The Maltese Bologna is one of the oldest and most revered breeds of miniature dogs. The memory of this cute snow-white dog is immortalized in the works of great poets, writers and artists of ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. The ancient Greeks erected tombstones in honor of their pets. The Egyptians and later Europeans believed that the Maltese bologna had unique abilities to heal people, so these dogs were placed on the pillow of a sick person. In the XV century Maltese won the hearts of French aristocrats, and by the end of the XVI century the breed gained well-deserved popularity among representatives of the British royal court.
By the way
Great artists, including Goya and Joshua Reynolds, have endeavored to capture these miniature dogs alongside their owners.
Care and maintenance
The Maltese Bolognese is well adapted to life in a city apartment. However, it needs regular but short walks and outdoor play. Being a house dog, Maltese do not tolerate both heat and cold. That is why many owners do not take them outside in bad weather, but teach them to use a litter box.
The Maltese has a long straight downward flowing luxurious snow-white coat.
The coat of the Maltese Bolognese needs daily and gentle combing. In addition, to maintain a respectable appearance and snow-white or ivory coloring, the dog needs to be bathed quite often. The long hair on the head is gathered into a tuft with rubber bands or bows.
Breed Characteristics
A cheerful and affectionate, sensitive and self-confident little dog. Enduring and tireless, cheerful and playful, rarely barks. Since the Maltese Bolognese is one of the breeds that is entirely human-oriented, it is easy to train.
It is an extremely loyal, obedient and gentle dog with a balanced and calm character.
Throughout the breed's long history, its name has changed many times, from the original “Melitz dog” to the modern “Maltese Bolognese” or “Maltese”. For centuries, this breed of dog was considered the choice of the elite.
Today, the Maltese Bolognese is one of the most attractive dogs, enjoying well-deserved popularity as a companion. This breed is widely regarded as one of the best among indoor dogs and the most loyal of companions.
Queens' favorites
Maltese Bolognese were the favorite dogs of Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Mary Stuart of Scotland and Queen Victoria.
Health
Maltese are generally considered healthy dogs, but like other breeds, they are still prone to certain diseases. Owners need to regularly monitor the condition of their pets' eyes, teeth and ears. They are characterized by patella dislocations, liver disease, progressive retinal atrophy, and Shaker syndrome (in white dogs).
As a rule, Maltese are not recommended to take in families with small children, as kids, perceiving them as toys, can inadvertently step on them or, taking them in their hands, strongly squeeze, thereby harming the health of the animal.
Hereditary factor
It should be noted that the dog's temperament depends on hereditary factors, training and socialization of the animal.
When choosing a puppy, you should pay attention to a moderately active baby and, of course, look at least at one of its parents: you should like the behavior of the dog and its attitude to others. Like most other breeds, the Maltese needs early socialization.
