Maltese

Maltese History

The Maltese Terrier originated in south Central Europe and is a result of crosses between Miniature Spaniels and poodles.

They were initially used for hunting rodents before they became popular lapdogs for aristocrats and the affluent.

The Maltese was first officially recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

Average lifespan is 14-15 years.

Common Illnesses include;

Patella Luxation - Partial to full dislocation of one or both kneecaps.
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) – Degeneration of the heart’s Mitral Valve leading to eventual congestive heart failure.
Entropion & Distachiasis – Excess eyelid tissue causing the eyelashes to turn inward and rub against the surface of the eye resulting in corneal ulceration.
Transient Juvenile Hypoglycaemia – When puppies are not fed every 3 to 4 hours their blood sugar goes dangerously low and they can become comatose and die.
Hydrocephalus – Excessive accumulation of spinal fluid around the brain causing seizures, blindness and eventual death.
Collapsing Trachea – Disorder of the trachea resulting in dynamic narrowing of the airway resulting in a cough and reduced exercise tolerance
Hypothyroidism – Underactive thyroid gland causing obesity, lethargy, ear infections and skin problems.
Shaker Dog Disease – Causes full body tremors and sometimes seizures and difficulty walking. The cause is unknown.