Ryukyu Inu vs Maltese - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Ryukyu Inu vs Maltese - Breed ComparisonMaltese is originated from Italy but Ryukyu Inu is originated from Japan. Maltese may grow 25 cm / 9 inches shorter than Ryukyu Inu. Maltese may weigh 20 kg / 44 pounds lesser than Ryukyu Inu. Maltese may live 3 years more than Ryukyu Inu. Maltese may have less litter size than Ryukyu Inu. Maltese requires Moderate Maintenance. But Ryukyu Inu requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
undefined
Italy
Japan
Height Male:
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
Height Female:
20 - 25 cm
7 - 10 inches
46 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
1 - 5 kg
2 - 12 pounds
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
1 - 5 kg
2 - 12 pounds
15 - 25 kg
33 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 3
3 - 8
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Melita, Maltese Lion Dog
Okinawa Native Dog, Ryukyu Dog
Colors Available:
White
liver or black - stripes like a Tiger, Brindle, red, white
Coat:
Long and silky
Shortish - single- and double-coated varieties
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

malteseThe Maltese dog hardly needs any introduction as this is an ancient breed which is still as popular as ever. Some people refer to it as the "Maltese Lion Dog," or "Melita" which was Malta’s previous name.

It was in the 19th century, that the Kennel Club settled on the name of Maltese for the dog breed. The dog has been selectively bred to keep its small size. The exact origin of the dog is unknown and there are various stories surrounding where its origins are, thought to be Italy.

It is believed that dogs such as spaniels and poodles have been used to bring about the Maltese. The American Kennel Club, a registry for pure bred dogs, recognized the breed in 1888.

ryukyu inuThe Ryukyu Inu is a medium-sized dog that comes from Okinawa, Japan.

It’s a dog that is fairly rare having been used to track boar. There isn’t much information on the dog’s history but after its numbers declined after World War II, there was an urge in the 1980s to save the breed.

The dog isn’t recognized by any major Kennel Clubs.

Description

maltese puppy - descriptionThe Maltese is looked upon as a toy dog. Both male and female stand roughly between 20-25cm in height and weigh between 1 and 4kg.

He is as cute as a button with a rounded skull, a pitch black nose, brown eyes and medium length floppy ears. The tail is feathery and is curled. He has a long, silky coat without an undercoat.

The color of his coat is pure white, and because he doesn’t shed he is looked upon as being hypoallergenic. Most people who own a Maltese like having the coat short to one length all round.

Temperament:

These little dogs have been bred to be companion dogs. They may be little, but it is a good idea to have him trained and socialized as they are inclined to be a bit snappy, especially with children.

He is intelligent, so training him won’t be difficult. Brought up the right way though, he can be good with children as well as pets in the home. They love their human families and want to be constantly with them. He is an energetic little dog too, and will just love ball games both inside and outside.

His very temperament and smallness make it that he fits perfectly into life in the city or the countryside. He is sweet and gentle but he makes a good watchdog, alerting you with his barking to strangers coming close by. Don’t leave him for long period of time as he hates being on his own and then he may start barking from sheer boredom and frustration.

ryukyu inu puppy - descriptionJapanese dog breeds end with the word ‘Inu’ or ‘Ken’ . It means ‘dog’.

The medium sized Ryukyu Inu stands at between 46 to 50cm in height and weighs between 15 to 25kg. He has a black nose, dark brown eyes and erect ears. The tail is long and curls over the back.

The dog’s coat is short and you get the single- and double coated varieties. The coat can be brindle, red, white, liver or black. Some of the dogs have tiger-like stripes in the coat. People are amazed at these dogs as they have incredible climbing abilities and are even capable of climbing a tree.

Temperament:

These dogs are quiet, unobtrusive dogs. The Ryukyu Inu looks very much like a wild dog, which gives the impression of being un-trainable and ferocious but they are easily trained and make splendid pets.

Many people who have had them as pets say they would choose this dog over and over again. They are brave too and get on well with children or pets in the home. They don’t look for trouble, and their kind, stable natures make them excellent therapy dogs.

They’re intelligent dogs and will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They will also need to be trained and socialized as they are confident, strong-willed dogs who might not obey you if left to do what they want.

Characteristics

maltese dog - characteristicsThe Maltese is a popular dog no doubt, and his smallness is a draw-card as he adapts easily to life in the city or the countryside.

He is loving, loyal, intelligent and responsive, making him a good family dog and being an excellent playmate for children. Teach your children how to respect animals because raucous, disrespectful kids might produce a nip from an agitated Maltese.

Being a light shedder is another draw-card, with him being looked upon as a hypoallergenic breed. He has got so many good things going for him that he is guaranteed to make you an ideal pet.

ryukyu inu dog - characteristicsThis dog has always been a hunting dog so he will want to have his fair share of good exercise – long walks as well as ball and rope games.

He makes a splendid pet because he has an amicable nature wanting to please. He is quiet, loving and loyal, and with such a dog in your home and heart, you just keep discovering what a wonderful pet this 4-legged friend can be.

Health Problems

maltese puppies - health problemsYour Maltese is a feisty little thing who, with good care, can live for a good few years – up to 15 or even longer. As with any other dog, he can become ill. One or two illnesses to look out for include -

Skin Problems:

Sebaceous adenitis is caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands and is an uncommon skin disease found in some breeds of dog.

There are two types - one for long coated breeds and one for short coated breeds. For long or double-coated dogs, you’ll notice a white/silvery kind of dandruff on the coat as well as hair loss. There can also be skin lesions along the back and ears. It can make your pet miserable and he will need to see a vet.

Thyroid Problems:

A common hormonal problem is canine hypothyroidism, brought on by inadequate levels of thyroid hormones. Symptoms include hair loss, weight gain, coldness and a weakened immune system.

ryukyu inu puppies - health problemsThese Japanese dogs are thought to be fairly healthy dogs, but like with most other dogs, you would need to be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, caner and hypothyroidism.

The Ryukyu Inu, with its 10 to 12 years lifespan, will be prone to minor ailments, but with good care he is not likely to succumb to any of them.

Cataract:

Cataracts have a number of causes in dogs. This disease of the eye can occur at any age, and can develop over weeks or even years.

Cataracts can occur in just one eye or both eyes and a disease such as diabetes can bring on a cataract.

Good nutrition is important for a dog to build a strong immune system, and nutritional supplementation can certainly help to enhance lens health. Cataract surgery can be performed to remove the cataracts.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

maltese dogs - caringYour Maltese is going to require quality food, water, exercise and shelter to enjoy a good life. The type of food you feed any dog has a direct impact on his health.

You need to provide him with quality food, and if its commercially manufactured food, you need to read the labels carefully so that the food is appropriate to your Maltese. For instance, you can’t mistakenly pull a ‘large-breed’ packet of food off the shelves and expect your Maltese to be able to stomach it.

If you do buy him this kibble, make sure the ingredients are wholesome. To break the monotony of eating kibble every day, give him some boiled chicken, brown rice and some raw or cooked vegetables chopped up finely into his kibble. He will love you for this as it makes a tasty meal for him and will keep him healthy.

Try to keep his diet nice and simple to avoid digestive problems.

Make sure he has constant access to fresh, cool water.

General Care:

Make sure your Maltese dog has a nice warm, dry place to sleep.

Get him to the vet if you notice that he is ill.

Brush his hair twice a week and take him to have it professionally cut if you prefer.

Clip his nails when they become too long and check around his eyes and inside his ears for any kind of infection.

These little dogs are prone to dental problems and he will need to have his teeth brushed 2 or 3 times a week.

ryukyu inu dogs - caringThe coat of the Ryukya Inu requires brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. At the same time check your dog over for new lumps and check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can cause lots of pain and toxins within the body. You can also choose to have the teeth seen to and cleaned by your vet.

Provide him with his own warm, dry place to sleep.

Provide him with top quality food. There are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market that make a point of ensuring good ingredients in them. Your Ryukya Inu needs good food to ensure longevity and health.

Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week. Your dog will love it.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date against some deadly canine diseases.

Get him to the vet when he is injured, in pain or sick.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Ryukyu Inu vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Ryukyu Inu vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Ryukyu Inu vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Ryukyu Inu vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Ryukyu Inu vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Ryukyu Inu vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Ryukyu Inu vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Ryukyu Inu vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Ryukyu Inu vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Ryukyu Inu vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Ryukyu Inu vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Ryukyu Inu vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Ryukyu Inu vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Ryukyu Inu vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Ryukyu Inu vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Ryukyu Inu vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Ryukyu Inu vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Ryukyu Inu vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Ryukyu Inu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Ryukyu Inu vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Ryukyu Inu vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Ryukyu Inu vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Ryukyu Inu vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Ryukyu Inu vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Ryukyu Inu vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Maltese vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Maltese vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Maltese vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltese vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Maltese vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Maltese vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Maltese vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Maltese vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Maltese vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Maltese vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Maltese vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Maltese vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Maltese vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Maltese vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Maltese vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Maltese vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Maltese vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Maltese vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Maltese vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Maltese vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Maltese vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Maltese vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Maltese vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Maltese vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Maltese vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison