Maltese

These are dogs with an incredibly joyful disposition who treat every household member as their best friend. They are very intelligent and learn tricks quickly, provided the training sessions are short and based on positive reinforcement and treats. However, a Maltese can be stubborn if they sense a lack of consistency from the owner, so it is worth setting clear boundaries from puppyhood. In the salon, we often observe their immense need for closeness; they can stay right by the groomer's side, constantly seeking eye contact. Their temperament is a blend of bravery and affection; the Maltese is often unaware of its small size. They can bark at much larger dogs or intruders, trying to defend their territory with great determination. They are very spirited during play, loving to fetch small balls and run around the garden, yet they can calm down just as quickly on their owner's lap. It is important not to overstimulate them at home, as their natural reactivity can lead to unnecessary stress and excessive barking. Maltese are naturally social, but without proper socialization, they can become wary or even fearful of strangers. They usually get along well with other dogs, although their immense confidence can sometimes provoke larger canines into a reaction. In our Marki salon, we notice that well-socialized Maltese greet guests with a wagging tail, while isolated ones tend to be withdrawn. They require regular walks where they can explore their surroundings with all their senses, rather than just being carried in arms or a bag. This breed is characterized by high sensitivity to vocal tones and the emotions prevailing at home, making them excellent therapy dogs. A Maltese deeply feels arguments or a tense atmosphere, which can manifest as a lack of appetite or excessive anxiety. They are prone to separation anxiety, so they must be accustomed to being alone from a young age using tools like crate training or snuffle mats. Their confidence grows with training successes, so it's worth praising them even for the smallest progress in housebreaking.

A professional visit to Brego Dog Grooming Salon should take place every 4-6 weeks, depending on the coat length preferred by the owner. If the dog wears a short haircut, visits can be slightly less frequent, but hygiene around the eyes and ears is an ongoing process. Regularity at the salon prevents the formation of painful mats close to the skin, which are the most common reason for having to give the dog a very short clip. The full grooming schedule at our salon includes baths with whitening shampoos, applying moisturizing masks, and precise haircutting with scissors or clippers. It is essential to regularly trim hair between the paw pads and maintain hygiene in the sanitary areas to prevent bacterial infections. A key part of every visit is also plucking excess hair from the ear canal, which is crucial for preventing ear infections in Maltese. The most popular style here is the 'Puppy Cut', a short, sporty haircut with a rounded head that makes the dog look younger and facilitates daily walks. An alternative is 'Asian Fusion', where we focus on very short muzzles and fluffy legs, giving the Maltese the appearance of a plush toy. Show dog owners opt for a full, floor-length coat, which requires masterful brushing techniques and tying the hair into topknots. The biggest challenge is rusty-colored tear staining under the eyes, caused by excessive tearing and requiring daily care with specialized lotions. We often encounter mats behind the ears and in the armpits caused by friction from collars or harnesses, so we recommend removing accessories at home. At Brego Dog Grooming Salon, we always check the condition of the gums, as Maltese lose teeth prematurely if the owner neglects daily brushing. At home, the absolute foundation is daily brushing using a slicker brush and a metal comb to reach the hair roots. Never brush a Maltese 'dry' – always use an anti-static mist that protects the hair from breaking and makes detangling knots easier. We also recommend wiping the muzzle after every meal and drying the beard, which drastically reduces the formation of unsightly discoloration on the snow-white hair. A Maltese puppy should be socialized with its paws, muzzle, and tail being touched from the very first day in its new home so it doesn't fear grooming procedures. The first adaptation visit to our salon should take place shortly after the quarantine period ends, allowing the pup to get to know the smells, the sound of dryers, and the feel of professional tools. Rewarding the dog with treats for calm behavior on the grooming table is the best investment for future, stress-free visits throughout the dog's long life.

Living with a Maltese revolves around eye and muzzle hygiene, which requires daily cleaning to prevent rusty tear stains. A consistent routine is essential, as these dogs sense owner uncertainty and can become excessively vocal. In our salon in Marki, I often encounter Maltese dogs that are over-pampered, resulting in a lack of leash discipline. This dog needs to be treated like a dog, not a plush toy, to maintain psychological stability. Although they are lapdogs, they need three walks a day to satisfy their natural urge to explore and sniff. Running in a garden is not enough; exposure to new scents prevents frustration and fear of the outside world. Short but intense indoor play sessions, like with a small ball or tug toy, perfectly supplement their daily activity levels. Remember that a Maltese tired from walking is much calmer during grooming sessions. Maltese are intelligent creatures that quickly learn tricks like 'spin' or 'high five'. Use nosework mats and interactive food puzzles to force them to think and calm their emotions after returning from a walk. Teaching obedience commands is crucial so the dog feels safe and doesn't take over the leadership role. It is worth practicing concentration exercises, which makes future cooperation at the groomer much easier.

Before the puppy arrives, secure all cables and remove small objects from the floor, as Maltese are incredibly curious and put everything in their mouths. Prepare a quiet corner with a bed where the dog can rest away from the household noise without being disturbed. Buy a professional metal comb and a gentle shampoo immediately to habituate the little one to the touch of hands and tools from day one. It is also worth preparing safety gates for stairs or entrances to rooms where the dog should not enter. In the first month, expect intensive housebreaking, which can be a challenge with small breeds and requires patiently taking the dog out every 2 hours. The puppy might whimper at night, so it's helpful to provide an item with the breeder's scent or a safe warm water bottle. This is the time to build trust while also setting clear rules so the puppy doesn't feel lost. Be prepared for the little one wanting to nip at your hands and pant legs as part of play.

The biggest mistake is picking the dog up every time a larger dog approaches, which teaches the Maltese fear-based aggression and hysteria. Many owners neglect brushing 'down to the skin', causing painful mats and skin inflammation to form under the pretty top layer. I also frequently see owners avoiding tooth brushing, which in this breed rapidly leads to tartar buildup and the need for veterinary intervention. You also cannot ignore the importance of socialization with different sounds and surfaces.