For many centuries, the Maltese lap-dog (Maltese) was the favorite of the elite. Perhaps this is the oldest dwarf breed in Europe. These charming animals were revered and idolized by the ancient Greeks. Their images are captured on pottery and paintings. There is evidence that the Egyptians highly valued a dog of this breed. It is believed that she appeared on the island of Malta. However, this opinion is in serious doubt. Many researchers believe that, most likely, the breed received its name in honor of the island of Meleda, which is located in the Adriatic Sea. According to surviving data, lapdogs were “successful” mouse hunters in ports and on ships. It was on them that they ended up in many countries.
A lapdog is a dog that is the best companion of all existing breeds. This charming creature seems so soft and gentle that you want to play with it, and indeed not to let it go. Shiny dark eyes, neat nose, snow-white silky hair make these animals simply irresistible.
It is believed that the emperors of Rome excluded from the breed of lapdogs all colors, leaving the only one - white. For the Romans, it was a sacred color. A lap-dog is a dog whose body does not cover fur, but hair (just like a poodle). Such a cover practically does not shed, and therefore such a pet is ideal for allergy sufferers.
The main feature of a lap-dog is its small size. However, this does not prevent the cute white lump from demonstrating a great sense of love for its master.
Dog breed lap-dog is very miniature. Her height at the withers barely reaches 25 centimeters (23 cm in females), the animal weighs no more than 4 kilograms. These kids live about 13-15 years. A lapdog is a dog that is smart and smart. She is easy to train. It is necessary to start dealing with her from an early age and not to indulge her too much in childhood.
It is especially necessary to dwell on the luxurious coat the dog is endowed with. The lap-dog needs a thorough and very difficult care for the fur coat. If the owner plans to represent his pet at exhibitions, then he should be cut as necessary. If you want to keep a lap-dog according to the standards adopted at the exhibitions - with long hair all the way to the ground, then you need to comb it daily and wash the baby at least once a week. In addition, it is advisable to contact a grooming specialist.
A lap-dog is a dog that, according to the standard, has absolutely white hair, but a light shade of a milky color is also acceptable.
Everyone who wants to buy this snow-white beauty needs to know that raising a puppy is not easy. It will take patience, at least a little experience and, of course, love. As you know, small dogs eat very little, but you need to know that nutrition should be of high quality, because not only the baby’s health, but also the quality of his coat depends on it.
It is necessary to play with a puppy, to caress him - communication with a person is necessary for this breed. But we should not forget that this is, although very small, but still a dog that has all its “canine” rights - to run, to play pranks, to take care of girlfriends. It is in this direction that they should be educated.