Teacup Maltese

The Maltese has an ancient lineage. Though it is believed to originate in Malta, many believe it was introduced to Europe by the Phoenicians before the rise of Greece, somewhere before the 5th century BC. From that time forward, it became the must-have dog of historical civilizations, from ancient Greece to the Roman Empire to Chinese culture, which reintroduced it to Europe after the Dark Ages. Its popularity as a tiny companion dog has been a driving factor in developing the teacup version.

It is a cute and cuddly dog; it is an excellent choice for apartment living. It is lovable, fun, and loyal, making it a good family dog, too, though it is best suited for families with responsible older children or no children in the house.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Teacup Maltese 

The Best Dog Food For Teacup Maltese

The teacup breeds have tiny mouths, stomachs, and bladders, so they require a specific diet and feeding routine. They need a small amount of food due to their size, and these teacup varieties tend to suffer from low blood sugar issues. Consequently, they should be fed small amounts multiple times a day. That way, they don’t overeat, though they always have enough food for their energy requirements.

Size and Weight

The teacup Maltese has been bred with its tiny stature in mind. As a result, teacup Maltese are among the smallest dogs in the world. Both males and females are approximately 4 to 6 inches tall and weigh 4 to 5 pounds.

Common Health Issues

With such a small frame, one potential hazard for the teacup Maltese is putting on excess weight. Obesity can result in joint problems later in life and cause stress on the heart, back problems, digestive issues, and metabolic issues. Be sure to provide your dog with the proper nutrition, in the proper amounts, at the proper times.

Maltese dogs are also genetically susceptible to a particular heart disorder called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), where a blood vessel that should close after birth remains open, allowing blood to flow abnormally between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. This can result in excess blood being routed to the lungs, causing fluid buildup and stressing the heart.

Another condition that Maltese are prone to is a liver condition called a portosystemic shunt. PSS results in reduced blood flow to the liver, impeding its growth and function.

Apart from these conditions common to Maltese, teacup Maltese are also physically vulnerable. They are prone to dental problems.

Temperament

Playful, friendly, athletic, and aristocratic, they are lively, loving dogs and are great with children. They want to please and be with their owners. They may be reserved with strangers, but they are friendly dogs.

Teacup Maltese can sometimes be stubborn, which is a result of their intelligence. Still, this intelligence, combined with their desire to please their owner and athleticism, can also make them highly trainable. Larger ones can participate in obedience training and some athletic contests, though teacups may be a bit too fragile.

How To Take Care of a Teacup Maltese  

Maintenance And Grooming 

Their coat doesn’t shed much, which is a plus. The tradeoff, however, is that this coat needs a lot of maintenance and grooming. The Maltese should be brushed daily, and the coat should be cleaned regularly. After a wash, it’s best to include conditioner and blow-dry its hair to keep the coat looking its best.

As with all dogs, they should have their ears checked for wax buildup, debris, pests, scrapes, and scratches. Also, trim the nails regularly. Finally, the dog’s teeth should be brushed daily. This is especially important in small dogs because they are prone to dental problems.

Training

They are intelligent, obedient, loyal, and highly trainable. They respond best to positive reinforcement and gentle treatment. Treats and games are great ways to reinforce desired behavior. The most challenging aspect of training them is probably housebreaking, but that is due to their small bladders.

Exercise 

Though they are relatively high-energy dogs, they require minimal exercise. A daily walk or two and light play throughout the day are more than enough to satisfy their exercise requirements. The most important thing with such a delicate dog is to avoid intense activity that might lead to injuries. Also, pay attention to their diet relative to exercise periods, ensuring they are fed close enough to activity to avoid bouts of low blood sugar.

Puppies 

They are intelligent dogs, and puppy training can begin as soon as they come home. Be patient with them when housebreaking because their bladders are small, and it will take them longer than other dogs to learn this skill. Socializing them with people and other dogs should begin as early as possible, pending immunization periods, to allow them to get used to diverse environments and reduce yapping.

Teacup Maltese And Children

Though it is a loving and gentle dog, they are vulnerable and not fit for homes with small children (babies and toddlers). Even older children should be instructed on how to properly handle a dog if they want to play with a teacup Maltese. These dogs are very likely to be injured if mishandled.

Dogs Similar to Teacup Maltese

• Bichon Frise: Another tiny, cute dog, the Bichon Frise is also suited to apartment living. It is lovable and playful, yet more energetic than the teacup Maltese. It is also a bit more substantial than the teacup.
• Biewer Terrier: The Biewer Terrier is approximately the same size as the teacup Maltese. It is an energetic dog that has a beautiful, low-shedding coat.
• Coton De Tulear: Slightly larger than the teacup Maltese, the Coton De Tulear has a beautiful, soft coat. It is also playful and loving, making it another dog suitable for apartment life.