As an aristocrat of the canine world, this ancient breed has been known by a variety of names throughout the centuries. Originally called the “Melitaie Dog” he has also been known as “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta”, the “Roman Ladies’ Dog,” the “Majestic Creature”, the “Comforter Dog,” and the “Maltese Terrier.” Sometime within the past century, he has come to simply be known as the “Maltese”. The breed’s history can be traced back many centuries. Some have placed its origin at two or three thousand years ago and Darwin placed the origin of the breed at 6000 BC. There is also some evidence that the breed originated in Asia and is related to the Tibetan Terrier, the exact origin is unknown. Maltese are generally associated with the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. The dogs probably made their way to Europe through the Middle East with the migration of nomadic tribes. The Isle of Malta (or Melitae as it was then known) was a geographic centre of early trade, and explorers undoubtedly found ancestors of the tiny, white dogs left there as barter for necessities and supplies. The dogs were favoured by the wealthy and royalty alike and were bred over time to specifically be a companion animal.
The Single Coated Maltese is white, straight, long and silky. Maltese coat is never woolly or wavy.
The head and expression created by their distinctive single coat is an important part of the breed. Use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It Shampoo. Another one of the famous Plush Puppy products with the latest technology and the highest amounts of naturally sourced ingredients has developed into a product that is a must! This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed for faces. It’s a nil fragrance, no tear formula with the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro-Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean soothes, add moisture, aids healing and has anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows easy rinsing yet complete cleaning. Best used first and left on whilst using all other shampoos and rinsing off with the final shampoo rinse.
This is a white coat so best to use Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo for its toning and brightening formula. Use at 1 part shampoo to 5 parts water. It’s always important to dilute a concentrated shampoo to achieve an even result and not to waste product. For dogs that need some extra whitening use Plush Puppy Wonder Blok – this product is one of our proudest achievements in helping to maintain a white stain free coat. It’s not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but with the use of modern technology and high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin. This product is designed to gently remove unwanted warm/red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp/wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing time (5-10 minutes) and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.
For coats that may feel too dry use Plush Puppy Natural Conditioning Shampoo. With extracts of Evening Primrose that add softening and protection qualities to the coat. Use at 1 part shampoo to 5 parts water. Apply, lather and rinse.
After shampooing you need to condition this coat to keep that desired silky texture. For this use Plush Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner. The active ingredients hydrate the coat, soften and protect the coat. Apply at 1-part conditioner to 5 parts water. Again, so important to dilute to achieve consistent coverage and results. Allow to work for 5 mins and rinse.
For coats that may be too full use this mix. Pour a mixture of Plush Puppy Swishy Coat and Plush Puppy Blow Dry Cream (1 tablespoon of each to 2-litre jug of warm water) through the coat and leave in. Squeeze water out and lightly towel dry. Add a handful of Plush Puppy Reviva Coat and blow-dry. The coat should be totally dry and combed through with a comb. Facial hair should be combed with fine-toothed comb and whiskers and beard tied back with bands. When the coat is full length, it can be wrapped to protect ends and promote growth. Use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil.
For damaged coats, a good occasional treatment with Plush Puppy Coat Rescue diluted to 2 tablespoons to 250 ml of water enough to be able to work easily through the coat with the fingers once the mix has been applied liberally – will add some substance back into depleted hair that is ready to snap. Leave on for 10 – 15 mins and rinse. A daily dosage of Plush Puppy Reviva Coat, an aerosol leave-in moisturising mousse applied directly to the hands and then wiped through the coat. If you do wrap or braid at all, then use the Reviva Coat for this too. This is a wonderful moisturiser and won’t make the coats greasy to live with!
Drying use Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush for drying till ¾ dry and then switch to the Plush Puppy Ultimate Anti-Static Porcupine Brush for final smoothing and finishing. I advocate using the Pin Brush till ¾ dry so as not to stretch the coat when wet. Overly stretching when wet causes the coat to tear along the shaft and makes tangling worse.
For any brushing, it is vital to only brush a coat that has hydration so as not to cause any drag or damage to the coat. For this use, Plush Puppy OMG is a fabulous grooming spray. Not called OMG for nothing, because, “Oh My Goodness, it works”. As a concentrate, it can be diluted to suit every coat type or individual situation. OMG reduces static and allows for easy show day prep and won’t build up on the coat or grooming at home. Also available in a ready to use formula.
A final suggestion for Show Day – Finish with Plush Puppy Protein Coat Balm on the ends/hem of the coat just a few minutes prior to entering the show ring to weigh down the edges of the coat to prevent them flying around unnecessarily, especially on windy, wild days – a little on your hands through the mid-lengths is good too as this is not a heavy, greasy product and can be used repeatedly throughout the day.
We at Plush Puppy hope our input to grooming has encouraged and excited a lot of you to enjoy this wonderful sport of dog showing. I thank all those specialist people who have given us insight to their breeds and have given their many years of experience unstintingly. It is a sport of Kings available to everyone.