Maltese
A soft white lapdog who wants you home most of the day
- Group
- Toy
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 4 to 7 lb
- Height
- 7 to 9 in
- Lifespan
- 12 to 15 years
- Coat
- Long
- Origin
- Mediterranean (Malta and Italy)
- Puppy price
- $1,500 to $4,000
- Monthly cost
- $100 to $220 a month
Prices are rough US ranges and vary a lot by region.
Good for
Watch out
The ten scores
higher is easier to live with higher means more work, noise or cost. All scores 1 to 5.
What living with a Maltese is like
Picture the Maltese you have seen at dog shows, with a white coat sweeping the floor. Now know that most pet owners never keep it like that. They ask a groomer for a short puppy cut and get on with life. Even short, the coat needs a comb most days, and white hair shows every bit of mud and tear stain. Plenty of owners learn a quick tidy at home between visits, and the dog soon figures out that grooming time comes with treats.
The harder part is time. A Maltese wants a person nearby, and many get anxious when the house goes quiet for hours. Some cry, some chew, some bark until you come back. A home that sits empty all day is a hard place for this breed, and a sitter or daycare may need to be part of the budget.
Give it company, though, and you get a gentle, playful little dog that fits into a studio flat or a retirement condo without fuss. It enjoys a brisk walk, then a nap on your lap. It warms up to visitors once it knows them. Kids who sit on the floor and play softly can be great friends with one. Still, a 6 lb dog is easy to hurt, so busy homes with toddlers need care. It sheds very little because there is no undercoat, though no dog is allergy-proof.
Care basics
Exercise
One brisk walk of 20 to 30 minutes a day, plus play indoors, covers it. A Maltese likes a game of fetch down the hallway more than a long hike. In cold or wet weather, a short outing and some indoor games are fine. Watch for limping after jumps off the sofa.
Grooming
In a long coat, brush daily with a pin brush and comb to stop mats. Most owners choose a short trim every four to six weeks instead. Wipe under the eyes each day to limit staining, and keep the hair near the eyes trimmed so it does not poke them. Brush the teeth often.
Training
Maltese are clever but sensitive. Harsh words shut them down, so keep lessons short and full of rewards. Start alone time practice early: leave for a minute, come back calmly, and build up slowly. Potty training takes patience, and taking it out after meals and naps works best.
Feeding
Ask your vet for a target weight, then measure meals with a kitchen scale rather than a scoop. Most adults eat two or three small meals a day. Puppies should not skip meals, because tiny dogs can get low blood sugar. Count treats as part of the day's food, not on top of it.
Health checks
Yearly eye checks are a good habit for this breed. Ask your vet to look at teeth and knees at each visit. Tell them about any trembling or shaking spells. Your vet can tell you what to screen for as your dog ages.
Home setup
A Maltese does well in small spaces. It needs a soft bed, rugs on slick floors, and steps up to the couch if you allow it there. It does not handle heat or cold for long, so keep outings short in harsh weather. Most of all, it needs someone home often.
Health conditions common in the breed
| Condition | What to know |
|---|---|
| Dental disease | Small jaws mean crowded teeth, which trap plaque. Daily brushing and vet cleanings help keep the mouth healthy. |
| Liver shunt | A portosystemic shunt sends blood around the liver instead of through it. It is usually present from birth, and signs can include poor growth or odd behavior after meals. |
| White dog shaker syndrome | Seen mostly in small white breeds, this causes whole body tremors. It is treatable, so see your vet if your dog starts shaking. |
Not every Maltese will have these. Your vet can tell you what to screen for and when.
Common behaviour questions
Why does my Maltese howl as soon as I leave?
This breed bonds hard and often panics when alone. Practice tiny departures, hand over a food puzzle as you go, and keep returns calm. If it does not ease, talk to your vet or a behaviorist.
My Maltese has red-brown marks under its eyes. Did I do something wrong?
No. Tear staining is common in white dogs. Wiping daily and trimming hair near the eyes helps, and your vet can check for blocked tear ducts.
Why does my Maltese snap when I brush its legs?
Mats pull, and legs are tender. Brush in short sessions with treats, and loosen knots with your fingers first. A shorter trim may make life easier for both of you.
FAQ
Is a Maltese good for someone with allergies?
It sheds very little because it has no undercoat, and some people with mild allergies do fine. Still, no dog is allergy-proof, so spend time with one before you decide.
Should I look for a teacup Maltese?
Be careful. Breeding for extra small size is not healthy, and very tiny dogs often have more problems. A normal Maltese is already under 7 lb.
Can a Maltese live with a bigger dog?
Often yes, if the bigger dog is gentle. Supervise play, since one rough paw can hurt a dog this small.
Not veterinary advice. Breed traits are averages and every dog is an individual. Talk to your vet about your own dog's health.
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Maltese_dog
- chewy.com /education/dog-breeds/maltese
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