- Maltese Dog Breed: Everything You Need to Know
Everything You Need to Know About
Maltese Dog Breed
Disclosure: Some of the links below are partner links, meaning that at no cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Table of Contents
Maltese General Information
An ancient breed, the Maltese has been around for thousands of years. This dog’s origins can be traced back to the Mediterranean area, although their exact place of origin is a mystery.
Maltese belong to the Bichon group of dogs and are thought to have been bred down from a spitz-like dog native to the region of Malta. Maltese were often favored by philosophers and royalty, representing a symbol of high status.
Currently, they are one of the most popular dog breeds in America.
Appearance:
Maltese are easy to recognize with a pure white silky coat and small stature, giving them an almost regal appearance. They have small floppy ears and a curved tufted tail.
Characteristics of a
Maltese Dog
Keep in mind these most common traits of a Maltese:
Temperament
The Maltese temperament is gentle, affectionate, responsive, and trusting. They are intelligent dogs with lively and playful personalities that they keep into adulthood. Additionally, their natural curiosity makes them great learners.
These obedient and energetic dogs are also far more fearless and vigorous than their petite build might suggest. As a result, Maltese dogs often have a tendency to bite off more than they can chew.
The Maltese temperament is gentle, affectionate, responsive, and trusting. They are intelligent dogs with lively and playful personalities that they keep into adulthood. Additionally, their natural curiosity makes them great learners.
These obedient and energetic dogs are also far more fearless and vigorous than their petite build might suggest. As a result, Maltese dogs often have a tendency to bite off more than they can chew.
Energy Level
Maltese dogs are small-sized toy breeds, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise.
These intelligent and lively dogs are playful, active, and love to run around. Exercising in a variety of ways helps the Maltese breed burn off excess energy and stay healthy. This is a daily necessity to maintain your dog’s happiness.
As for duration, the Maltese Club of Great Britain recommends that Maltese dogs should get around 20-30 minutes of exercise a day.
Walking:
Half an hour of walking is usually enough to fulfill this daily exercise requirement. This can be one long walk in combination with 2-3 more “potty break” trips outside every day. Or, 2 20-minute walks per day.
Running around in a secure environment away from bigger dogs is also very stimulating for this dog breed. It is recommended to take them somewhere safe to play outside freely several times per week.
Size
Maltese were bred to be lapdogs, and the typical Maltese size reflects this.
- Weight:
AKC breed standards dictate that adult Maltese weigh under 7 pounds, so the Maltese average weight generally ranges between 3 to 7 pounds.
- Weight:
- Height:
Although there is no standard breed height, the average adult Maltese ranges in height from 8 to 10 inches at the shoulder, with males being in the 8 – 10 inches range and females ranging between 8 – 9 inches.
- Height:
- Length:
The overall body length is 13.5 to 17.5 inches.
- Length:
Average Size Chart
Weight
Female
Male
1.3 – 3.2 kg
3 – 7 lbs
1.3 – 3.2 kg
3 – 7 lbs
Height
Female
Male
20 – 23 cm
8 – 9 in
20 – 25.5 cm
8 – 10 in
Length
Female
Male
34 – 45 cm
13.5 – 17.5 in
34 – 45 cm
13.5 – 17.5 in
Weight
Female
1.3 – 3.2 kg
3 – 7 lbs
Male
1.3 – 3.2 kg
3 – 7 lbs
Height
Female
20 – 23 cm
8 – 9 in
Male
20 – 25.5 cm
8 – 10 in
Length
Female
34 – 45 cm
13.5 – 17.5 in
Male
34 – 45 cm
13.5 – 17.5 in
Trainability / Intelligence
Maltese are a highly obedient and intelligent breed frequently seen at dog shows. It goes without saying that most Maltese are very trainable and readily able to learn new tricks.
They are well-behaved and quickly learn to follow any house rules when taught properly and consistently. That being said, as very small dogs, they can struggle a bit with house training and need more frequent trips outside to relieve themselves.
When not properly trained, Maltese are also prone to Small Dog Syndrome, which is a general term for a number of undesirable behaviors commonly seen in untrained small dogs.
Regardless of size or how cute your dog is, socialization and training is always recommended to ensure that your dog stays safe, happy, and healthy.
Other Pets / Children
- Other pets:
As for other pets, the Maltese’s peaceful nature means they get along great with almost all pet animals, including cats and other dogs. Starting socialization early, such as during the puppy stage, can help a lot when it comes to introducing animals to each other.
- Other pets:
Remember to always be careful when letting your Maltese interact with larger dogs, as this breed can easily be injured even by a friend with good intentions. Keep your dog close enough to you that you can pick them up at a moment’s notice.
- Children:
Maltese dogs get along great with well-behaved children due to their loyal, playful, and patient disposition. However, a Maltese might end up being snappy towards rowdy kids who aren’t careful enough with them.
- Children:
Despite this, they make great affectionate family dogs who are always prepared to defend their family from harm.
Shedding / Coat
Their fluffy white coat might try to convince you that they are massive shedders, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Maltese breed doesn’t possess the undercoats typical of most high shedding breeds. So, Maltese are usually light shedders.
This makes them perfect for people looking for the look of a fluffy double-coated dog, but with pretty minimal shedding.
Their fluffy white coat might try to convince you that they are massive shedders, but nothing could be further from the truth. The Maltese breed doesn’t possess the undercoats typical of most high shedding breeds. So, Maltese are usually light shedders.
This makes them perfect for people looking for the look of a fluffy double-coated dog, but with pretty minimal shedding.
Grooming / Care
Despite the low Maltese shedding level, considering these beautiful dogs completely low maintenance wouldn’t be right.
Their silky long white coats are actually quite high maintenance, as they are prone to matting, tear stains, urine stains, etc., and require a lot of regular brushing and combing to maintain.
It is recommended to visit a professional groomer once every month or so.
Brushing:
The frequency of brushing should increase with hair length. Longer hair should be brushed more often (daily), and vice versa.
The hair should be combed before brushing if medium length or longer.
Regular Maltese maintenance should also include hair clipping, bathing, tooth brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, etc.
Common Health Issues / Veterinary needs
The average Maltese lifespan ranges from 12-15 years. With good genetics and proper care, some dogs live longer, with the world’s oldest Maltese dog having lived to 20 years old.
- Maltese Genetic Health Issues:
This breed is generally healthy, but suffers from some breed-specific problems like - dental disease,
- infections,
- obesity,
- allergies, and
- eye problems.
- Maltese Genetic Health Issues:
Watch out for other problems common to small dog breeds including collapsed trachea, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella.
Take your Maltese to the vet every 6 months to 1 year for a routine health check (even if nothing is wrong).
This will allow your vet to conduct a thorough physical examination and pick up on any developing conditions before they become serious.
Nutrition
A Maltese needs a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals, plus rich in protein (22-18 percent protein).
A high-quality dry food can suffice, but some Maltese are picky eaters with delicate digestive systems, so specially-formulated small breed dog food is still the best option.
Portion size should be adjusted depending on the dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism.
For example, Maltese puppies can be fed 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food divided into 3-4 meals a day, while adult dogs can be fed approximately the same amount in the form of two larger meals.
Obesity can weaken the joints and organs of a Maltese, so always monitor weight and feeding schedule to keep them at a healthy level.
A Maltese needs a balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals, plus rich in protein (22-18 percent protein).
A high-quality dry food can suffice, but some Maltese are picky eaters with delicate digestive systems, so specially-formulated small breed dog food is still the best option.
Portion size should be adjusted depending on the dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism.
For example, Maltese puppies can be fed 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food divided into 3-4 meals a day, while adult dogs can be fed approximately the same amount in the form of two larger meals.
Obesity can weaken the joints and organs of a Maltese, so always monitor weight and feeding schedule to keep them at a healthy level.
First Time Owner?
Maltese pups and adults are often considered great choices for first-time dog owners. This is due to their playful, eager-to-please, and protective nature.
Maltese are rarely skittish or afraid of anything, and this fearlessness makes them rather strong defenders despite their small size.
That said, this fierce protectiveness and loyalty to their owner can sometimes manifest as possessiveness or jealousy, and they might start seeing people visiting your home as a threat. Socialize your Maltese early with lots of positive reinforcement to avoid this behavioral pattern.
Special Needs
• Socialization
The Maltese breed is known for its social nature — it’s friendly towards most other dogs and humans.
These curious dogs enjoy social interaction and should be introduced to as many different kinds of people, dogs, animals, and things as possible by about 12 weeks of age.
Early socialization makes them significantly more receptive to new situations and experiences. This socialization should always be carried out calmly and assertively with positive reinforcement like lots of praise.
Any undesirable behavior should be corrected on the spot by diverting their attention to something else, and praise should be offered when your dog behaves as directed.
• Careful Handling
Being such small and delicate dogs, Maltese need careful handling to maintain their well-being.
These fragile dogs can become seriously injured if they fall or are dropped, accidentally stepped on, or engaged in rough play.
As such, it is recommended to keep your Maltese away from young and boisterous children.
Additionally, do not allow them to play with larger dogs unless they are particularly gentle and well-behaved. Carefully supervise every first meeting and keep your dog close enough to be picked up.
Other Things to Consider
• Small Spaces / Apartments
If you’re looking for an apartment dog, the Maltese could be the breed for you.
As a toy breed, the Maltese energy level is relatively low, and they do not need a lot of indoor space to run around to maintain their well-being.
This makes them suitable for living in smaller living spaces like apartments or small homes. They can thrive as long as their exercise needs are met by going for daily walks and allowing them to roam in nearby dog parks (when there are no large or rowdy dogs nearby).
• Separation Anxiety
The Maltese’s love of attention, affectionate nature, and closeness to their owners can be very desirable traits in a family dog, but they come with a price. Maltese dogs can quickly become victims of separation anxiety that only gets worse the longer they are alone.
A great way to combat this is to get your dogs to practice staying by themselves over progressively longer periods. You can start crate training where your dogs can have a cozy, safe place to retreat to when left alone, and leave them with mental stimulation such as a slow-feeding toy and/or movies on the TV.
Maltese FAQ
How Much Do Maltese Dogs Cost?
On average, Maltese puppies range from $600 – $10,000.
This price varies greatly depending on genetics and “quality” of the puppy, such as whether they have been bred in a program for show dogs or by champion parents.
Do Maltese Shed A Lot?
Nope. The Maltese breed sheds a little, like any other dog breed, but this shedding is usually minimal.
The reason for the limited shedding is that the Maltese don’t have an undercoat which needs to shed seasonally.
As such, Maltese only shed lightly throughout the year once their hair grows out to its maximum length.
Is A Maltese Hypoallergenic?
Yes. A hypoallergenic dog is one considered relatively unlikely to cause allergic reactions.
The Maltese dogs’ silky long hair may not give the impression of being suitable for allergy sufferers, but since they shed so little, they are among the top 10 dog breeds for allergy sufferers.
Do Maltese Bark A Lot?
Yes. While they are otherwise peaceful dogs, the Maltese breed has a tendency to bark excessively that they share with many other toy-sized dogs.
This can be due to either their uniquely sensitive temperament, a defense mechanism developed due to their small size, or a combination of both.
Maltese Pros and Cons
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Devoted and loving
- Great apartment dogs
- Good choice for first-time dog owners
Cons
- Can bark a lot
- Fragile
- Unsuitable for small children and bigger dogs
- Prone to tear stains and yellowing of white coat
Care Guide
