They have good manners and are affectionate, intelligent, enthusiastic, cheerful and active. Males stand 21 cm to 25 cms and females stand 20 cm to 23 cms. However, because there has been little interest in developing the malshi as an independent breed, most of these dogs till date are crosses from the two independent parent breeds, rather than being developed from other Mal-shi parents. The breed can also develop severe food allergies and sensitivities. Just like how rough brushing hurts our scalp, forceful brushing will be agonizing for your Maltese and can cause them to become anxious or upset about grooming. Make sure you interact with your Maltese every day. The club holds specialty shows for the breed multiple times a year. Does the dog breed match your personality and your needs? Bred to be intelligent, for personality, temperament, health to be adorable, loving and hypo-allergenic. Maltichon Temperament. When I have a treat in my hand, he’s the most obedient dog ever. After a while, you can gradually prolong the time in the crate. Brushing your Maltese’s teeth daily to remove tartar buildup will help prevent tooth issues before it begins, and keep your dog’s teeth in its mouth where they belong. Malteses are the perfect playmates for both adults and children. If given the chance, they become easily spoiled. The island was conquered many times by various empires – the Greeks, Romans, Normans, Carthaginians, and the Phoenicians. Maltese are patient and friendly and will not be aggressive with kids, but for the dog’s safety, some breeders avoid selling Maltese pups to families with small children. Schnauzers bring a friendly, intelligent, and obedient personality. Yeah…she’s not the brightest bulb but she’s the most lovable dog ever.”, 8. Maltese can live in a variety of homes, including cities apartments since they don’t require much exercise. Though this may seem low, it doesn’t mean the Maltese didn’t understand the command. Find a chow that contains a natural source of proteins, carbs, and vegetables. He's always working with animal shelters and dog rescues because of his passion for all dogs. The breed is thought to have originated on the island of Malta, a rocky island about 60 miles off the southern coast of Sicily. All Maltese may have their instincts to hunt, but not all will have high adaptive IQ. The well-built Maltese seems to float over the ground when trotting. In my opinion, this may be the most important aspect of canine intelligence. A Maltese dog will likely remain playful and active in its old age. Because Maltese dogs are so small, they don’t need a lot of space to run around. The toe pads are typically black and very sensitive to the touch. Maltese can become stubborn and spoiled if they get the idea that they’re in charge. Other common health conditions Maltese face affect their intestines. Maltese are an exceptionally friendly and intelligent dog breed. This will build an association between the silence, the command, and the reward. They are happy and content being the center of attention whether they … They are very social. They are very trusting of people, even as puppies. Teaching your Maltese a ‘quiet’ command will curb this behavior and save you from a lot of headaches. This means that they’re at least 8 times faster at learning commands than the Maltese. Simricky1977 says Mixed: “I have two Maltese and though they’re both stubborn dogs, Milo is much better at learning (not commands) than the other. If you’re looking for a friendly dog with elegance and charm, look no further than the Maltese! For those who own Maltese, it would not hurt to try and take them to a dog training class to improve their communication skills. As discussed, obedience and working intelligence was used for Stanley Coren’s smartest dogs list. So, are Malteses smart dogs? A ring of darker pigmentation, called a “halo”, surrounds the eyes and gives the dog an adorable, expressive look that’s not common to other dog breeds. Which is better: Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese. Specifically, they were bred in Malta to hunt pesty rodents and other vermin. Instinctive intelligence refers to the innate ability or skill that a dog was bred to do. Giving your Maltese lots of love and affection is important for their wellbeing. They are intelligent and have a natural desire to please. The males tend to be taller than females. She stalks and kills her prey in no time flat! Taking the extra time to ensure their health will be well worth it in the end. The Maltese is a so-called “Toy” dog related to the Bichon family and is one of the oldest breeds in Europe. When it comes to dog IQ, it’s really hard to standardize a test. It’s why some of the modern Malteses will still show their prey-drive from the past. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In fact, they were the 111th best performing dog breed, which placed them in the “fair intelligence” category. They are not alone! Swollen bowels occurs when your dog’s intestines become overactive with lymphocytes and plasmacytes. This feature makes the breed an excellent choice for families with multiple pets. I mean, they’re popular dogs for a reason. A simple daily walk or active play session (of about 20 minutes) will be enough to keep this breed healthy. The good news is that the Maltese is a popular and recognized purebred dog. However, you may be wondering if there’s more to the Maltese than just good looks. The Maltese is a dog breed that’s known to have a stubborn personality. The best way to gauge how smart Maltese dogs are is to ask the owners themselves. However, Maltese owners must resist the temptation to be overly lenient. Though this is natural for most dogs, a Maltese can become overactive if they’re not socialized or trained well as a puppy. Here’s what they had to say about their dogs: 1. All mats should be removed before bathing because water can make the tangles worse. Psycho2psycho says Yes: “I have a female Coton (3) (11lbs) and a male Maltese (2) (7.5 lbs). Fortunately, we have enough evidence (stories from owners) that suggests most Maltese will have high adaptive intelligence. For example, the Maltese Club of Southern California works to promote the exhibition and education of the breed. Finally, a Maltese must have their nails clipped, teeth brushed, eyes cleaned, and ears checked on a regular basis. The long hair can grow to cover the dog’s short limbs, giving the appearance that it’s floating along the floor in a cloud of fur. Some Maltese may have an ivory tint around their ears, and some yellowish markings may be seen on the fur as well. Bathing your Maltese once a week will help keep their coat and skin healthy. He loves nothing more than to spend the day with his family. Maltese and Maltipoo dog breeds look similar at first glance. Similarly, no mixed dog breeds participated as there are simply too many variations. This site is owned and operated by Jenco Digital LLC. Back then, nearly all dog breeds were bred for a working purpose in society. The fact that they instinctively know how to round up livestock and drive them towards a direction requires this special instinctive intelligence. And since they were so good at their job, you can bet these little dogs have high instinctive intelligence. Maltese are very intelligent dogs and they have been used for therapy dogs. Like other toy breeds, Maltese are prone to certain health issues. Furthermore, the Maltese will obey a known command on the first try with a 30% or better success rate. The breed became very popular amongst noble ladies in the Roman empire for their elegant look. The most distinctive feature of the Maltese dog is the breed’s floor-length, silky, white coat. You can train a Maltese to tolerate separation by crate training them at an early age. In other words, it could take a whole day to teach a Maltese a command. Feeding twice a day instead of leaving food out all the time keeps your pet from overeating and getting fat. If your Maltese develops a mat, which is a large, tangled mass of fur that hardens into a big clump, try to detangle the mat the best you can with your fingers and a detangling agent. The Maltese dog is renowned for being a cuddly love bug that is never happier than when in the lap of their favourite person! The Maltichon will likely inherit the friendly and sociable nature of both of its parents. Then head out and meet one for yourself to see if you, like so many others, will fall in love with these lovely little dogs. Maltese Personality and Temperament. Check your Maltese’s ears every week for odor, wax, and extra hair. When brushing a Maltese, make sure you are very gentle and not tugging too hard on their fur. It’s also best to measure out food portions to ensure you are not over-feeding your Maltese. This affectionate little dog with the easy-going personality is the Malteagle. You really do need to be on the ball with house training because this is not a breed that can be left in a crate while you are out working long hours. After all, we can’t simply just give them our standard human IQ test and compare the results. Activity Level. Their compact bodies, loving nature, and soft hair make them into the perfect heating pads. Another neurological condition common to Maltese dogs is Shaker Syndrome. Dennsroberts1n says Yes: “My Maltese is a super smart dog..and it’s a bit comical. The intelligence and trusting nature of the Maltese dog makes them easy to bond with, and even easier to train. Namely, the top 10 most intelligent dogs? Brush their teeth daily, check their eyes for staining, and make sure their coat is maintained. The Maltese is generally a curious, energetic, and playful dog breed. A Maltese should be fed twice a day –  in the morning and at night. Maltese as previously mentioned are very alert and intelligent characters and they boast having sweet, fun-loving natures. The Maltese has a long and silky coat that parts from the top of the head across the back to the tail. Despite their small size, the Maltese was bred to be a hunter. They can certainly go on their stubborn streaks from time to time, so extra patience is needed. Depending on their current mood, the handler and other factors, they may not be up for it on the day of the obedience trials. It’s worth noting that adaptive intelligence in Malteses can vary a great deal. Instead, you will want to consider the temperament and personality of the dog. These dog breeds are around 3 times more obedient than the Maltese, making them some of the world’s most obedient pets. If you take your adult Maltese on long walks, it’s advised that you give the dog a break about every 20 minutes. Low. Even so, the Maltese is an extremely intelligent hunter and very capable of learning from its past experiences thanks to their high adaptive IQ. They are very trusting of people, even as puppies. Of course, this is just one account of high adaptive intelligence in this breed. Maltese dogs don’t slow down as quickly as some other dog breeds do, so owners should do their best to make sure their dogs get enough physical activity. It’s worth noting that there were 138 breeds that qualified, so they weren’t at the very bottom. Wazawhatami says Yes: “Never underestimate their intelligence. Maltese a sweet family dog breed that has a extremely compact and square body. In addition, only dog breeds recognized by the AKC and/or CKC participated in the trials. Maltese Dog Temperament. Positives. All being said, you can’t go wrong with adopting a Maltese. This breed loves to be cuddled and held, and their small size makes them perfect for the job. In addition, they are known for their slightly rounded skulls, compact bodies, and curled tails. Jay Safakish is a professional writer and space cadet that enjoys educating others on holistic health. To learn the many traits that make the Lhatese so unique, and to determine if this breed is right for you, check out the helpful information below. When socialized properly, they even get along great with other dogs and cats! .hide-if-no-js { Many ants have fallen to her paw (or they’ve run away)! Because Maltese have such a different temperament, the training process should be tailored for them. But if you asked any Maltese owner, you’ll likely get similar stories about how adaptable and great at learning they are. She earned her BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and has worked in classrooms, jails, and mental health treatment centers. The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds known to mankind and has been a companion animal for the entirety of its heritage. In fact, they’re the 111th smartest dogs out of 138 qualifying breeds. A short-haired Maltese does not have to be brushed every day, but still, brush them at least once or twice a week to exfoliate their skin and stimulate natural oils. According to the “experts,” these dogs aren’t as intelligent as many other dog breeds. Though another crucial quality of the Maltese is that they’re highly independent dogs. In more modern times, the American Kennel Club first recognized the Maltese in 1888 as the “Maltese Lion Dog” because of its majestic appearance. These dogs adapt well to whatever environment they’re put in and make for highly responsive, effective watchdogs. The truth is all dogs, including the Maltese, is capable of providing you with everything you need in a companion and family pet. You can get your Maltese to master a ton of tricks in no time, as long as you reward them with plenty of praise and love (and treats!). Some are more confident and friendly, others are more cautious or standoffish. They are lively and yet affectionate and because they thrive on getting as much attention from people as possible they hate being left on their own for any length of time. They are also loyal and keen to danger, making them reliable watchdogs. The Maltese didn’t perform that well in Coren’s trials. A good family dog, Maltese are lively, playful, vigorous, and they generally enjoys learning tricks. Zainab1700 says Yes: “My dog is very intelligent and gets along great with both dogs and cats. Since Maltese are so small, children are more tempted to handle them roughly, and this could potentially injure the fragile Maltese. If they stop barking after you give the command, be sure to reward them with a treat. Though the coat is the breed’s most defining feature, other traits contribute to the Maltese’s signature look. That said, the world’s smartest dog breeds ranking list has been largely credited to pHD and canine psychologist, Stanley Coren. Maltese Temperament and Personality. The Maltese is playful and self confident. Royals often placed Maltese on their feet to keep them warm, and the dog’s heat has been used to treat stomach discomfort as well. Basic manners (sit, stay, loose leash walking) are easy enough as long as you are consistent.“, 4. If you've ever spotted a canine at the dog park that doesn't quite look like…, The Welsh Terrier is usually the life of the party. Their trusting and social nature doesn’t just extend to people – they are often friendly with other canines and pets as well. In regards to learning speed and obedience, there’s a significant gap. Coat conditioners are especially helpful for long-haired Maltese; it will soften their fine, white hair and keep it from tangling. However, it’s just that these two other components are much less objective, making it harder to measure. It is best to avoid foods that contain artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. Do not punish the dog for leaving the crate. But it doesn’t mean that the Maltese isn’t smart. The Maltese exudes great joy and delight. The Maltese weighs about 7 pounds (3 kg) on average, but healthy adults can weigh anywhere between 3-10 pounds. Though they may understand what you’re saying, they may not always do it. It is fully covered with silky, long, flat and white hair that, if allowed to grow to full length, hangs nearly to the ground. Malta was a thriving seaport in the middle of the Mediterranean; travelers of many kinds passed through with a variety of goods, commodities, and animals. Despite his tiny size, the Maltese is a lively and vigorous dog. Maltese will take to training quickly if they are rewarded often with treats or praise. For the sake of your pet’s health, groom them regularly. The Maltese is a natural ham with a lively personality. Known as the Maltipoo, this designer dog is bred to be hypoallergenic, making him the perfect companion for those dog lovers who are a little more sensitive to puppy dander. With praise and treats, these dogs pick up on commands very easily. According to Pet Helpful, the Maltese are one of the 7 most independent dog breeds! Since its registration, this breed has grown in popularity and competes in shows worldwide. Maltese dogs thrive on human interaction. For reference, the Border Collie, German Shepherd, Poodle, Golden Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler and Labrador Retriever are all in the top 10. Maltese American Rat Terrier Mix (Ratese) First up is a very friendly and inquisitive breed called the … The tremors can affect one part of the body or the entire body. Due to the lack of an undercoat, the Maltese doesn’t shed much. The Maltese needed 40 to 80 repetitions to learn a new command. So what does this mean for the Maltese? Let’s examine why they rank low for dog intelligence and what actually makes them smart dogs. Useful site. After about a week of doing this, try to give them the “quiet” command while they are barking. He won’t do any commands and will play dumb. TheSmartCanine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Maltese are very energetic and playfull, they enjoy playing very much with children. These traits make the Maltese a fantastic therapy dog for people needing emotional support. Meanwhile, the Yorkie can add more brainpower to the Maltese side. Because he's so people-oriented, he takes well to training and responds to positive reinforcements such as food rewards , praise, and play. Depending on the command, it could take only a few minutes to learn! The front legs are completely straight and sturdy, while the hind legs are slightly angled at the stifles (knees) and hocks. With their silky, pure white coats and warm temperaments, it’s no surprise that they’ve made popular companions for people for centuries. It’s thought that the Phoenicians, who controlled the Mediterranean region prior to the Greeks, were the ones that brought the first Maltese to the island. The Maltese can soften the Yorkie’s more aggressive side. That’s what I did because I’ve heard they were ‘dumb dogs’ only to find out i’ve been manipulated by these little fur balls.”, 9. The petite build of the Maltese belies its fearless presence. Zekeyielz says Yes: “I have no idea how Malteses ended up so low on the smartest breeds list, but they’re quite clever and smart. This ensures that their bone development completes without any complications caused by over-exercise. The general temperament of your Maltese depends to some extent upon genetics – outgoing parents tend to produce outgoing youngsters. If you own a Maltese yourself, you know there is no end to their personality and uniqueness. Lively and playful, they are known for their high level of intelligence. Fun fact: his all time favorite breed is the German Shepherd. They crave attention and can get lonely or anxious if they don’t get enough interaction with their owners. Also known as the Lhasatese and Lamalese, the Lhatese is super cute and super sweet. The Maltese is a below-average intelligent dog breed when it comes to obedience & work intelligence. If your Maltese has a longer coat, it is important to brush it daily. They are very playful and enjoys to learn new tricks. Foods made from primarily whole proteins are ideal because dogs are omnivores that require high amounts of protein to support all the systems in their body. The other two dimensions of canine intelligence are adaptive and instinctive intelligence. They typically get along well with other dogs and pets, especially if you introduce them at an early age. Whereas instinctive intelligence is roughly the same among individual dogs within a breed. Dogs don’t really need to be that smart. So how did they compare to the world’s smartest dog breeds? This breed is naturally social and they need people to comfort them. They have very similar personalities and intelligence levels. Always make sure you establish your authority and keep their problematic behaviors in check. It’s quite the opposite, actually. Training should be an ongoing process for a Maltese; don’t stop after you’ve taught them basic commands. Crate training is accomplished by leaving the dog alone in a comfortable crate for short periods of time. These little fluff-balls were once cold-hearted hunters that would track and eliminate pests in factories. Although they look…, At Holistapet we strive to create natural remedies that help reduce the severity of your pet’s physical and mental ailments. Both were easy to train, sweet and all around wonderful dogs.”, 6. Most of us assume a mix of Yorkshire Terrier and Maltese dog results in the best of both breeds — a loyal companion who’s smart as a Yorkie, and as loving as a Maltese. Plus, they’re friendly and have a cheerful personality that all dog lovers can appreciate. This breed is also prone to dental diseases, so daily tooth brushing is recommended. The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. He has very good understanding of the world…“, 5. A common issue that Maltese dogs experience is separation anxiety. There are many groups dedicated to rescuing Maltese dogs. Maltese dogs are also friendly, spirited, and entertaining companions. Maltese are especially prone to tooth issues. The recommended amount of dry food for an adult is 1/4 to 1/2 cup daily. They have abundant fur and long ears, with a compact body and large dark eyes. The Northcentral Maltese Rescue is another nonprofit that operates nationwide. This makes them an ideal apartment dog. The Miniature Schnauzer Maltese mix will usually have longer facial hair, and may have a bearded look. Both of which, are crucial to measuring a dog’s true IQ. Maltese can develop allergies easily, and these ingredients are often the culprits for any adverse reactions. They respond very well to positive reinforcement. The breed has a reputation of being picky eaters, for one. However, they are quite active even when they’re indoors, so dog-proof furniture is recommended. However, Maltese are not recommended for families with small children. The Maltichon is a cross between 2 closely related breeds: the Bichon Frise and the Maltese. My dogs a bit stubborn, but I’m 99.9% sure he understands everything I’m saying.“, 2. Before we get into why the Maltese had been unfairly labeled as having below average canine IQ, we need to first understand how intelligence is measured. The American Maltese Association Rescue is a nonprofit run by volunteers that care for neglected, abused, or abandoned Maltese dogs around the nation. Maltese puppy training should be positive and gentle because they’re a sensitive breed. You can catch her taking pictures, riding her longboard, or exploring the city in her free time. The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in history. Maltese dog temperament and traits. Just understand that obedience isn’t everything when it comes to intelligence. Even Coren, who conducted the trial, will agree with this. This means that the Maltese won’t be your typical velcro lap dogs. One of the most amusing facts about the Maltese is their utilitarian role as a heating instrument. Positive reinforcement can go a long way with this breed. The fur is hypoallergenic, so this dog breed is a good choice for people who suffer from allergies. However, some of these conditions can be prevented if you keep up with routine care and checkups. display: none !important; Gently wipe away tear stains from your dog’s eyes with warm water and a paper towel daily if you notice them, and bring your dog to the vet if the staining becomes excessive. This breed has had several names over the years, for example 'Maltese Lion Dog' and 'Maltese Terrier', but nowadays they are simply called the 'Maltese' breed. For example, Border Collies are some of the best herding dogs in the world. The Malteses’ innate ability to track and hunt vermin is their instinctive intelligence. Tear staining is another common issue with this breed; it usually begins when the dog is about four or five years old. These dogs are one of the most loyal and intelligent breeds on the planet, so it will be very rewarding to see them happy and alive for as long as possible. However, like the Poodle, they are lively and intelligent, and require plenty of play and exercise, as well as correct training. For example, one owner tells us: My Maltese has learned which person is coming down the stairs based on the sound of the stairway creaking when coming down. Maltese are highly intelligent and know very well how to use their charm to get their way. Maltipoos’ high intelligence makes them amenable to early house training, but like with other intelligent breeds, they do require their quota of mental stimulation. With a stubborn personality, it makes sense that a Maltese wouldn’t perform well on the obedience test. The Maltichon is also considered to be pretty intelligent and therefore should be easy to train for first-time dog owners. They can become fearful of people or animals they’re not familiar with. The Maltese is known for its stunning coat with long white locks of hair. For puppies, it is best not to take them on long walks or engage in excessive exercise until they are over 8 months old. Timewrnleer198 says Mixed: “I think with the Maltese it’s a hit or miss for intelligence. She adds, “my brother is the one that takes the dog out for walks, so Piper will often get really excited and run towards her leash when he’s on his way down.” This is a clear cut sign of high adaptive intelligence in this Maltese. My family has owned these dogs all my life…some were ‘smarter’ than others and easier to train.”, 10. These are immune cells that attack harmful organisms in your dog’s gut, but they can cause vomiting and diarrhea when they become overactive. They have also competed in agility and obedience events. Even so, the Maltese is an extremely intelligent hunter and very capable of learning … And although many dog breeds participated in the trials, only breeds with at least 100 evaluations were included in Coren’s final list of smartest dogs. With lineage that includes the playful Maltese and the loyal and loving Beagle, this little dog just loves being part of a family and receiving lots of attention. One of the biggest indicators of high adaptive IQ is the ability to learn from past experiences. But just because a Maltese doesn’t obey a command does not mean he or she doesn’t understand what is being asked.