Are Maltese Dogs Kid Friendly?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Maltese is gentle, affectionate, intelligent, responsive and trusting. A good family dog, Maltese are

lively, playful, vigorous

, and they generally enjoys learning tricks. They can be snappy with raucous children. … Highly alert, the Maltese elicits a flurry of barking in response to unfamiliar noises.

What is the most child friendly dog?

  • Labrador Retriever. …
  • Poodle. …
  • Irish Setter. …
  • Vizsla. …
  • Newfoundland. …
  • Bull Terrier. …
  • Beagle. …
  • Bulldog. For a devoted, patient pup that's sure to act affectionately towards kids, the Bulldog is your go-to breed.

Are Maltese aggressive dogs?


Maltese are not typically aggressive unless they're mistreated

. They can, however, think of themselves as the alpha dog and try to dominate their owners if they're not properly trained. Their long history as revered companion dogs has made them experts at getting what they want.

Do Maltese dogs bite?

In some Maltese dogs, however,

biting is unrelated to status image

but rather comes from the dog's individual history. A dog who has experienced abuse or trauma may show fear-based aggression if they feel cornered or otherwise triggered.

Are Maltese poodles good with kids?

Because of this gentleness (it's considered the gentlest of the smallest dogs), along with its playful nature and its fluffy-white-lapdog persona, it's often described as a good family dog and

a good companion for children

, particularly older children who know how to handle it carefully [source: Marthastewart.com].

Are Maltese hard to train?

It's very easy to train a Maltese to do tricks and play games. It's easy to teach a Maltese to be well-behaved and follow your household's rules and routines.

It can be a little more difficult to teach a Maltese to be quiet

. All toy breeds can be quite noisy – it's a defense mechanism given their vulnerable size.

Do Maltese bite their owners?


All puppies bite when they are teething

, and nipping is common Maltese behavior when playing with their owners. If not taught to do otherwise, adult Maltese will bite when they feel nervous, anxious or when threatened or approached by strangers.

Why are Maltese so mean?

A Maltese with a history of abuse or who has endured a traumatic experience may show

aggression

out of fear. These dogs are most likely to bite if they feel cornered or trapped, but their main motivation is to bite and run away.

How can I calm my Maltese down?

Those that speak or make silly noises like the Pet Qwerks Talking

Babble Ball Dog Toy

are often great for this. As well as treat dispensing toys. As a Maltese matures, he will calm down quite a bit and not be so hyper.

Do Maltese dogs get jealous?

If you are overindulgent and overprotective of your Maltese, your dog

might grow to be jealous of any visitors

. Jealous Maltese typically act out by obsessively barking, and might even become aggressive with non-family members.

Are Maltese good house dogs?

The Maltese is a

suitable indoor dog

that thrives even in apartments and small confines. This breed can be difficult to housebreak, and they tend to be finicky eaters. Maltese are light shedders and are acceptable pets for most allergy sufferers.

Do Maltese poodles bark a lot?

The highly affectionate Maltese

is prone to excessive barking

if deprived of attention and exercise. Some Maltese dogs tend to bark more than others, and it is impossible to completely eliminate barking.

Are Maltese good first time dogs?

The perfect pet for the first time dog owner,

the Maltese is eager to please and protective its owner

. This being said, you'll have to watch out when other people come around, as your dog may see these people as a threat.

Why do Maltese pee everywhere?

If a new Maltese puppy is peeing a lot inside the house, this also is a clue that it is a

house training issue and not marking

. Territorial marking issues are normally seen with dogs that have reached the age of puberty (4 to 5 months old), and adults of any age may begin marking due to certain triggers.

Can a Maltese be left alone?

Like the Chihuahua, the cute little Maltese is often treated more like a child than a dog. They quickly become accustomed to being the center of attention, and can

be resentful and jealous of your

focus if they are left alone.

Are Maltese hard to potty train?

Housebreaking your Maltese will be one of the biggest challenges that you and your Maltese face together, but it does not need to be a stressful one.

House training is actually not that difficult

; but, what can trip many owners up is that there are a lot of elements involved with this.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.