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Maltese a Sickly breed?
by Kay
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Is it just because most people who use this forum have problems or is it the case that Maltese are a sickly breed? All these messages about illnesses is scaring me. Also, are they all yappers? Seems like there is a lot of barking problems here. I sure hope not, I'm looking forward to having one, (or two!) very much.
DISCUSSION:
I don't think that Maltese are any more sickly than any other breed. I think that because they are a lot smaller than most they have to be treated with extra love and care. To be honest, the barking thing I have wondered about until we got Mattie. She is 3 months old and hardly ever barks. Actually, we have tried to get her to bark on command, but so far no luck. I don't think you will regret in any way getting a Maltese. They are so lovable!!!
By the way, this is a GREAT site! Lots of great info -- I already feel better prepared to care for my new babies.
Kirsten
Taffy has not been sickly, she is two. I think that more people who need suggestions post here when there baby is sick. I haven't been on other forums about dogs, but i bet it's the same. I think because we all probably have Maltese and small dogs that you just see more here. As far as barking, Taffy has her moments, but my previous poodle was worse, and also a German Shepherd I had. I think it just depends on the dog, training, etc. Taffy is the best, most lovable, wonderful dog I have ever had. Get one!!!
Robin M. & Taffy
I don't think Maltese are sickly either. Perhaps it is true that because they are small we do seem to pamper them and worry about them a little too much. My Chico has had some minor health problems, but nothing serious. He's a healthy little fellow with lots of energy and lots of love to give.
As for the barking, I think we all have to remember that this is how dogs communicate, they bark! I live in an apartment, and Chico only barks at noises in the hall, and will quiet down after 5-6 barks when I tell him to be quiet. There's a dog down on the 3rd floor (I'm not sure what breed) which is much yappier than Chico. It has a much shriller bark. Chico is more of a grumbler. After I tell him to be quiet, he lays down at my feet and grumbles quietly a couple of time. It's actually kind of cute! Hope you enjoy your Maltese, we all love ours!
Dean and Chico
Kay, a Maltese is definately not a sickly breed. My previous Malt Chico, lived to be 16 years old and never had any major problems until her was 15 yr old. My Buster is 13 months old and so far so good. There are plenty of others on this site who have perfectly healthy Malts. So don't be scared off from getting a Maltese because of the posts here.
Libby & Buster
Lucy is 3 and has never been sick--though she had a back problem for a couple of weeks when she was somehow hurt at the groomers. The only time she sees the vet is for her shots and the dentist. She does't bark very much--occasionally at one of the neighborhood dogs (the rest get by without a peep from her). Carty is 7. He has occasional bouts with allergies (solved with a little baby benedryl). But he is a barker. I rescued him and the bad barking habit came with him and we can't seem to break it. However he barks mostly at other dogs when they go by the house or an occasional cat or someone actually on our porch and knocking on our door and that's the extent of it. I think you see a lot of posts here because this is where people come when they are concerned that something could be wrong or is wrong with their little ones. I wouldn't consider either of my kids "delicate," and they are both just full of energy and fun.
cathy brown
You also need to remember that a lot of Maltese are represented in this forum. My Maltese also has been very healthy with only a minor stomach upset which was related to food that was too rich for him. ALL purebred dogs can carry the propensity for genetically transmitted problems such as hip dysplasia, kidney or liver problems, etc. The way to avoid this is to breed only the best dogs and to purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder. My suggestion to you is to educate yourself as much as possible on the breeds you are interested in.
April B
I have wondered myself at all the health problems I see posted at MO. Question where do all these sick Maltese come from? In my experience, having them since 1967 they are a very healthy breed, able to travel and work at obedience etc. as well or better than much larger breeds. Be careful where you buy. Also remember that a lot of our MO pups are resuce dogs.
Mary Lou
No, I don't think Maltese are a sickly breed. All breeds have illnesses to contend with - as do we humans, I think what you see here on MO is a genuine and deep love for these animals and a willingness from others to share their experiences in dealing with some problems. I don't think they are yappy either, although any dog will sound an alarm when startled! Some can bark more than others.
Phoebe is a year old, I have had her since she was fourteen weeks old & aside from teeth extractions and spaying she has been in absolute perfect health and her barking is actually the least of any dog I have ever owned! (Although I will admit it is often misplaced - she barks at laughter on television? She growls at dogs on television - and she will bark any time there is a bump that could possibly be associated with knocking on the door. )
Leslie R
Kay, let us allay your fears! In my experience Maltese are not a sickly breed. While it's true that purebreds run a greater risk of some maladies than mutts, the only problem I've had in the two years I've had Angel is when he was only 10 weeks old and must have swallowed a dead leaf from one of my houseplants or something. I'd forgotten the breeder had reminded me to get down on my stomach at least once a week and look around his surroundings and see his world from his eyeview...and remove anything that might make him sick! Other than that he's been extremely healthy. Re the barking, mine didn't start until he was 5 months old and it's not incessant by any means. And we're working on curbing that -- looks good so far! I suspect it's as others have said: they're so little and adorable that it's our nature to mother them perhaps more than larger breeds which just seem to be more independent. They thrive on the attention!
siobhan
According their soon to be former owner, of the TWO NEW PUPS (YAY!!! TWO! COUNT 'EM, TWO!!! Can you tell I'm excited?) we will be bringing home TONIGHT (YAY!!!!!), one of them, Pippa, occasionally comes out with a faint little "wuf!" Tessa, so far, has not spoken on any topic.Of course, their first night away from Mom might be a different story! Does anyone have any helpful "first night" hints for this nervous new Maltese Momma?
Carolyn
I hope you haven't gotten the wrong impression of the breed, Kay.
Actually the Maltese is a very sturdy, though small, breed. They have fewer genetic problems than most breeds, perhaps because
they still have not reached a high popularity level. That is increasing, however, and it may not be too many years before the Maltese's health goes the route of the cocker spaniel, golden retriever, German Shepherd and many other breeds. Buying only from responsible breeders whose primary interest is in improving the breed is our responsibility to this wonderful little Maltese breed. Backyard breeders and puppy mills do NOTHING to enhance the breed, but in fact breed their dogs for monetary gain with absolutely NO THOUGHT to temperament, sound health, good bones and good structure therby passing along bad genes and ill health to their pups.
Okay...I've said it and now I'll get down off the box!
To address the barking issue.....all dogs bark, some by nature more than others. Again, as responsible pet owners, it is up to us to teach our pets how to turn it on and off. Small dogs are known to bark more and be better known as "yappers"....partially to make up for their diminuative size and partly because we coddle them too much and let them get away with murder with no thought toward training them and teaching them manners.
Also, if you did a personal survey of the owners who post about an ill dog versus the ones who don't post about that, you'll find that the ill ones are by far in the minority.
Thanks for your input! I hope whatever breed you decide on,
you'll take the above considerations to heart!
anneh
Absolutely not - Cassie is 14 and hardly ever been itt - as for being yappers - only when there's food around! There's no ther dog like a Maltese - they're wonderful - hope you enjoy yours.
Julia and Cassie
Casper is almost four and he is in perfect health except for hip dysplasia and that's genetic. He never yaps -- he barks an alarm when squirrels invade the yard and wuffs at me if I pay too much attention to someone else. Seriously, the regulars on MO are like proud mothers of new babies -- we share every teething incident, sneeze, or sniffle. It's great -- you can learn everything through someone else's trial and error! Go ahead and get one or two -- soon you'll be a regular here too!
Marcia & Casper
Thank you, thank you for your informative and spirited replys! I just needed to hear what the response would be to that question. I have learned that information from other owners is the best way to avoid a mismatch to a breed. Is it OK to ask in this forum about where a reputable breeder in my area is? I live in Colorado, near Colorado Springs. I can't afford much more than $400.00. I would be willing to take a puppy with a fault or an adult. The Border Terrier I have now barks a lot when there is a noise like some one at the door or when he has to go out. I'm working on it but I dont want a new dog in the household to learn his bad habits; even though I would like to provide some companionship for him when I'm not here. Dilemma!
Kay
Kay my first Malt lived to be [lacking 3mos.] 16yrs. She was always healthy, never any problems until her last year she went on heart medicine. Most of the Maltese books say they have a life span from 14 to 16yrs. and sometimes longer. You'll never regret getting a Maltese. They are the best companion you could ever want for.
Dottie & Tasha
Hi There,I think that because a Maltese is such a tiny, gorgeous little fur-ball, that people tend to fuss over them alot more than any normal dog. So, that is why they come up with all these littel problems and things on how to fix them. The things that normal dog owners wouldn't normally pick up in a normal dog.
As you can see, my baby is definatley not normal, or a dog for that matter. She's a little person.
Please don't be discouraged my this gorgeous little dog(Sorry Milly, I mean person heheh LOL)
Have fun always,
Lauren & her human dog, Milliecent
Lauren & Milly
Kay - We've had Kiwi for 7 years and she is extemely helathy and sturdy. I think people tend to to ask about things when there is a problem. When your dog is healthy, it's not an issue to ask about. You brought up a good point about the barking. Kiwi has always barked when she was excited or wanted something or wanted to tell us something - but it was never incessant. However when Scout (Sheltie) joined us in Feb., he was (is) a barker. We are working on modifying his behavior (positively), but Kiwi has barked more. Since we can just pick her up when she barks, she's a bit more responsive. But her bark is so cute, I would never trade her.
Deanna & Kiwi & Scout
Kirsten, careful what you wish for... 
Marie
Your apprehension is understandable. These little fur babies look so delicate and to some extent they are. However, if they are well taken care of and well maintained they are actually very hardly little creatures. I too have heard a lot about barking or yapping and I was a little apprehensive when I first got Bee Bee.
My husband is a conductor and I am a singer and together we do many shows during the year. I wanted a little Maltese, but was afraid I couldnt spend enough time with him because of rehearsals, shows etc. Bee is a jewel, we take him with us everywhere, restaurants, shows, you name it. He has been on stage many times (No one but else knew he was there) He will just stay in his little Sherpa bag and is good as gold. Never a peep out of him. He is a treasure. It is important to train them from the beginning. I took him to obedience school when he was three months old and learned how to communicate with him. I let him know that I didnt like too much barking and that when he was in his sherpa bag he should be quiet. It takes patience, but I couldnt ask for a better behaved little one. Most of all you must give them a lot of love, then they cant do enough to please you. As far as I am concerned this is the only breed I would ever want. They give you so much. Spend the time to love and train and you will reep the rewards.
Bernadette & Bee Bee
I think your questions have been answered quite well! I have two maltese and they're very healthy little girls! Also, they both do bark occasionally but not to an extreme. I think maltese is the greatest breed there is and would bring home many more if I could! Regarding breeders, we don't use this forum to pass on names of breeders, but I will warn you against buying from a newspaper ad and, definately, DO NOT BUY FROM A PET STORE!!!!!!! Good luck!
Sandy, Shelby & Nikki
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Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise.