Maltese Dog Breed Information: Traits, Care, Facts & More
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Maltese
Maltese are gentle, affectionate, and lively companions known for their luxurious white coats and charming personalities. Originally bred in the Mediterranean region as lapdogs for royalty and aristocrats, Maltese dogs have long been prized for their elegance and devotion. Today, they are cherished family pets, especially well-suited to apartment living due to their small size and adaptability. Their loving nature, alertness, and minimal shedding make them ideal for families, singles, and seniors alike. Maltese are also often seen in therapy work, bringing comfort with their calm demeanor and endearing appearance.
- Breed popularity ranking: 38 of 202
- Club: American Maltese Association
- Population: 600,000+ (estimated in the U.S.)
- Price: $600 – $2,000
Weight
4–7 lbs
Height
7–9 inches
Lifespan
12–15 years
Breed Group
Toy Group
Maltese Dog Growth Chart
History and Origin
The Maltese, a toy breed known for its flowing white coat and aristocratic charm, traces its origins to the Mediterranean island of Malta as far back as ancient times—possibly over 2,000 years ago. While the exact ancestry remains uncertain, these dogs were highly prized by Roman and Greek nobility for their elegance and companionship.
Historically, Maltese dogs were celebrated by royalty and aristocrats across Europe for their beauty and affectionate nature. Their small size and loving temperament made them ideal lapdogs and constant companions, often pampered and adorned with jewels in royal courts.
Maltese gained widespread popularity in Europe during the Renaissance and were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888. Today, they remain beloved not only for their elegant appearance but also for their loyal, gentle personality—making them a popular choice for therapy work and apartment living alike.
Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body Build | Compact, fine-boned, and slightly longer than tall with a graceful appearance |
| Coat Type | Long, silky, and straight single coat without an undercoat |
| Coat Colors | Pure white is preferred, but light ivory or pale lemon shading may appear on the ears |
| Facial Markings | Usually all white; expressive dark eyes and black points on the nose, lips, and eye rims |
| Chest Markings | Consistently white, blending with the rest of the coat |
| Tail | Plumed and gracefully curled over the back, covered with long flowing hair |
| Ears | Low-set, heavily feathered, hanging close to the head |
| Eyes | Dark, round, and set slightly apart with a gentle, intelligent expression |
| Nose | Small and black; stands out against the white coat |
| Feet | Small and round with black pads, often hidden by the long coat |
| Overall Expression | Sweet, alert, and lively |
Maltese Dog Characteristics
The further out a point is along a spoke, the stronger that trait is in the breed (on a scale of 1 to 10).
| Trait | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | 9 | Gentle, playful, and affectionate. Maltese are charming and enjoy spending time with their owners. |
| Sociability & Friendliness | 9 | Highly social and people-oriented. They are friendly with family and often warm up to strangers quickly. |
| Intelligence | 8 | Quick learners and eager to please, though they may occasionally exhibit a stubborn streak. |
| Trainability | 7 | Responsive to positive reinforcement and consistency. Early training helps manage their strong-willed side. |
| Energy Level | 6 | Moderate energy. Daily walks and short play sessions are usually enough to keep them content. |
| Shedding Level | 2 | Very low shedders. Their long, silky coat requires regular grooming but doesn’t shed much. |
| Protective Instinct | 5 | Alert and will bark at new sounds or strangers, but not aggressive. Serve well as watchdogs. |
| Loyalty | 10 | Extremely devoted. Maltese form deep bonds and often become very attached to their owners. |
| Barking Level | 8 | Prone to barking, especially when bored, anxious, or sensing unfamiliar activity. |
| Adaptability | 9 | Adapt well to apartment living and travel. Thrive in homes where they receive attention and care. |
Exercise & Activity Breakdown
Maltese are lively, affectionate toy dogs originally bred to be companions to nobility. While they’re not built for endurance activities, they thrive on daily engagement and gentle play. Regular interaction helps prevent boredom-related behaviors such as excessive barking or clinginess.
- Puppy (0–12 months): At this stage, Maltese puppies are playful and inquisitive. Short, gentle walks, socialization, and basic training are beneficial. Mental stimulation, like soft chew toys and beginner puzzle games, can help support their curiosity and build confidence.
- Adult (1–6 years): Adult Maltese dogs benefit from regular indoor play, daily walks, and light games. Though small, they enjoy canine activities such as basic agility or hide-and-seek games. Without enough stimulation, they may become overly dependent or anxious.
- Senior (7+ years): As they age, Maltese dogs may slow down and need more rest. Short strolls, gentle play, or tactile toys can help keep them mobile and engaged. Maintaining a consistent routine helps reduce stress and supports overall well-being.
Nutrition
Maltese need a high-quality diet that aligns with their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). As a small-sized companion breed with moderate activity levels, it’s important to feed them food specifically formulated for toy or small-breed dogs to support their metabolism and avoid unnecessary weight gain.
These diets should include balanced nutrients to maintain coat health, dental hygiene, and a strong immune system. Because Maltese are prone to dental issues and picky appetites, portion control and consistent feeding routines are key. As they age, a diet rich in lean protein, fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants can help support heart health, mobility, and maintain their signature silky coat. Read our “Best Maltese Dog Food Guide” to explore targeted nutrition tips and top food recommendations.
Nutritional Breakdown by Activity Level for Maltese
Common Health Issues
Most Maltese are healthy, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Common health concerns include:
*HGL: Hypoglycemia
*PRA: Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Recommended Health Tests for Maltese:
Proactive health measures, attentive care, and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your Maltese lives a happy and healthy life as your loyal companion.
💡 Due to this breed’s high proclivity to health issues, we recommend getting pet insurance for financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. Check out our best pet insurance guide to find a suitable plan for your pet.
Care Requirements
| Grooming Task | Recommended Frequency | Importance | Tools Needed | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Daily | Prevents mats and tangles, removes loose fur, and promotes healthy skin | Slicker brush, de-shedding tool, grooming mitt | Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Dog Brush (View on Amazon) |
| Bathing | Every 3–4 weeks | Keeps coat clean, reduces odor, and helps control shedding | dog-safe shampoo, conditioner, towel, hair dryer (optional) | OUAI Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo (View on Amazon) |
| Nail Trimming | Every 2–3 weeks | Prevents overgrowth, pain, and potential injury while walking | dog nail clippers, nail grinder, styptic powder | Coastal Pet Safari Nail Clipper (View on Amazon) |
| Ear Cleaning | Every 1–2 weeks | Prevents ear infections, especially in floppy-eared breeds | Ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or pads (no Q-tips) | Zymox Ear Cleanser (View on Amazon) |
| Oral Care (Brushing Teeth) | Daily | Reduces plaque and tartar buildup, prevents gum disease and bad breath | Dog toothbrush, enzymatic toothpaste, dental chews | Greenies Dental Care Chews (View on Amazon) |
Maltese Trainability
Maltese are intelligent, affectionate, and alert companion dogs. While they are eager to please, their sensitive nature and occasional stubborn streak can sometimes make training a delicate process. Consistent, reward-based training that emphasizes gentle praise, treats, and patience works best. Short, positive sessions that build trust and avoid harsh corrections help Maltese stay engaged and cooperative.
When compared to other breeds, Maltese may not require intense obedience drills, but they thrive on calm leadership and repetition. Their charm, combined with early socialization and kind, clear direction, can lead to a well-mannered, loving family member.
Intelligence
According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren (author of The Intelligence of Dogs – View on Amazon), dog intelligence can be broken down into three types:
- Instinctive Intelligence – What a dog is bred to do (herding, guarding, retrieving).
- Adaptive Intelligence – A dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from the environment.
- Working & Obedience Intelligence – How quickly a dog learns commands and obeys them.
IQ Comparison
Maltese are known for their adaptive intelligence and emotional awareness, especially when it comes to reading human cues and responding to household routines. While they may not be standout performers in obedience-based IQ rankings, their cleverness shines in how quickly they learn patterns, adapt to new environments, and bond with their families. Their intelligence makes them well-suited for therapy work, trick training, and as attentive companions.
Maltese may not be the most eager to follow every command immediately, but they are quick to pick up on what earns praise or rewards. Their intelligence leans heavily toward being intuitive, emotionally responsive, and people-oriented—thriving in roles that require trust, companionship, and gentle interaction.
Dog Breed Intelligence Comparison
Breeding
Maltese are cherished for their affectionate nature, graceful appearance, and long, flowing coats. Like many purebred dogs, however, they can be prone to inherited health issues such as luxating patella, collapsed trachea, heart disease, and White Dog Shaker Syndrome. This makes responsible breeding essential. Ethical breeders should conduct genetic screenings and regular veterinary evaluations to reduce the risk of passing on hereditary conditions. Proper spacing between litters is important to protect the health of both the mother and her puppies, and only physically sound, emotionally well-adjusted dogs should be used in breeding programs.
- Age: Maltese should not be bred until they are fully mature—typically around 18 to 24 months old.
- Litter size: A typical Maltese litter includes 2–5 puppies.
- Temperament: Breeding dogs should display steady temperaments—gentle, affectionate, and confident, without signs of anxiety or excessive timidity.
Is The Maltese A Good Family Dog?
If the conditions below align with your lifestyle, personal preferences, and living situation, a Maltese could be a wonderful pet for your family. Otherwise, you may want to consider other breeds.
✅ = Ideal / Strong Match | ⚠️ = Needs Consideration | ❌ = Not Recommended
| Suitability | Category | Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | Family Bonding | 10 | Extremely affectionate and thrives on human companionship. |
| ✅ | Child Friendliness | 8 | Generally good with respectful kids; supervision recommended with toddlers. |
| ✅ | Good With Other Pets | 8 | Friendly with other pets, especially when raised together. |
| ⚠️ | Maintenance Level | 7 | Daily brushing and regular grooming required for long coats. |
| ⚠️ | Monthly Expenses | 7 | Grooming costs can add up; otherwise generally affordable. |
| ✅ | Home Size Compatibility | 10 | Perfect for apartments and small homes due to compact size. |
| ⚠️ | Lifestyle Match | 7 | Ideal for people who are home often or can travel with their dog. |
| ✅ | Trainability | 7 | Smart and eager to please but may have a stubborn streak. |
| ⚠️ | Alone Time Tolerance | 5 | Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. |
| ✅ | Shedding & Drool Level | 3 | Low shedding and drool; considered a clean companion. |
| ✅ | Hypoallergenic | 8 | Low dander and minimal shedding make it allergy-friendly for many. |
| ⚠️ | Protectiveness | 5 | Will bark to alert but not naturally protective or aggressive. |
| ✅ | Mental Stimulation Needs | 7 | Enjoys toys, puzzles, and interactive play with owners. |
| ✅ | Climate Tolerance | 6 | Does best indoors; needs protection from extreme heat or cold. |
| ✅ | Life Expectancy | 9 | Long lifespan of 12–15+ years with proper care. |
| ⚠️ | Barking Level | 8 | Vocal and alert; may bark frequently without training. |
| ✅ | Travel Friendliness | 9 | Small, portable, and well-suited for travel with acclimation. |
| ⚠️ | Potty Training Ease | 5 | May be slow to housebreak; crate training and consistency help. |
Average Score: 7.28 / 10
Annual Cost of Ownership
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Food & Treats | $300 – $500 |
| Routine Vet Care | $300 – $500 |
| Vaccinations & Preventatives | $200 – $400 |
| Pet Insurance | $250 – $500 |
| Grooming | $300 – $700 |
| Training & Socialization | $150 – $300 |
| Toys & Enrichment | $50 – $100 |
| Supplies (bed, bowls, leash, etc.) | $100 – $200 |
| Emergency Vet Fund (recommended) | $300 – $600 |
| Boarding or Pet Sitting | $200 – $400 |
$2,250 – $4,200
Best Places to Get a Maltese
Online marketplaces: For pre-screened, healthy puppies, Pawrade and PuppySpot are recommended resources, offering puppies from reputable U.S. breeders.
Rescue shelters: While Maltese are rarely available at local shelters, opportunities can occasionally arise. Check your local animal shelters or dog rescue organizations for information. Online communities, such as Facebook groups, can also be helpful resources.
Breeders: Finding a reputable Maltese breeder can be challenging due to the complex nature of breeding this large, purebred working dog. Start by searching locally within your state. You may need to travel out of state if local options are unavailable. If purchasing from a breeder further away, consider the possibility of shipping the puppy if pickup is not an option. It’s essential to request medical records and health certifications for both parents. The American Maltese Association’s approved breeder list is a trusted resource for finding ethical breeders.
Avoid breeders who:
- Don’t provide health clearances for both parents
- Don’t allow visits to meet the dogs or see their living conditions
- Have frequent litters with no waiting list
- Emphasize appearance over health and temperament
Sources
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