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Do Maltese Like to Cuddle? How They Show Affection

Patricia Dickson

By Patricia Dickson

close up of a white maltese dog

Your little Maltese is an ancient dog breed that was specifically bred to sit on the lap of the master or mistress of the family and look pretty. The AKC ranks this little pet as America’s 37th most popular dog breed. The Maltese are fun-loving, playful, calm, and love to cuddle with their pet parents. You can expect this dog to reach 7 to 9 inches in height and top out at maybe 7 pounds at full growth, making it the perfect lap and apartment dog for someone looking for a companion. Maltese become really attached to their pet parents, so they love nothing more than cuddling up to watch TV or when it’s time for bed.

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Why Do Maltese Like to Cuddle?

Expect your Maltese to be right there with you, tucked between the sheets. Also, since it is a tiny breed, Maltese cuddle for warmth because they’re not fond of colder temperatures. In fact, you need to be careful with your dog when the weather is frightful outside, as you don’t want them to get sick. Maltese will also cuddle with their owner for protection, as they are tiny and unable to defend themselves very well.

Maltese dog with tear stain standing on the floor
Image Credit by: Augustcindy, Shutterstock

Do Maltese Like to Be Held and Hugged?

The Maltese forms a very strong bond with its pet parents, so being held and hugged is part of that bond. At this point, it’s crucial to note that if you adopt a Maltese, they will take up much of your time and demand all of your attention.

The dog might suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for very long at a time, so make sure you don’t have a job that takes you away for days at a time, as this might not be the best choice of pet for you if you do. Also, make sure you’re up to the task of giving this tiny ball of fur a lot of attention, and be prepared for it to be right up under you at all times when you’re at home.

Caring for Your Maltese

Although Maltese love playing games, they’re tiny dogs that must be handled with care. Young children should be supervised when playing with the dog and taught to be gentle with it. To keep your Maltese healthy and happy, provide it with a high-quality small-breed formula and maintain regular veterinary appointments.

Regarding grooming, the Maltese must have its coat brushed daily to prevent tangling and matting. It will need a professional trim at least every 6 weeks, and its teeth should be brushed at least once a week. Frequent ear inspections and claw trimming are also vital to the dog’s health. Since Maltese are prone to separation anxiety, it’s best to have a pet sitter when you leave for a few days or more. However, since they’re so small, they’re excellent travel companions.

White Teacup Maltese
Image Credit by: Plernz, Shutterstock

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Wrap Up

There is nothing like the love of a Maltese Dog, and you can be sure that this little dog will love you with all of its heart, soul, and being. They become highly attached to their pet parents and love to cuddle, be held, and even hug.

Your Maltese would love nothing more than for you to carry it around in your arms all day, getting down only long enough to eat and take a potty break. While you should spoil your Maltese puppy beyond belief, don’t forget to be firm with it when warranted, as a spoiled Maltese is a willful one.

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Featured Image Credit: Muffin Creatives, Pexels

Patricia Dickson

Authored by

Patricia is a pet and coffee writer and a published author under the pen name Skylar McKinzie. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys spending time with her two cats and dog. Since she was a young child, she has been a pet lover and enjoys nothing more than cuddling with her pets, Mystery, and her two cats, Binx and Link. Mystery has been with her family since the day she was born, as has Link. Binx was found under the...Read more

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