An Aggressive Maltese? Just Socialize and Train
You don’t hear about an aggressive maltese very often, however, like any other breed, personalities and characteristics in individual dogs differ. Socialization and training can make a big difference if you happen to have an aggressive maltese.
Does A Dog That Cute Really Bite?
Yes. Any dog can and will bite if certain conditions are met and the aggressive maltese is no exception. While the maltese has an “I’m tough” spirit, it ultimately is still a very small dog with a slight bone structure.
The average maltese only weighs between 4 to 7 pounds and is not a dog that takes well to roughhousing or rough handling. All family members, including children, need to be trained to handle this animal with gentleness and respect.
Individual personalities of this breed are varied. While most maltese are affectionate, responsive, and of easy temperament, some may enjoy alone time for short periods, be bossy and stubborn, or insist on having things their own way.
If an aggressive maltese spaniel claims a specific place in the home for his “leave me alone” space, children need to be trained to respect the dog’s needs.
Don’t let this dog’s cuteness fool you into thinking he is just a cuddly lap dog. The aggressive maltese is still a pack animal, no matter its size, and needs to understand that family members are higher in the pecking order than he is.
Having a maltese confused about his position in the household will just encourage aggressive and bossy behavior.
He’s So Little – Does He Need To Be Trained?
Yes. Even though he is small, the aggressive maltese spaniel still needs to be socialized when young and receive basic training to ensure his well being and happiness. Socializing your dog will enable him to enjoy new experiences while spending time with you.
Basic training will ensure that he knows his place in the family pack. Both of these are essential in keeping your dog responsive and happy.
Are There Any Special Needs?
Yes. The maltese breed does not do well in extreme temperatures. Based on this, many people who live in regions where it is extremely cold or excessively hot for long periods of time tend to paper train their dogs instead of training them to go outside.
You will need to groom your maltese daily to keep his soft silky hair smooth and free of knots. Care must be taken when brushing and combing his coat out as his hair is very silky and fine. Rough handling will cause breakage and stress his coat.
The maltese coat should also be kept dry. This means that swimming should be kept to an absolute minimum.
The maltese spaniel tends to have a few medical conditions that should be watched for. Hypoglycemia is common in these small dogs as is a knee condition called the “luxating patella”. Many have teeth and gum related conditions, as well as skin, eye, and respiratory issues.
That “cuteness” can actually be a shortcoming in disguise. An aggressive maltese may exhibit the same undesirable behaviors as a larger dog and get away scot free when a larger dog would receive corrective action.