| Species | Dog |
|---|---|
| Origin | Malta |
| Size Category | Medium |
| Category | Dog |
| Original Purpose | Hunting small game (rabbit) by sight and scent |
| Weight Range | 20–25 kg |
|---|---|
| Height Range | 53–64 cm |
| Lifespan | 11–14 years |
| Juvenile Stage Ends | 12 months |
| Senior Age Threshold | 7 years |
| Exercise Needs | 60-90 min/day, vigorous running, brisk walking, and engaging activities like agility or lure coursing |
|---|---|
| Grooming | Weekly brushing, occasional bathing, regular teeth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning |
| Annual Exam Focus | Eye examination (PRA), orthopedic evaluation (hips, elbows, patellas), cancer screening (hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumors, mammary cancer), thyroid function |
| Condition | Onset Stage | Risk | Hereditary | Screening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | adult | medium | Yes | Recommended |
| Elbow Dysplasia | adult | medium | Yes | Recommended |
| Patellar Luxation | adult | medium | Yes | Recommended |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | adult | medium | Yes | Recommended |
| Cancer (Hemangiosarcoma, Mast Cell Tumors) | senior | medium | Yes | Recommended |
| Risk Level | Low |
|---|---|
| Ideal BCS | 4/9 |
| Daily Activity | 60 minutes |
| Litter Size | 4–6 |
|---|---|
| Dystocia Risk | Low |
| CHIC Required Tests | Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP), Eye Examination (CAER), Patellar Luxation, Thyroid Evaluation, Autoimmune thyroiditis |
| Neonatal Weight | 300–450 g |
|---|
| Anxiety Proneness | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Top Triggers | Separation from owner, lack of exercise/boredom, loud noises/changes in routine |
| Separation Anxiety Risk | Moderate |
| Calming Interventions | Desensitization, counterconditioning, positive reinforcement training, providing a safe space, adequate exercise |
| Cognitive Dysfunction Risk | Moderate |
| Locomotion | Sprinting, free easy movement, jumping, graceful trotting |
|---|---|
| Social | Playful interactions, affectionate greeting, tail wagging, leaning against owners |
| Comfort | Resting in soft places, sunbathing, self-grooming |
| Stress/Displacement | Whining, pacing, panting, lip licking, avoiding eye contact |
| Breed-Specific | Blushing (nose and ears flush pink when excited), high prey drive, independent thinking |
| Types | Bark, bay, howl, whine |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 100-2000 Hz |
| Tendency | Moderate |
| AI-Trainable Signals | Blushing (nose and ears flush pink when excited), tail position, ear position, whining |
|---|---|
| Context-Dependent Vocalizations | Barking when alerting, whining for contact/comfort, baying/howling during play or excitement |
| Interspecies Communication | High prey drive towards small animals (cats, pocket pets), requires slow and proper introductions, generally good with other dogs |