By Breed
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23 min
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The Maltese may be small, but their personality is anything but! These little dogs are bundles of charm, energy, and affection, all wrapped up in a gorgeous white coat. Known for their sweet nature, they thrive on human companionship and are happiest when snuggled up with their favourite people.
The Maltese’s bright expressions, comforting cuddles, and gentle disposition are also perfect therapy dog traits. From nursing homes to hospitals, these sweet-natured souls can put a smile on almost anyone’s face.
With a long history of being lap dogs to royalty, these dogs are natural-born companions. They adore attention and form strong bonds with their owners, making them wonderfully loyal pets.
Whether it’s performing tricks in the living room or barking at a squirrel outside, the clever and spirited Maltese is usually the focal point of any family.
However, their intense love for their humans means they don’t do well when left alone for long periods. A lonely Maltese might develop separation anxiety, resulting in excessive barking or getting into mischief.
Despite their delicate appearance, Maltese dogs are surprisingly bold and can be fearless in asserting themselves. They’re vigilant watchdogs with a yappy bark, raising the alarm if they sense anything suspicious. They also won’t hesitate to put other dogs (or people) in their place, especially if they feel threatened or they’re an overly pampered pooch. This sassy streak means it’s important not to spoil, baby, or coddle a Maltese by carrying them wherever you go. Whether in your arms or a handbag, this teaches them the world is a scary place, resulting in an insecure dog with a bad attitude.
As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch.
So, if you’re looking for a curious, playful, lively pup to shower with love and affection, the Maltese could be the breed for you.
Cheerful, sweet, and loving
Playful and curious
Gentle and affectionate
Forms deep bonds with owners
Loves being the centre of attention
Thrives in calm, cosy settings
Eager to please
Clever, quick learners
Picks up tricks and commands easily
Can be bold and fearless
Adaptable to apartment living
Energetic but doesn’t need intense exercise
Hates being left alone
Needs lots of grooming
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sweet and cheerful | High maintenance grooming needs |
| Intelligent and quick to learn | Housetraining can take longer than other breeds |
| Hypoallergenic coat | Prone to develop separation anxiety |
| Low exercise needs | Not suitable for very young children |
| Adaptable to different living environments | Fragile body |
| Ideal for first-time owners | Can have a stubborn streak |
Yes, Maltese dogs can be fantastic family companions, especially for quieter households that appreciate their gentle, affectionate nature. They thrive on love and attention, enjoying lots of snuggles in front of the TV. However, while playful and energetic, they prefer calm environments, and aren’t the best fit for noisy homes with young or boisterous children. Their tiny size also means they need careful handling. With their playful spirit and endless charm, Maltese dogs are ideal for families who can provide a peaceful, nurturing atmosphere, where they’ll happily be the centre of attention and your ultimate cuddle buddy.
They’re not generally suited to homes with very young children. Their fragile frame doesn’t take well to rough play, and these dogs demand respect for their boundaries, which little ones might not understand. Young children and toddlers could accidentally hurt a Maltese through no fault of their own, or end up being hurt themselves if a Maltese snaps at them. This breed is better suited to a household with older children or teens who know how to handle dogs with care.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.
Yes, the Maltese is generally friendly with other dogs and cats thanks to their social nature, but early socialisation and proper introductions are key. They might feel intimidated or threatened by large breeds though, which could cause them to act defensively and potentially get hurt. They’re better suited to households with pets of a similar size. While they’re not known to have strong prey drives, they were once considered skilled ratters back in the day, so caution should be taken around small animals like hamsters or pet birds.
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Maltese is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Maltese properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
Fully grown Maltese dogs need around 30 minutes of exercise and mental stimulation a day to stay happy and healthy, but they’d take more if they can get it. Although bred to be a companion, the spritely Maltese has more energy than you might think, enjoying lively walks at the park and fun play sessions with their owner. Think chasing after toys, exploring the back garden, or showing off their zoomies in the living room.
As they’re so small and don’t need much exercise, you can easily turn your home into their personal gym. Hide-and-seek, fetch, and games of tug-of-war are some alternative workout options for rainy days.
Once they’ve stretched their little legs and given the toy box a good seeing to, they’re perfectly content to curl up on the couch.
Training a Maltese can be a highly rewarding and enjoyable experience. They’re super clever, eager to please, and learn quickly – especially when treats are involved. From mastering the basics to performing flashy tricks, the Maltese is a more than capable student, often excelling in mini-agility and obedience.
However, after centuries of being a companion dog, these crafty cuties know how to manipulate people to get what they want, and will sometimes try to wriggle their way out of doing what they’re told. A gentle but firm approach is best to handle this stubborn streak. Housebreaking can also take more effort due to their tiny digestive systems.
Unleash their potential with some fun Maltese training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats – ideal to help prevent dental issues. Just be mindful of how many treats you dispense during training as the calories quickly add up.
2. Be firm but fair. Harsh tones and corrections can dampen the Maltese’s spirit, so they need a gentle but firm hand to ensure they stay motivated.
3. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can cause them to develop unwanted behavioural issues. The Maltese might try to test the limits of what they can get away with, so set boundaries and consistently enforce them, no matter how much they try to sway you.
4. Prioritise potty training. Maltese dogs need consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks, and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them. A covered potty area is also recommended because these little dogs don’t do well in the rain or cold weather.
5. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still crucial, even for the friendly Maltese. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.
6. Keep the barking at bay. The Maltese is an alert little dog, but the barking can get out of hand if it’s not nipped in the bud. Teach them from a young age when it’s okay to bark and when it’s time to stop by gradually exposing them to their barking triggers and rewarding them when they fall silent.
7. Teach them tricks. This breed thrives on attention from its owner, so incorporate tricks such as ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’ into their obedience training and let them take centre stage.
8. Get them used to grooming. Frequently touch them around the ears, legs, undercarriage, mouth, and feet to help them become comfortable with being groomed and handled.
9. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.
A lot! The Maltese is known for its long, silky coat that’s simply stunning, but also high maintenance. Their pure white coat gets matted and dirty easily, and they’re prone to dark tear staining around the eyes. As a single-coated breed, the Maltese dog’s luscious locks don’t stop growing (much like human hair), so you need to be ready for daily brushing and regular trimming if you plan on owning this pooch.
The upside is that they’re very low shedding dogs, making the Maltese hypoallergenic and a paw-fect choice for some allergy sufferers.
Maltese dog haircuts can range from the Maltese show dog style – where their long, flowing locks sweep along the floor – to the more pet-friendly ‘puppy cut’. This option gives you a short-haired Maltese that’s easier to maintain, but still needs plenty of attention.
Here are some grooming tips to ensure your Maltese looks marvellous all year round.
Brush their coat daily to prevent their hair from matting and tangling. Use a pin brush followed by a comb for the best results.
Maltese dogs tend to develop dark red tear stains around their eyes. Keep the hair around their eyes trimmed and clean, and wipe regularly using a soft, damp cloth.
Trim around their groin and rear end so they stay sanitary when going to the toilet.
Trim around their eyes using rounded scissors to ensure their eyes don’t become irritated, or tie their hair in a trendy topknot.
For Malteses with a top knot, this should be taken out daily and brushed through, as leaving in an elastic tie can damage the hair. Make sure it’s not tied too tightly, as this can put pressure on their heads.
Keep your Maltese looking their best with regular professional grooms every 6 to 8 weeks. This will include a bath, haircut, nail trim, and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.
Their bright white coat might get dirty on walks, so bathe regularly using a dog-friendly shampoo. Don’t overdo it though, as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.
Trim their nails every once or twice a month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.
Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!
Do Maltese dogs shed?
The Maltese coat has minimal shed and is considered hypoallergenic, but no dog is completely hypoallergenic. The amount of allergens a dog produces varies between each individual dog.
Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Maltese dog life span is 12–15 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, they’re predisposed to some certain health issues.
Healthy Maltese dogs should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from high platforms too frequently.
Portosystemic Shunt. Maltese dogs can be prone to this liver disorder that deprives the liver of blood, preventing it from growing and functioning properly. Signs usually appear before 2 years old, and include neurological abnormalities, decreased appetite, hypoglycemia, and gastrointestinal issues.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease.
Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.
Syringomyelia (SM). This is an inherited, progressive neurological disease where fluid builds up around the spinal canal due to abnormalities of the skull. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis, and it typically appears between the ages of 6 months and 4 years. Classic signs include scratching the air near their neck and shoulders (but not making contact with the skin), yelping or whimpering for no apparent reason, weakness in the legs, head shaking, and seizures. Medical treatments can help, but surgery may be required to help alleviate the pain.
Hypoglycemia. This is where dogs experience a sudden drop in blood sugar, and is more commonly seen in small breeds and pups under 3 months old. If your dog shows signs such as weakness, lack of appetite, shaking, or seizures, you should seek medical assistance immediately. A low-quality diet or underfeeding is generally attributed to hypoglycemia.
Tracheal Collapse. This condition affects the dog’s windpipe, causing a chronic cough and a reduced ability to exercise. It’s often seen in small dogs, especially those whose lead is attached to just their collar and not a harness. Treatment can include medication, surgery, or both.
White Dog Shaker Syndrome. This primarily affects white dogs, causing body tremors, poor coordination, and rapid eye movements. Episodes typically begin between six months and three years of age, often triggered by stress or excitement. The condition isn’t painful and it doesn’t change their personality. Consult your vet for treatment if you suspect your Maltese has this syndrome.
Dental Issues. Their miniature mouths can lead to overcrowded teeth, or teeth growing in at odd angles, leading to abscesses and infection. Also, tartar and plaque buildup leads to inflammation of the gums, and eventually tooth and bone decay. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.
Feeding your Maltese a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
The amount you feed your Maltese will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity level and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.
A good rule of thumb is to feed your Maltese twice a day, making sure to portion their food out and give at set times. Allowing them to free-feed and graze all day can lead to weight gain, which puts pressure on their joints and internal organs.
The best food for a Maltese dog is one that’s been developed especially for small breeds. The size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for their tiny teeth!
You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
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Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Maltese’s nutritional needs. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet, such as Salmon Oil, to boost their physical and mental health.
Protect their joints
To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t let your Maltese engage in too many high-impact activities. Also, consider feeding a Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing.
Monitor weight
A healthy Maltese dog weight should be 3–4 kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as extra weight on a pooch can reduce their quality of life.
Monitor blood sugar levels
As the Maltese is prone to hypoglycemia, create a plan with your vet to manage their blood sugar levels.
Look after their eyes
Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.
Care for their skin and coat
Dogs with single coats can be susceptible to skin issues, such as itching, inflammation, and allergies. Consider a daily care supplement like our Bionic Biotic, or feed them hypoallergenic dog food. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.
Look after their teeth
The Maltese is prone to dental disease, so a portion of their daily calories should be allotted to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy. Schedule in a professional clean once a year to remove tartar and plaque buildup.
Use a harness
Walking your Maltese using just a collar can lead to tracheal collapse, so always use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
A healthy Maltese should weigh between 3–4 kg, and measure 20–25 cm in height. However, Teacup Maltese dogs are even smaller. They’re not a separate breed, but the term is used to describe a Maltese that’s smaller than the breed standard. They’re the result of two naturally small dogs mating, but a lot of breeders resort to using unethical practices to produce these mini versions, such as breeding runts, incestual pairings, or malnourishing the dogs.
Take a look at the Maltese’s dream home.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of owner? | Child-free individuals and couples, or families with older children, that spend a lot of time at home and can dedicate time to grooming, playing, and training. |
| Outdoor space? | A back garden isn’t essential but they need daily outdoor exercise. Housetraining can also be a problem, so they will need access to a safe place to do their business outside. |
| Adaptability? | They’re highly adaptable to different living environments and can live comfortably in flats. |
| Multi-pet home? | They can live nicely with most other animals if socialised and trained well, but are a better match for similar-sized dogs. |
The unconditional love of a Maltese is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
Maltese puppies can cost anywhere between £600 and £2,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The total monthly cost for owning a Maltese can be as high as £100, depending on food and insurance levels.
Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £30 - £60 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
Insurance costs
As this breed is prone to a few hereditary health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Maltese should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
Get to know the Maltese even more with these interesting tidbits and tales!
The Maltese is a truly ancient breed, likely dating back to the time of the Phoenicians. The ancient Greeks immortalised these dogs in their art, and Aristotle described the Maltese as “perfectly proportioned”.
The Egyptians (and many Europeans centuries later) believed the Maltese could cure diseases, so they’d place one of these dogs on the pillow of a sick person. This still rings true to some extent today, as Maltese dogs are often used in therapy work, spreading happiness to those in need.
In the mid 1800s, UK breeders considered the Maltese to be a fearless dog and skilled ratter, suggesting it should belong to the Terrier group. Others disagreed and thought they were too ‘Spaniel’ like, so in the end they were just referred to as ‘Maltese Dog’.
They’ve had many names over the years, including Melitae Dog, Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta, Roman Ladies Dog, The Comforter, Spaniel Gentle, Maltese Lion Dog, and the Maltese Terrier.
A Maltese dog called Trouble had a net worth of $2 million! When billionaire property tycoon, Leona Helmsley, passed away in 2007, she left $12 million to her pooch in her will. However, a judge deemed this an unnecessary amount to care for a dog, and reduced Trouble’s inheritance to $2 million.
Their stunningly silky coats have been adored for centuries, with Roman noblewomen using these dogs as fashion statements back in the 5th century. They also appear in a lot of Roman culture, including myths and poems.
South Koreans are especially fond of the Maltese, and have actually created their own rare breed called the Korean Maltese dog. Created by crossing the Maltese with other small breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Bichon Frises, it has now been established as a purebred in its own right, sharing the same lineage as the standard Maltese. While Korean Maltese dogs are often smaller than traditional Maltese, they maintain the breed’s signature look and lovable personality.
You can get adorable Maltese cross breeds. The Maltese Poodle cross is called Maltipoo, a Maltese Yorkshire Terrier cross is called a Morkie, a Maltese and a Pomeranian is called a Maltipom, and a Chihuaha Maltese cross is called a Malchi.
The Maltese dog’s history is rich and exciting, just like them! This charming dog is one of the oldest toy breeds, with roots possibly dating back to 1500 B.C, but the exact origin of the Maltese is shrouded in mystery. Many insist they hail from the sunny island of Malta in the Mediterranean, descending from Spitz or Spaniel like breeds, but some think they come from Italy or even Asia.
Wherever they started their life, we know they’ve been adored for millennia, with ancient civilisations like the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians, considering them symbols of wealth and refinement. Tombs and artifacts from ancient Greece and Egypt depict Maltese-like dogs, while poets and philosophers wrote about the dog’s elegance and grace – talk about being an influencer!
In the 14th century, the Maltese made its grand entrance into Britain, quickly becoming a favourite among aristocracy. These pint-sized pups were pampered by royalty and nobility, often seen lounging in laps or being carried around like the treasures they are. They provided warmth, comfort, and joy, and were thought to help heal the sick, which is why they earned the nickname of ‘The Comforter’.
It’s rumoured that Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Queen Victoria were big fans of these bright white dogs. Their regal appeal also caught the eye of European artists during the Renaissance, with Maltese dogs featuring in portraits as the ultimate status symbol.
Despite their dainty appearance, Maltese dogs have always been bold and playful, qualities that have enamoured dog lovers everywhere. Today, they remain one of the most beloved toy breeds, prized for their affectionate nature and timeless beauty.
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Maltese.
1. Research the breed. Maltese dogs need regular grooming and can’t be left alone for too long, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Maltese puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on the Maltese and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.
When adopting a Maltese, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Maltese dogs in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
The Maltese is just one of many Toy dog breeds that are small and cute. Take our quiz to see if you’re better suited to a different pooch.
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