A cross between a Spitz and a Yorkie: mixed breeds of a lapdog, Pekingese, toy terrier

The picture on the left shows the original breed, and the picture on the right shows the result of crossing with a poodle.

Birdoodle

Saint Bernard + Poodle = Berdoodle

Labradoodle

Labrador retriever + poodle = labradoodle

Yorkshire strudel

Yorkshire Terrier + Poodle = Yorkshire Strudel

Boxedoodle

Boxer + poodle = boxedoodle

goldendoodle

Golden Retweaver + Poodle = Goldendoodle

Bishpu

Bichon Frize + Poodle = Bishpoo

Cockerpoodle

Cocker Spaniel + Poodle = Cockerpoodle

Lhasapa

Lhasa apso + poodle = Lhasapoo

Chip

Chihuahua + poodle = chipoo

Cavapoo

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle = Cavapoo

Escapoo

American Eskimo dog + poodle = escapoo

Maltipoo

Maltese + Poodle = Maltipoo

Woodle

Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier + Poodle = Voodle

Rudle

Rottweiler + poodle = roodle

Giant Schnoodle

Giant Schnauzer + Poodle = Giant Schnoodle

The undying popularity of Yorkshire terriers and the desire of breeders and breeders to obtain other breeds of dogs with a similar exterior and character caused the appearance of quite a large number of mixed breeds.

All puppies born as a result of crossing Yorkies with other breeds have their advantages and disadvantages.

In this article we will look at the most common crosses of Yorkshire terriers with other breeds, and also show photos of these dogs.

Popular types of mestizos

To get mixed breed or designer dogs, breeders cross representatives of different breeds with each other, taking into account the main condition - both individuals must be purebred.

Breeds with which Yorkshire Terriers are most often bred :

There are also frequent cases of crossing Yorkies with poodles and shelties.

As a result of all these matings, quite attractive puppies may be born, but this, of course, cannot be confirmed or known in advance.

Why is this done?

Attempts at crossing are usually called designer breeding of dogs - with a competent approach and knowledge of the basic laws, you can get quite interesting results. The results of the mixture are not suitable for exhibitions, but they have a rather interesting exterior, which contains features of both varieties. In addition, the character of a mixed breed from a Yorkie and, for example, a toy terrier, also combines the characteristics of both parents.

It is important to follow one of two rules:

• Crossing two purebred individuals;
• A union of two identical design crosses.

Crossing of different breeds is done to develop new designer breeds. As mentioned above, the main goal of designer breeding is the exterior of the future dog - a Yorkie and a toy terrier or Spitz provide a very interesting amount of external data.

In addition, in some cases, in this way they try to obtain mixed breeds with hypoallergenic properties for people who love dogs, but are allergic to them.

Let's also not discount the desire of some breeders to be known as pioneers - if you manage to get a new unique species, you can become famous and earn a lot of money. Although many dog ​​breeders are quite skeptical about such an idea as crossing breeds.

Most dog breeders are quite skeptical about breed crossings.

Toy Terrier mix

This cross is one of the most controversial among Yorkshire Terriers. The only thing we can talk about with confidence is size. Both Yorkies and Toy Terriers are small dog breeds, so their Torque puppies do not grow to large sizes.

Otherwise, nothing can be said in advance about the appearance of the puppies - they can be either cute or not so cute.

As for character, these are usually active and independent dogs.

Yorkie character

Both parents have different morals and behavioral characteristics:

• Terrier – characterized by a strong-willed character, stubbornness and determination;
• Spitz - gentleness, good nature.

Mixed dachshund and toy terrier, chihuahua, shepherd dog, spaniel and others

The difference in temperament is reflected in a negative direction: there is a possibility of getting a baby with an aggressive and nervous disposition.

Important! The behavior of an adult dog is corrected by education and training. Fixing the problem will take a lot of time and effort.

Yorkie and Spitz hybrid

Chihuahua mix

The popularity of Yorkshire terriers and Chihuahuas led to the emergence of mixed breeds of these dogs - the so-called Chorkies.

The weight of a Chorkie depends on the weight of its parents and averages 1.5-4 kg. They have a compact, well-built body, a small head and erect ears.

Read about what a Yorkie's weight can be and what it depends on here.

Most often, the wool of mestizos is golden or black, however, this is impossible to determine in advance. There are also individuals with red, fawn or black fur with white spots. Chihuahua genes are usually responsible for the color of the Chorkie's coat .

The length of the coat of puppies resulting from crossing a long-haired Yorkie and a short-haired Chihuahua is also not predictable, but most often mixed breeds have long and straight hair.

These are smart but stubborn dogs that are practically impossible to train. They are fearless, get along well with children and pets and are very attached to their owner; they cannot stand loneliness.

Yorkies passed on a predisposition to hypoglycemia and joint diseases.

Chorks live no more than 15 years.

Description of the breed

The Maltese dog has a proportionally developed body, and its movements are smooth. The weight of an adult dog is no more than 4 kg. Boys are several centimeters taller than girls. The size of an adult dog is 20-25 cm, which makes the animal very compact.

Description of the breed:

1. The skull is flat, larger in size than the muzzle. The forehead is clearly defined. The ears are triangular in shape, set high, and fit tightly to the head.
2. The nose is small, the earlobe is black and large. The jaws are developed and small. They do not protrude beyond the muzzle, the lips are thin, and the bite is scissor-shaped.
3. The eyes are round, the color of the iris is dark brown. The breed standard does not include deep-set or protruding eyes.
4. The neck stands out, is covered with thick hair, there are no folds. The back is straight, the chest is deep.
5. The tail is set high. It is thicker at the base and thins towards the end. The shape is arched, slight deviation to the side is acceptable.
6. The front legs are located close to the body. The limbs are not muscular, but the bones are strong. The fingers are pressed tightly together, the pads are painted black.

Dogs' fur is long and dense, soft to the touch. There are no curls or curls. The limbs may be slightly shaggy. The standard color of the Maltese is white, but pale orange or ivory is acceptable. But such tones can give the coat a gray, dirty look and are therefore considered undesirable.

There is an American subtype of the breed, which is considered its mini version (weight from 2.7 kg, does not exceed 3.2 kg). The coat of such animals is somewhat shorter, but it cannot be said that this dwarf dog is short-haired.

Character

The external characteristics of the Maltese completely coincide with its character. A dog that appears funny and cute is friendly, active, and affectionate. The pet is devoted to all family members; its docile nature makes the Maltese accessible to an inexperienced dog breeder.

Even despite its fragile appearance, the Maltese will always rush to protect its owners in moments of danger. Moreover, it doesn’t matter to her who the potential threat is: an animal or a person. The dog usually warns of its intentions by barking loudly, but may also use its teeth. This behavior proves that even small pets can be brave when it comes to keeping their owners safe.

Maltese has an extraordinary intelligence, thanks to which he can easily master not only basic commands, but also complex tricks. However, some of them can be quite stubborn due to the fact that their owners spoil them too much.

It is better not to have miniature dogs in families with small children, as they can accidentally injure the animal during play. But lap dogs will get along well with an older child.

The Maltese has a friendly disposition towards other animals. It will not harm cats or rodents. The animal is very attached to its owners, so it is not worth leaving it for a long time. Otherwise, the dog will begin to worry, which will lead to severe stress.

Maltese mix

Morkies, or Yorkies, are designer puppies obtained by crossing Yorkies with Maltese dogs.

These are hardy and persistent dogs, characterized by an affectionate, friendly disposition, devotion and fidelity.

Morkies have a long, straight and silky coat, the texture and color of which resembles that of Yorkshire terriers.

Origin story

The first mentions of the breed are found in the writings of Ancient Egypt, where there were images of animals. Back then, unusual small dogs were considered an expensive gift given to noble people. The presence of a Maltese dog in the family spoke of the wealth of the owners and their luxurious lifestyle.

The history of breeding modern representatives of the breed begins in Great Britain, where they came from the Philippines. The First World War threatened many breeds, including the Maltese, with extinction. Breeders had to make a lot of efforts to preserve this breed. Already in the 30s, a breed club was formed, and the Maltese population was gradually restored. At the same time, dogs are actively spreading throughout the United States. Today, mono-exhibitions are held there annually.

Spitz mix

One of the most common mixes of Yorkshire terriers are those obtained as a result of mating with Spitz dogs.

Both of these breeds are indoor decorative and have a lot of positive qualities, among which they especially highlight:

• friendliness;
• intelligence and intelligence;
• devotion;
• cheerful disposition;
• ability to learn;
• lack of aggression;
• the ability to capture the owner’s emotions, empathy.

In addition, both Yorkies and Spitz dogs are famous for their beautiful exterior.

Puppies born from such a union take the best qualities from their parents - they inherit the most attractive features of appearance and health. The risk of developing genetic diseases in such dogs is minimal, and experienced breeders claim that mixed breeds have better health and a high survival rate.

Where to buy and price

The average price of lap dogs ranges from 40,000 to 120,000 rubles. It depends on the type, availability, quality of documents, and territorial accessibility. In Russia, many nurseries offer different types of the breed: O LACKY HOME, DIAMOND GEMINI, Moon Dancer, others.

All varieties of lapdogs are charming, despite slight differences in appearance, the pride of most of them is their wool. Miniature dogs require special care and constant attention from the owner. Therefore, it is better to have such a pet if you have free time.

Shih Tzu mix

To obtain designer dogs, breeders also breed Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus. Puppies born as a result of such crossing are called Shorkies.

Distinctive features of these dogs are their compact size, wide but cute muzzle and body type, reminiscent of a Shih Tzu.

Most individuals have the same color as the Yorkshire Terrier, but some individuals have spots of different shades on the coat.

Appearance and dimensions

Like its parents, the tork has a compact size.

The height of the mestizo is up to a maximum of 28 cm, weight up to 3 kg . Typically, Torques have a medium-length coat and a softer, fluffier body compared to Toy Terriers.

Facial features are a cross between a Yorkie and a Toy Terrier depending on gene distribution.

As a rule, a mestizo has pointed ears, slightly bulging eyes, a cute little face with a slightly protruding forehead.

The coat color of one individual can contain several colors at once: black, dark brown, chocolate, golden, gray.

“If you are not going to breed purebred dogs and participate in exhibitions and competitions, and you need an inexpensive small dog that does not require special care, then you can safely opt for a toy terrier mixed with other well-known breeds. One of the options is a cross with a Yorkie. But with this crossbreed, be prepared for unexpected appearances as the pet matures.”

Pekingese mix

Mixed breeds of Yorkshire terriers and Pekingese (Yorkinese) have a very pretty appearance, complemented by an aristocratic character, but they are quite rare, because... These dogs have fragile health.

It is also absolutely impossible to predict what the puppies resulting from such crossing will be like, because the best qualities of their parents are not always passed on to them.

Often an undesirable mixture of characteristics is found in puppies, which is determined by poor coat, squinting eyes, an unformed skull, a non-closed fontanel and other problems.

What dog breeds are similar to Yorkies?

There are several breeds that are similar in appearance to Yorkshire Terriers:

• Australian Silky Terriers (Silky Terriers). Small dogs, weighing on average 3.6-4.5 kg and about 23 cm tall, have long, silky fawn-blue fur. Silkie Terriers are active, intelligent, loyal and fearless. They love children, are easy to train, and get along with pets;
• Biewer Yorkshire Terriers. A breed that originated in Germany in a litter of regular Yorkies as a result of a mutation in one of the genes. They have a long, straight coat, colored white-black or white-blue on the body and white-golden-blue or black-white-gold on the head. Beavers have a calm character and a stable psyche; they are agile, affectionate, inquisitive and loyal.

Australian Silky Terrier:

Diseases and life expectancy

The formation of the oldest breeds took place without the participation of breeders, so Maltese raised in natural conditions have strong immunity.

But, nevertheless, they have a number of hereditary diseases:

• lameness resulting from a dislocated kneecap;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• blindness;
• hypoglycemia;
• allergy;
• dermatitis;
• eye diseases.

With proper care, Maltese dogs can live 12-15 years, which is considered a good age for dogs.

Useful video

The video shows mixed breeds of 15 breeds, including the Yorkshire Terrier:

Due to the great popularity of Yorkshire terriers and the interest of dog breeders around the world in them, breeders and breeders are striving to develop other breeds that have similar external characteristics and character traits. This is the reason for the appearance of quite a large number of mestizos - dogs born as a result of crossing representatives of different breeds.

By the way, crossbreeds are also gaining popularity, and many dog ​​lovers prefer such pets rather than purebred representatives of any breed. Below we will look at the most common types of mixtures; you will see photos characteristic of each type.

Chihuahua mix (Chorki)

Chorkies are a mix of Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers. Their appearance is due to the widespread and high popularity of both breeds. They are small dogs with a compact, well-built body, a small head and erect ears. Their weight varies from 1.5 to 4 kg and depends on the body weight of both parents. The color of Yorkshire terriers is genetically stable, but the Chihuahua genes are most often responsible for the color of the Chorkie's coat, and it is impossible to predict what the puppy will be like.

As a rule, the coat of mixed breeds is golden or black, but dogs with fawn or black coats with white spots are also not uncommon. The length of the coat is also unknown in advance - a Chorkie may have a long coat and stubble on the face or medium-length hair, but most often in adult individuals the coat is long and straight. These dogs are characterized by high activity, friendliness, devotion to the owner and fearlessness.

Training and education

The Maltese is not at all like the large fighting dogs that have been trained since childhood. But this does not mean that there is no need to train the animal. Its socialization and training also need to be done from the first days of the pet’s stay in the house. By 2-3 months, the puppy should normally respond to its name and know several basic commands.

The establishment of prohibitions plays an important role in education. If something is prohibited for a pet, household members need to support these rules. Do not give your dog forbidden food or let him sleep on the sofa, no matter how tearfully he asks.

The basis of any training is patience and reinforcement of correct actions. If the owner speaks rudely to the pet, this can discourage any desire to learn and offend him for a long time. In order for socialization to be successful, the Maltese, while still a puppy, must be walked in special places intended for dogs. This will help the animal calmly perceive the environment.

There is a myth that small dogs should not be trained, but this opinion is not only wrong, but also dangerous. An untrained animal is at great risk on the street.

Maltese

The result of crossing Yorkshire terriers and Maltese dogs became Morkies or, as they are also called, Yorkties - affectionate, friendly and devoted designer puppies, characterized by high endurance and stamina. These dogs have a long, straight and silky coat, similar in color and texture to that of a Yorkie. Disadvantages include a tendency to early tooth loss, so it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of your pet’s oral cavity, teaching them to hygiene procedures and brushing their teeth from a very early age.

Morkies are stubborn dogs and difficult to train. They are not suitable for people with a soft character - with such owners, Yorkies will feel like leaders of the “pack” and behave according to their status.

Yorkie and Maltese cross

Currently, a dog such as the Yorkshire Terrier is the most common breed. Her funny appearance, small size, long silky coat, small ears and trusting look attract the attention of others. But most importantly, these are very smart dogs that have everything: fortitude, temperament and an immense sea of ​​tenderness. He always feels the mood of his owner; in sad moments, York is ready to calm his owner down and cheer him up. He gets along well with children and can be an excellent company for older people. The Yorkshire Terrier is a wonderful family member who is loved and adored by everyone.

History of the breed

Probably many are interested in the question of where such a charming creature came to us. But, unfortunately, scientific research and work related to the origins of York are quite rare. This may be explained by the fact that there are many legends and theories surrounding the origin of this unusual breed. But only one thing is obvious: its ancestors were ancient hunting terriers. In addition, many are inclined to believe that the homeland of these gentle creatures is the county of Yorkshire, located in the north of England.

Also, some information about ancient wild terriers can be found in the works of the Latin writer Appier (2nd century BC), in which the author gives a detailed description of small terrier-like dogs “Agasse”. More reliable facts are the manuscripts of Pliny the Elder (23-77). The Roman naturalist describes in detail a short dog that fearlessly pursued its prey underground. Other sources indicate that small dogs are a typically British creation, in the spread of which sailors played a huge role.

Most experts include Yorkies and Maltese dogs among their ancestors, although snow-white lumps differ significantly from them. Namely, the Maltese has a pure white coat and floppy ears. Many are inclined to believe that Yorkies were crossed with Maltese to improve coat quality, hair structure and silkiness. Indeed, Yorkies, especially light ones, have good coat quality.

In addition, as a result of crossing with the Maltese, Yorkies acquired character traits corresponding to lapdogs. But the only downside to being a cross between a Maltese and a Scottish Terrier is that the Yorkie has quite sensitive jaws with strong and wide teeth. It is because of diseases of the cavity organs that Yorkies most often become clients of veterinary clinics. Yorkshire terriers develop dental plaque quite quickly, namely from the moment they cut their teeth, but from the age of four they develop loose teeth, gingivitis and even tooth loss.

The modern Yorkshire Terrier is a relatively young breed. These little creatures did not need royal patronage, as she independently paved her way and deservedly took her place in the hit parade of the most famous dogs in the world.

Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese?

First of all, it is necessary to remember that all terriers are, first of all, hunting dogs that have certain character traits. Like other burrowing dogs, Yorkies can be quite aggressive towards other dogs, which in society can cause constant quarrels between their owners.

In addition, Yorkies are very affectionate, jealous and quite demanding, and they can express their dissatisfaction both towards other dogs and towards humans.

As for the Maltese, they are much more suitable for the role of a best friend. Like Yorkies, they are very active, but not fussy. They also love affection and tenderness, but do not require constant attention from their owner.

Mixed breed with Spitz

Most often, to obtain original Yorkie puppies, they are bred with Spitz dogs. Puppies born as a result of such mating inherit the best qualities of both parents and have an attractive appearance and good health. Such dogs are not prone to developing genetic pathologies and, according to experienced breeders, are characterized by a high rate of survival.

Mestizos also have the following positive qualities:

• friendliness;
• intelligence and intelligence;
• loyalty;
• cheerful character;
• ability to learn;
• lack of aggression;
• empathy.

All this is possible only if you carefully select purebred parents with a similar temperament, otherwise the puppy may have various deviations regarding both appearance and health.

Here are some typical photos.

Each puppy has a unique set of characteristics, so it is impossible to predict the length, color or texture of the coat. It is also impossible to judge in advance the character of the future pet, but if any undesirable traits appear, they can be easily corrected with proper upbringing, training and socialization. The only thing we can talk about with confidence is the size of the mestizos. Adults do not grow large; they have a compact, less often medium size.

Caring for the hair of a Yorkie-Spitz crossbreed is primarily aimed at regular brushing to avoid the formation of tangles and monthly cutting of split ends of hair that impede normal coat growth.

Appearance of a Yorkie

Dogs born as a result of crossing two subspecies do not have specific standards. The final appearance can be anything, but fans of the Yorkie claim that the pets combine the best qualities of both parents (inherent in the Spitz and Yorkie).

A cross between a Husky and a Spitz: the name of the mestizos breed

A hybrid may have:

• erect ears;
• strong long paws;
• tail bent into a ring;
• any size - but no more than the height of the mother or father.

The coat color can match that of a Yorkie or Spitz or be a mixture of colors. It is impossible to determine the final shade in children - it can change with age.

Important! The International Canine Association has a negative attitude towards hybrids. Such dogs do not have the right to participate in exhibitions; they are not classified as purebred animals.

Shih Tzu (Shorki)

The practice of mating Yorkshire terriers with Shih Tzus is also widespread, also aimed at producing designer puppies called Shorkies. These dogs are distinguished by their compact size, wide, pretty muzzle, body type, reminiscent of a Shih Tzu, and the color of a Yorkshire terrier. At the same time, some individuals may have spots of various shades on their fur.

Some sources note that Shorkie wool is hypoallergenic.

How to choose a puppy

Choosing an animal for a person who is not an expert in the field of dog breeding is quite problematic. This is due to the fact that puppies are usually taken from their mother at 2 months, but their fur has not yet changed to an adult's, which makes it difficult to determine its structure. The coat should not be too fluffy or frizzy. A slight waviness is allowed, which usually straightens out as the dog grows.

The first vaccinations for puppies can be given as early as 1 month, so you need to find out in advance which vaccinations your pet already has and which ones are yet to be given.

The remaining requirements for choosing a puppy are similar to choosing another breed. There should be no bald patches or redness on the pet’s body, and the eyes and ears should be clean. The puppy does not show aggression or shyness and easily makes contact.

If owners need a lapdog for breeding, it is best to buy a female dog, because owners often offer males for breeding. The first mating should occur no earlier than the third estrus, then the expectant mother will be fully formed and will be able to bear offspring.

Comparison of breeds

There are several breeds that are similar to the lapdog.

Maltese or Shih Tzu

Once upon a time, both breeds could only be found in families of privileged segments of the population, so they gained a reputation as noble dogs. Both pets require careful care, paying special attention to their coat. The Maltese is smaller in size than the Shih Tzu, which weighs about 6-8 kg. The Shih Tzu also comes in a variety of colors.

In addition, animals have different personalities. If a lap dog usually singles out only one family member and assigns him the status of owner, then the Shih Tzu is equally courteous with everyone.

Maltese or Yorkshire Terrier

Caring for the Maltese is more complex, especially with regard to the coat and eyes. At the same time, their coat is softer to the touch than that of a Yorkie. Also, Yorkshire terriers are energetic and active, which means they require more time for walking and playing. The Maltese is a more affectionate and calm dog.

Pekingese

After a sharp drop in prices for Pekingese at the end of the 20th century, in well-known kennels, bitches of this breed began to be bred with Yorkshire terriers, which were expensive and had a small number at that time. Females born after such matings were again crossed with Yorkies. Such puppies were more expensive than Pekingese, but cheaper than Yorkshire terriers.

Mixed breeds of Pekingese and Yorkies (Yorkinese) have the following features:

• loud, booming bark;
• desire for self-affirmation;
• no need for long walks;
• bad reaction to one's own kind;
• difficulty in learning;
• fearlessness;
• jealousy of the owner and his attention;
• intolerance of loneliness;
• luxurious coat.

Yorkies have an attractive appearance and an aristocratic character, but due to their poor health they are rare. Puppies obtained as a result of crossing Yorkies and Pekingese do not always inherit only the positive qualities of their parents, so it is impossible to know in advance what they will be like. Often, mestizos have an undesirable set of characteristics and, as a result, poor hair, squint, non-closed fontanel and other problems.

Mestizos are not recognized by any canine organization, therefore they cannot participate in exhibitions and official breeding, they do not have a pedigree.

Pros and cons of the breed

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of lap dogs:

Jack - Russell

A cross between Yorkshire Terriers and Jack Russells, these are small dogs growing to a maximum of 30 cm at the withers, with a long and soft coat of black-brown or white-black-brown color. Yorkie Russells have a friendly and fearless personality and get along easily with other animals and people. These pets do not tolerate loneliness well and need constant attention from their owners, the lack of which is reported by loud howling and destructive behavior.

These dogs cannot tolerate cold and are not suitable for outdoor living. These are exclusively domestic pets, which, however, require regular walks and exercise. The coat requires careful care, as it tends to get tangled and very dirty after walks. In addition to possible genetic pathologies, Yorkie Russells are prone to dental diseases, which means it is necessary to monitor the condition of the pet’s oral cavity and brush its teeth 2-3 times a week.

Life expectancy is on average 12 - 16 years, subject to proper care and comfortable living conditions.

Features of maintenance and care

The Yorkie mix does not come in large sizes and feels comfortable in small city apartments. To prevent the dog from feeling loneliness, the bed should be within walking distance of the owner. Dogs are not kept in the yard - they require communication, and they are not adapted to living in unfavorable conditions.

Dogs do not need long walks; they can be taught to visit the cat litter box from early childhood. If desired, walking takes place for half an hour, twice a day. The dog is led on a leash so that it does not get lost or fall under the wheels of a car.

A combination of characteristics of the coat can cause problems with its care. The coat grows quickly, young animals need to be combed daily. To prevent tangles, brushes with a massage effect are used.

The condition of the hair depends on:

• from air humidity;
• diet - if there is a lack of vitamins and minerals, it will become faded, sparse, like in old photographs;
• influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Important! Dogs have their ears and teeth cleaned and their eyes wiped regularly. You can wash your dog no more than once a month.

Dachshund

A cross between a dachshund and a Yorkshire terrier (dorki) is the result of research carried out presumably at the end of the 20th century. breeding work in the USA. The choice fell on these dogs, since both of them belong to decorative and hunting breeds and are suitable for each other in size. Dorks are small rectangular dogs, weighing about 4 kg and reaching a height of more than 30 cm at the withers. They are similar in appearance to dachshunds, but have a wider muzzle and small, semi-erect, triangular-shaped ears.

Today, there are 2 varieties of these mestizos, differing from each other in coat. The first type has long, soft and slightly wavy hair, which is easy to comb and does not tend to bristle in different directions, making the dog look neat. The coat of the second variety is shorter and very hard; caring for it requires regular brushing only with metal brushes and haircuts at least twice a year.

Almost any coat color is allowed, but the most common is black and tan with a little gray.

The hunting blood of Dorks is the cause of some problems in their character:

• stubbornness and willfulness;
• jealousy of other pets;
• the need to dig holes;
• constant barking;
• hunting instinct aimed at small animals.

Any character flaws can be corrected with proper upbringing, socialization and training. In addition, Dorks need regular active walks and games, which help get rid of accumulated energy and extinguish the hunting instinct. Basic care for these pets consists of feeding them a high-calorie diet appropriate for their activity, daily cleaning of the ears and eyes, and trimming their nails as they grow back.

Characteristics

A detailed description of the breed is specified in the FCI standard No. 65 dated 04/06/1998, according to which the Maltese belongs to the group of indoor decorative dogs and companions. Among other small breeds, the Maltese definitely stands out due to its luxurious long coat.

Dogs of this breed are quite active, kind and affectionate. They can get along well with other animals, as well as with children. Thanks to its small size, it is ideal for keeping even in a small apartment.

Color

According to the standard, the Maltese dog has only one coat color - white. The only exception may be a light shade of ivory. All additions of color are considered disqualifying marks. The presence of light orange or other types of markings of any size on the coat is not allowed.

Dimensions

Maltese dogs are considered decorative dogs, and this immediately indicates their small size. Height at the withers is:

• males – from 20 to 25 cm;
• females – from 17 to 23 cm.

The Maltese is a small dog with a rectangular body, which according to the standard must have the following proportions:

• body length is 38% greater than the height at the withers;
• the length of the head is 6/11 of the height of the animal at the withers;
• the length of the skull should be 3/11 greater than the length of the muzzle.

Important! Deviation of height from the parameters specified in the standard, more or less, is considered a disadvantage.

Weight of adults and puppies

The weight of an adult dog does not exceed 3-4 kilograms. The weight of puppies in the first month of their life is comparable to the weight of small kittens and is approximately 200-500 g, depending on the week from birth.

Other characteristics

• Of course, the most distinctive feature of the breed is the Maltese's coat. The body is very abundantly covered with shiny and silky hair. The hair is completely straight without any curls. The average length is 20 cm, and the maximum should not significantly exceed the height of the dog at the withers. Long hair should cover the animal's body, forelimbs, head, neck and tail well. There should be no protruding tufts on the dog’s body; all hairs are located close to the body and directed towards the floor. Only the main lines of the body should be visible under the fur.
• The Maltese's eyes are very expressive and quite large, with a round shape. The eye color is dark and the eyelid has a black rim. The eyes should be well open and not deep set.
• The Maltese's ears are flat, triangular in shape, hang smoothly and fit tightly to the coat. The length of the ears is approximately ⅓ of the height of the animal at the withers. The ears are set very high and covered with the same long hair as on the body. Its total length should reach the shoulders.
• The Maltese's tail is thick at the base and becomes noticeably thinner towards the tip. Its length is slightly less than ⅔ of the dog's height at the withers. The tail has a slight bend, its rounded end touching the body. The tail is densely covered with long hair that falls to one side of the body.