By measuring over 1,000 dogs from various breeds and assessing their personalities, researchers have identified the most affectionate dogs.

By: Miguel Silvera
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A study conducted by the University of Helsinki, which included over 1,000 dogs from different breeds and evaluated their personalities, determined that the Maltese is the most affectionate dog breed in the world.

Experts noted that the winning breed in this category is cheerful and friendly, making it the perfect companion for those looking for a loving pet.

Additionally, the Maltese shows a range of social and dependent behaviors, constantly seeking companionship and displaying affection almost continuously.

This scientific study concluded that the Bichon Maltese, a breed native to the island of Malta, is the most affectionate toward its owner.

They are unlikely to leave their owner’s side, even for a minute, as they are extremely loyal and loving—making them an ideal pet for households with children.

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Physical Characteristics

With a height typically no more than 25 cm (10 inches) and a weight under 5 kg (11 lbs), this small animal is perfect for playing with children or elderly people.

Its head is quite small in proportion to its body, giving it a wider appearance—thanks to the long, thick fur that surrounds it.

The ears of the Bichon Maltese are semi-triangular and hang down, giving this breed a particularly sweet appearance. The eyes are brown, and the nose is black—both small compared to the head’s size.

The bushy tail is another remarkable feature—thick at the base and tapering toward the tip, with a length approximately 60% of the dog’s height.

The legs are also small but well-proportioned, giving the dog great agility and speed.

Despite their tiny size and lightweight body, these dogs are not fragile or fearful. In fact, their compact build gives them impressive speed and energy.

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Nutrition and Health of the Maltese

Overall, the Maltese is a very healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, depending on the care they receive.

However, due to their size, body structure, environment, or diet, they may be prone to certain conditions such as patellar luxation. Preventing obesity is key to avoiding these issues.

The long hair around the eyes, along with environmental factors, can lead to eye irritation or even conjunctivitis, which appears as increased tearing and redness.

Stomach sensitivity is another important concern, as improper feeding can lead to severe digestive discomfort.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is also common in Maltese dogs, with symptoms such as drowsiness, vomiting, or diarrhea.

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Feeding

Nutrition plays a vital role in the overall health of the Maltese.

As mentioned earlier, an inadequate diet can lead to obesity or digestive problems.

The most important rule is to provide high-quality dog food specifically designed for small breeds.

Human food may contain ingredients that are difficult for dogs to digest due to a lack of the necessary enzymes.

For adult Maltese dogs, it's essential to regulate food intake by feeding them multiple small meals a day to avoid overfeeding.

An ideal nutritional balance includes:

• 35% meat

• 20% protein and healthy fats

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Care for the Bichon Maltese

In addition to general care for all dog breeds (hygiene, food, etc.), the Bichon Maltese requires special attention to stay healthy and live a long life.

Coat Care

As mentioned earlier, their coat is one of the breed’s standout features, so proper grooming is essential.

Brush their fur regularly—ideally daily—using a brush specifically designed for this type of hair.

If you choose to keep their coat long, regular trimming and styling are necessary to prevent matting.

Bathing and grooming should be done every four weeks or more, depending on the hair’s length and condition.

Exercise

While the Maltese does not require intense physical activity, they enjoy being outdoors and going for walks.

It’s recommended to walk puppies three times a day, and adult Maltese dogs at least four times a day.

Teeth, Ears, and Eyes

Their small teeth are prone to tartar buildup, which may not be visible at first.

Dental care at least once a week is essential to prevent issues.

Trimming the hair around the eyes is necessary to avoid irritation, and keeping their ears clean helps prevent infections.

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Vaccination and Deworming

Another important aspect of the Maltese dog’s health is staying up to date with vaccinations and deworming, according to the schedule provided by a veterinarian, starting from puppyhood.

This helps maintain a strong immune system and prevents many diseases.