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The Maltese is a little travel aristocrat whose elegance and lightness open the doors of the finest establishments. Weighing barely 3 to 4 kg, they go everywhere and slip into a carrier with remarkable discretion. Their fusional attachment to their owner makes them a traveler glued to your heels who only wants to follow you to the ends of the earth. Their white silk coat requires meticulous maintenance but doesn't shed hair, a major asset for demanding accommodations. This pocket companion is tailored for urban, cultural, and gastronomic travel where their natural distinction makes a sensation.
Atouts en voyage
- Featherweight of 3 to 4 kg guaranteeing free train travel and cabin airplane access
- Non-shedding coat appreciated in accommodations and transport
- Deep attachment to their owner ensuring a dog always at hand
- Natural elegance attracting sympathy and facilitating acceptance everywhere
Defis a anticiper
- Extremely fragile silky coat soiling and tangling at slightest contact with nature
- Bone fragility due to minuscule size requiring permanent vigilance
- Sensitivity to cold and wind imposing clothing protection in all seasons
Profil voyage
En images
Se deplacer avec votre Maltese
The Maltese with their 3 to 4 kg travels free on all French trains provided they're in a closed carrier. Their minuscule size allows them to be forgotten under the seat or on your lap in a soft bag. It's one of the rare dogs that can travel on TGV without neighboring passengers noticing. A soft cushion at the bottom of the bag guarantees their comfort during long trips.
The Maltese travels perfectly by car in a secure basket fixed on the seat or in a carrier wedged with the seat belt. Avoid leaving them free in the cabin as sudden braking could seriously injure them given their bone fragility. Their small bladder requires regular breaks every two hours. Protect them from air conditioning drafts which can chill them quickly.
The Maltese is the perfect candidate for cabin air travel with their weight well below the 8 kg limit bag included. Most airlines accept them without difficulty as their morphology presents no respiratory contraindication. Acclimate them to their air carrier by using it as daily bedding during the weeks preceding the flight. Book early as animal cabin spots are very limited on each flight.
Sante en voyage
Risques specifiques
- Hypoglycemia in small-sized subjects in case of missed meal during travel
- Patellar luxation triggered by jumping or slippery accommodation floors
- Chronic conjunctivitis aggravated by wind, sand, and air conditioners while traveling
Precautions
The Maltese is a delicate dog whose small size masks real fragility. Never skip a meal while traveling as hypoglycemia can occur quickly in subjects under 3.5 kg. Protect their eyes from wind and dust during seaside or mountain walks. Handle them delicately during carrying and never let them jump from heights exceeding 30 cm.
Tolerance chaleur
The Maltese tolerates heat better than brachycephalics thanks to their normal muzzle but their long coat can accumulate body heat. In summer, a short summer cut greatly facilitates thermoregulation and travel maintenance. Avoid the hottest hours and keep them cool in air-conditioned interiors. Their white coat nevertheless reflects UV rays, offering natural protection against direct sun.
Pharmacie de voyage
- Honey or glucose gel for hypoglycemic travel emergencies
- Sterile eye drops for recurrent eye irritation of the breed
- Fine-toothed comb to remove debris from silky coat
- Veterinary liquid bandage for small cuts on their delicate paw pads
Equipement indispensable
Premium soft carrier
The Maltese spends their traveler's life in their bag, investing in a top-quality model with rigid bottom and optimal ventilation is essential comfort for this little companion
Waterproof coat size XXS
The Maltese chills extremely quickly and their silky coat becomes waterlogged in seconds, a coat protects them from bad weather and reduces drying time
Metal travel comb
The Maltese's coat requires daily detangling with a fine comb to avoid irreversible knots that form in hours in nature
Ultra-compact travel bowl
Even tiny, the Maltese must drink and eat regularly to avoid hypoglycemia, a collapsible bowl takes no space in a handbag
Ergonomic harness size XXS
The Maltese's neck is too fragile for a collar, a well-adjusted harness distributes pressure on the chest without risking injury to their delicate trachea
Ou partir avec votre Maltese ?
The Maltese is made for elegant getaways and cultural stays. Historic cities, charming Provençal villages, palaces accepting small dogs, and gastronomic circuits are their favorite terrain where their natural grace works wonders.
Le saviez-vous ?
The Maltese is one of the oldest breeds in the world, already described by Aristotle in 350 BC and depicted on Greek pottery alongside Mediterranean travelers and sailors
Roman ladies of Antiquity carried their Maltese in the sleeves of their toga during travels, making this breed the first purse dog in History
Despite their fragile appearance, the Maltese has one of the longest life expectancies of all dog breeds, often 15 to 18 years, offering many years of shared travel
Questions frequentes
Can the Maltese travel by plane on long distances?
The Maltese is one of the best candidates for long-haul cabin flights. Their weight of 3 to 4 kg remains well below limits and their calm temperament allows them to stay peaceful for hours. Prepare them with long-lasting chew treats and a comfortable cushion in their bag. Hydrate them regularly with a small bowl during cruise phases when service allows.
How to protect the Maltese's coat during beach vacations?
Sea salt and sand are enemies of the Maltese's silky coat. Systematically rinse them with fresh water after each exposure to sand or spray. Apply a protective spray before beach outings and brush them immediately upon return. A short summer cut greatly simplifies maintenance and drying without harming their elegance.
Can the Maltese walk in the city all day?
The Maltese has small legs and limited endurance: 2 to 3 km per outing is a good maximum. For tourist visit days, alternate between walking and carrying in your carrier. Their thin paw pads are sensitive to hot cobblestones and rough surfaces. Plan protective booties or simply carry them on difficult portions.
Does the Maltese adapt well to hotels?
The Maltese is the quintessential hotel dog. Their minuscule size, lack of shedding, and calm behavior make them an invisible and welcome guest. Many charming hotels and palaces specifically welcome small breeds. Bring a blanket to protect bedding and a small discreet bowl. Always indicate your dog's presence when booking to avoid any misunderstanding.
My Maltese trembles a lot while traveling, is this normal?
Trembling in the Maltese can indicate cold, stress, or hypoglycemia. First check they're not cold by covering them with a small coat. If trembling persists, offer them a treat as a small size metabolizes sugar reserves quickly. In case of trembling with weakness or apathy, administer honey on gums and consult quickly. In travel context, stress is frequent the first hours in a new environment.
