The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Maltese - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.
Maltese - Teacup Dogs and Puppies - An Unofficial Term
The term 'Maltese Teacup' is not recognised or endorsed by any of the major Canine Associations such as the AKC (American Kennel Club) or the British KC ( Kennel Club ). It is a purely descriptive term for a Toy dog which might, or might not, be smaller than the official size standard. Whether the term 'Maltese Teacup' is recognised or not people obviously like using it and regardless of varying Associations the phrases Maltese Teacup Dog or Maltese Teacup puppies are, no doubt, here to stay! The Teacup Dogs Agility Association is open to all dogs, regardless of breed or pedigree, measuring 17" or less, and who are at least 12 months of age. For additional information about 'Teacups' please click on the Site Map link to Teacup Dogs and Puppies
Yorkshire Terrier Dog (Yorkies) - Puppies Info and Names
The Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosing puppies:
- Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
- Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
- Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
- Exercising requirements for the Maltese breed
- Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
- Family - child suitability
- Puppy and Dog Names - The Importance of choosing the right names
If you are considering buying a Maltese Teacup dog or Maltese Teacup puppy it will almost certainly bring great you pleasure but caution must be adopted when purchasing a 'Teacup'. Remember that the diminutive size of Teacup Puppies have been achieved by selective breeding - and the price should not reflect a rare or special dog.
Toy Dog Breed Information
Dogs in the Toy Group, which include the Maltese, were initially developed to ease the lifestyle and provide pleasure to rich people. These dogs were initially owned by the wealthy and were viewed by others as status symbols - a luxury item with little apparent purpose. Dogs in other groups had specific working roles and played a major part in providing food for the table and therefore justified the cost of their upkeep and care - these were the dogs which were commonly owned by the lower classes. Changes in the economy, lifestyles, living conditions and the environment brought the luxury and pleasure of owning a toy breed dog, such as the Maltese, to everyone.
The Toy dogs which includes the Maltese are small and even diminuitive in size. Toy dogs are generally easy care pets however some do not like young children and their fragility can be a concern in large families. They have a tendency toward yappiness. Toy dogs are loyal and intelligent and especially good at learning tricks.
Toy Dog Breed Duties
Characteristics and features of Toy Dogs, including the Maltese, have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Toy Group dogs had limited duties which included the following tasks were were specifically utilised in Oriental and European Courts by royalty and the nobility:
- Warmth - A dog's temperature is between 100.2-102.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Warmth - toy dogs sat on laps (hence the term 'lapdogs')
- Warmth - toy dogs warmed beds in cold castles and palaces
- Companionship
- Status symbols
Although toy dogs are most commonly known as lap dogs Oriental Emperors and courtiers carried them around in their copious sleeves!
