Who wouldn’t want a charming little companion, sporting a silky, pure white coat, trotting beside you like a puff of cloud? Ah, the bliss of owning a Maltese, a breed that often tops the list of popular toy groups, courtesy of its super-adorable looks and remarkable presence. While some dogs might dazzle you with their swiftness and agility, others may amaze you with their intelligence and obedience, what you’ll undoubtedly appreciate about a Maltese is its tranquil demeanor— a trait that invites the question, “Is the Maltese really a calm dog?”
But wait, did you know that these adorable pets were once hailed as the “comforter dogs” primarily because of their calm and soothing traits? They were highly favored by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians not just as pets, but therapeutic companions who could help alleviate their owner’s pain and illness. It’s no wonder then that the Maltese, with their calm demeanor and comforting ways, became a beloved breed among the aristocracy over centuries!
Now let’s delve into understanding whether their calm demeanor is, in fact, part of their inherent personality or a mere fancy perception.
Let’s begin with some solid ace in the pack – studies reveal that Maltese dogs are naturally calm and these dogs are not known for characteristics such as aggression or moodiness. They are often seen as pleasant dogs that can comfortably adjust themselves in a quiet, peaceful environment or even in a bustling, vibrant family atmosphere.
But before you jump up with joy, picturing a calm Maltese quietly seated beside you, it’s critical to understand that just like humans, dogs too have their individualistic habits and preferences. We all know that guy who is a total party animal but has an identical twin who prefers staying home, reading books. Similarly, much as calmness is an inherent trait of the Maltese breed, your Maltese pup might have its unique personality quirks.
Interestingly, a Maltese’s calmness can often be a product of its upbringing—yes, it goes back to the age-old nature versus nurture debate. It’s no rocket science, really. If your Maltese is raised in a serene and peaceful environment, it tends to develop a calm persona. However, if it grows amidst chaos and commotion, it’s likely to be more restless or agitated.
Not just that, their calmness can also be influenced by their physical needs. They are small dogs and their compact size means they need less exercise than a larger breed would require. Hence, a quick 15-20 minute walk twice daily or a little romp in the yard can help maintain their physical health and nurture their peaceful personalities.
The other major influence is their diet. Most Maltese owners have noticed that when their pets are fed a nutritious, balanced diet, they tend to display calm and content behaviors. After all, aren’t we all a bit more relaxed and agreeable after a hearty, healthy meal?
Remember, a calm dog is also a happy dog. And rightly so, isn’t ‘happiness’ the ultimate goal for our furry friends? To ensure this, providing mental stimulation through training or engaging toys can be essential. Contrary to popular belief, mental stimulation is not synonymous with increasing their energy levels. In fact, it helps regulate it. Just like solving a puzzle or reading can relax a human brain; regular mental stimulation can lead to a calmer, more content Maltese.
Calmness in a Maltese can also be synonymous with their friendly demeanor, especially with their owners. Maltese dogs are affectionate animals that love human contact, largely attributing to their social and warm nature. They especially thrive when allowed to be a part of family activities and are naturally peaceful when surrounded by their humans.
In essence, while the Maltese breed is indeed highly likely to be inherently calm, there are almost always environmental, dietary, physical, and emotional factors that contribute to your dog’s demeanor. Therefore, with the right steps, nurturing a calm Maltese wouldn’t be an uphill task.
If you’ve been dreaming of ambling leisurely in the park with a calm Maltese by your side, or simply curling up with a good book with a composed canine companion warming your lap, take heart! As the paw-prints of history suggest, and as contemporary dog behaviorists continually assert, your chances of having a calm Maltese are quite high. So embrace the joy of experiencing tranquility that these elegant, white little fur-balls bring along, adding a serene touch to your life!
