size.

Types of Maltese Dog

There are three types, classified according to their origin. All three types are considered part of the same breed. In fact, two of them derive from the first type we’ll mention.

The European Maltese is the main type. It originates from the Mediterranean and is the oldest of all. This is a small dog and barely reaches 3 kg in weight. Its body is slightly longer than tall. This makes it curve a little. They have a long bright white coat.

Next we find the American Maltese, which is a breeding line created to get a toy version. It is slightly smaller than the European. The body is proportional in length and height. The muzzle is smaller than that of the European, as well as its larger eyes.

The Korean Maltese, from South Korea, was created with the purpose of creating a more aesthetic version. They tried to create an even more compact and smaller dog. This type has even thicker and softer hair.

Colors of Maltese

Maltese dogs are always white or ivory. Generally, the purest dogs are this color, though they may occasionally have light beige or brown shades on their ears and beard. Some mixed breeds may result in other colors, such as black, gray, or brown. However, these are not included in the purebred standard

Sizes: Miniature, Toy, Medium…

These dogs are always small. However, some types are slightly smaller than others. As mentioned earlier, the American and Korean types are a bit smaller than the European. These variants are often considered toy or miniature. Therefore, you may find Bichon Maltese puppies for sale that are smaller than others, but this is due to the individual puppy’s condition, not because there are officially recognized size variations within the breed.

This dog is prone to the typical health issues of smaller breeds, such as patellar luxation. However, its lifespan is above average, as they typically live over 12 years, whereas breeds of similar size usually have a shorter average lifespan. In fact, there are cases of specimens living up to 15 years or more with special care.

Some of the health issues this puppy may face are related to the ears, knees, or spine. Other health problems are more common in all small breeds, such as dental and skin issues. Additionally, due to their abundant coat, they may suffer from eye irritation or conjunctivitis.

With proper care, such as a good diet, frequent brushing, regular vet visits, and adequate physical activity, you can ensure this puppy stays in excellent health. It’s essential to choose certified Maltese breeders who practice professional and expert breeding, including genetic selection of their specimens, to ensure your puppy lives as long as possible.