Maltese Breeds Dog Toys Pet Products
7 Best Toys For Maltese, According To An Expert
Rocky Kanaka
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Maltese dogs are often thought of as sweet and demure lapdogs. But their owners know the truth. These dogs are extremely alert and lively with BIG personalities! Maltese love playing with toys, chewing and trying to solve puzzles, so it’s important to provide them with enough options to keep them occupied. Providing toys for your Maltese can help decrease their anxiety, stop destructive actions and even improve their dental health.
Here, we’ve gathered eight Maltese-approved dog toy suggestions according to a Maltese breeder, to keep your pup entertained.
Why Are Toys Important for Maltese?
So, why do Maltese need toys in the first place? Though they’ll keep your Maltese entertained, that’s not their only purpose. Toys actually play an important role in your pup’s mental and physical well-being, keeping them active and entertained. So, what are some of the biggest reasons that toys are important for Maltese?
1. Toys Provide Mental Stimulation
Maltese are smart and curious, and they need to exercise their brains regularly. Entertaining dog toys, especially puzzles, are a great way to prevent boredom, depression, and destructive habits, as well as encourage them to learn problem-solving skills.
2. Toys Provide Physical Stimulation
Maltese dogs, being small and active breeds, require physical stimulation to maintain their physical and mental health. Toys provide a source of entertainment and exercise, helping to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Providing a variety of toys can also satisfy their innate urge to chew and play, promoting healthy teeth and gums. Additionally, interactive toys can challenge their problem-solving skills and stimulate their mind, keeping them mentally stimulated and engaged. In short, toys are essential for a Maltese’s overall wellbeing and provide physical and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy.
3. Toys are Great Training Aids
Maltese love to play, and when a new toy is on the bargaining table, they’ll be more than happy to learn whatever they need to, so training will be a breeze!
4. Toys Provide Relief
Your Maltese needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and without it, they’re prone to depression and anxiety. Mentally and physically engaging toys are the best way to prevent this, allowing them to relieve any pent-up stress and energy.
5. Toys Help Build Strong Bonds
Dogs love playing with their humans, and Maltese are no exception. Aside from your standard dog toys, it also helps to have a few toys that allow you and your pup to play together. These play sessions will help you and your dog to grow closer while also getting in some physical activity.
What To Look for in Toys for Maltese
What are the best toys for Maltese, and how do you know what to look for to find them? According to Teresa Mistretta, a Maltese dog breeder and pet expert, you should look for toys that:
- Are made of safe, durable materials
- Provide some kind of puzzle or mental challenge
- Meet your Maltese’s exercise needs
- Are appropriate for your Maltese’s age and activity level
Maltese Exercise Needs
Maltese may be small, but they’re full of energy and may need more exercise than you think. You should try to get in at least 20-45 minutes of exercise or active play every day, but go for a bit more if you have the time. This time can include anything from walks to playing fetch as long as your pup is getting up and getting moving.
Best Toys for Maltese
Maltese Expert Teresa Mistretta chose 8 of the best toys for Maltese. After owning and caring for hundreds of Maltese, she said they definitely have their favorites toys!
1. Lamb Chop
“My Maltese hands-down favorite dog toy is the small Multipet lamb chop,” Teresa said. “My dog Tika walk around with these in her mouth all the time and this has been my other Maltese’s favorite toy since he was a puppy.”
2. BarkBox
Maltese love variety so if your Maltese is always looking for new toys, BarkBox is just what they need! BarkBox delivers new toys and treats every month, so with a customized bundle, your pup will never be bored again! Though there’s a bit of randomness to what you receive, high quality is always a given, giving you the best bang for your buck.
Buy From Bark Box | $20 per month
3. Hedgehog from Hartz
“Maltese seem to love small rubber squeaky toys like this hedgehog,” Teresa said. “The problem is when people buy the cheap off brand ones from Amazon they fall apart, and if your dog consumes them that can be very dangerous,” she warns.
She said the Hartz hedgehogs are very safe. They’ve never been chewed apart through all of her litters of Maltese puppies.
Here is a happy Maltese puppy playing with a hedgehog toy
4. Dog IQ Treat & Mental Stimulation Ball
Buy From Amazon | $15.95
This fun, engaging puzzle ball gives your Maltese something to chase, a puzzle to work through, and the promise of a tasty treat all in one. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and perfect for keeping your Maltese entertained!
5. Tooth Cleaning Treat Dispenser Ball
Buy From Amazon | $8.99
A Maltese favorite, this nifty little ball gives your Maltese something to chase after as well as a puzzle to solve. While they’re working on getting the treats out from the grooves, the sawtooth design will help clean their teeth, keeping their mind sharp and encouraging better dental hygiene.
6. Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball
This game is simple by design but dogs love it. Fill the ball up with treats and as your dog pushes it along the floor with their nose, the ball dispenses tiny treats which the dog can then snack on. The ball is available in two sizes.
7. Treat Dispensing Puzzle
“My dogs love this toy,” Teresa said. “In fact, one of them waits every morning for me to fill it up which I dutifully do. I like for them to have to work for their treats!”
This is Yodi playing with the Challenge Slider. Maltese need mental stimulation and are typically very treat motivated, and smart, so this is a great toy puzzle.
The Nina Ottosson Challenge Slider is a perfect toy for a Maltese dog. This level 3 puzzle is designed for dogs that get bored quickly and need a challenging activity to stay stimulated. Your Maltese will love sniffing and pawing for treats as they learn the steps to get to the reward. With 24 compartments for treats, this interactive toy will keep your Maltese entertained for hours.
Best Toys for Maltese FAQ
Looking for a quick guide on finding the best toy for your Maltese? Here are a few of the most common questions we’ve been asked!
How do I keep my Maltese entertained?
Make sure they have a variety of toys! Sometimes your Maltese will want something physically stimulating, but other times they’ll want something mentally engaging. Giving them plenty of toys to choose from allows them to play however they want to at the moment.
What are Maltese’ favorite things?
A Maltese’s favorite things are toys that satisfy their natural curiosity and chewing instinct, so be sure they have both!
What are good chew toys for Maltese?
The best chew toys for Maltese are designed to withstand tugging and tearing like the Hedgehog toy mentioned above
What are the safest toys for Maltese?
The safest toys are made from materials like nylon and non-toxic rubber, which are safe to chew and are less likely to be a choking hazard.
What are the best teething toys for Maltese puppies?
The best teething toys for Maltese Puppies are built to last. Your Maltese will be doing a lot of chewing, so their chew toy has to be durable.
Do you have tips on how to entertain a Maltese?
Give them a variety of toys and activities! Maltese are intelligent, curious, and energetic, so they’re always looking for new ways to have fun.
What are the best toys for Maltese with separation anxiety?
Puzzles and chew toys! By giving them a way to entertain themselves, you can help them alleviate their anxiety and reduce the risk of nervous chewing.
What are the best chew bones for Maltese?
Anything that’s made from safe materials and comes in the right size will work! As always, stick with trusted, high-quality brands.
Related Articles:
- Best Dog Food For Maltese
- Top 10 Best Treat-Dispensing Dog Toys
- 9 Dog Puzzle Toys That Improve Cognitive Development
- 4 Interactive Dog Toys You Can Make Yourself
