Considered as one of the most beautiful dog breeds around the world, the Maltese is easily recognizable because of its lustrous, shiny white coat that frames a friendly and approachable face. With their distinct round and curious eyes and black nose, it’s pretty hard not to fall in love with this breed — and that’s probably also why it’s considered the all-time favorite breed of South Australians.
What Is the Maltese?
Originating from the Mediterranean region, the Maltese is considered an ancient breed and has been around for thousands of years, from the time of the Phoenicians to the 19th century when they were a favorite in dog shows held in the United Kingdom.
As a toy breed that doesn’t grow up to exceed 12 inches in height, the Maltese have been loved by those who fancy smaller dogs or those who don’t have much space in their homes but still want a loving dog by their side.
However, while the Maltese are well known for their cute and diminutive size, their temperament cannot be more opposite since they’re notorious for being fearless and vigorous. While they do have a streak of fearlessness and stubbornness, they are also one of the most affectionate and loyal breeds in the toy category.
Why Do South Australians Love the Maltese?
As a gorgeous and affectionate dog breed, it would come as no surprise that a lot of people consider adopting Maltese puppies as a first pet. In South Australia, the Maltese is one of the top breeds, and here are some of the reasons why:
1. The Maltese Are a Compact Breed
The Maltese are a toy breed that grows up to only about 9 inches in height, making them one of the best choices if you’re looking for a compact breed for your home. You won’t have to worry about your dog knocking things off of tables or accidentally hitting corners, because the Maltese only needs a small amount of space to roam around in.
2. They’re Hypoallergenic
Their coat consists of hair instead of fur, which means that they shed very little throughout the year. While they might shed a little here and there, it’s typically less noticeable. All they need is regular brushing and a few trips to the groomers to keep their coats shiny and healthy throughout the seasons.
Because they don’t shed, the Maltese is a great choice for people who suffer from pet allergies. You can expect that having Maltese around won’t trigger your allergies too much because of their unique coats.
3. They’re Perfect Apartment Dogs
Don’t have a yard to let your dogs expend their pent-up energy? Fortunately, Maltese dogs don’t need a big yard. As a small and compact breed, these dogs can easily thrive in small apartments and confined spaces as long as you let them walk around or assign them a space where they can play.
However, they do still need regular exercise, so taking walks regularly is still recommended to keep them healthy.
4. They’re Huge Cuddle-bugs
The Maltese are a great home pet since they’re extremely affectionate and are big on cuddles. Their small sizes and low average weight also means that you can easily pick them up whenever you want or just let them nap on you whenever you want to stay home.
Just a word of warning! While the Maltese are a patient and very affectionate breed, they may feel overwhelmed or threatened when around noisy and raucous children. Remember to properly socialize your pets while they’re young!
5. They’re Extremely Smart and Protective
An extremely intelligent breed, the Maltese have a knack for learning new tricks and responding to their pet parents’ instructions. However, their occasional burst of stubbornness may also cause them to protest when they don’t want to follow.
While they are headstrong up to a point, you can rest assured that their loyalty lies with you at all times. They have been observed to be protective of their pet parents and will be alert whenever they’re exposed to an unfamiliar situation or if they think someone is an immediate threat to their owners’ safety.
Adopt a Maltese and Get Ready for a Fun Time
If you’re someone who’s currently on the lookout for a dog breed fit for your lifestyle, the Maltese may be a great choice if you’re looking for a relatively low-maintenance and long-time companion. With their affectionate nature and irresistible appearance, there’s no doubt that you’ll easily fall in love with this breed. If you’re from South Australia and you’re considering adopting Maltese puppies, ask any Maltese owner and they’ll likely tell you how much they love the breed – just like we do!