Maltese

The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds, with a documented history spanning over 2,000 years. Ancient Greek and Roman writers described small white dogs from the island of Malta — Aristotle mentioned them around 370 BC. The breed has been a companion of aristocracy and royalty throughout its history, appearing in paintings, poetry, and literature across centuries.

Unlike most breeds, the Maltese was never a working dog. For its entire recorded history, it has been bred as a companion — a lap dog in the most literal sense. This singular focus on companionship produced a breed that excels at it.

A Consistent Breed

The Maltese has changed relatively little over the centuries. Historical descriptions match modern dogs remarkably well — small, white, with a long silky coat and a lively temperament. The AKC recognized the breed in 1888.

Maltese are lively, playful, and surprisingly spirited for their size. They're more active and animated than their delicate appearance suggests — these are not passive lap warmers (though they enjoy that too).

What Makes Them Great

Maltese are devoted, entertaining, and genuinely affectionate. They form deep bonds with their owners and express it through enthusiastic greetings, playful antics, and a strong desire to be close. Their small size and low-shedding coat make them practical companions for almost any living situation.

What Surprises New Owners

The separation anxiety. Maltese bond intensely and many struggle when left alone. Destructive behavior, excessive barking, and house soiling can result from isolation. They do best in households where someone is home most of the day or when paired with another small dog for companionship.

They can also be snappy when frightened. A Maltese that hasn't been properly socialized may bite when startled by sudden movements or loud noises. Early, gentle socialization prevents this.

Companion Drive

Extremely strong. The Maltese was bred for companionship for 2,000+ years, and it shows. They want to be with their person at all times — following you room to room, sitting on your lap, sleeping in your bed. This is instinct, not just preference.

Alert Barking

Moderate. Maltese alert to doorbells and strangers but are generally less vocal than Chihuahuas or Pomeranians. Demand barking for attention can develop if not managed early.

Prey Drive

Very low. Maltese show minimal interest in chasing. They coexist well with cats and other small pets.

Separation Sensitivity

High. Maltese are prone to separation anxiety. They were never intended to be independent dogs. Providing a companion animal, crate training, and gradual departure practice help manage this.

Puppy (0–6 months)

Maltese puppies are tiny and fragile. Hypoglycemia is a serious risk — frequent small meals are essential. Gentle socialization during this window produces confident adults. Begin grooming routines early so the puppy accepts brushing and face cleaning as normal.

Adolescent (6–12 months)

The coat transitions to adult texture and length. Matting becomes a bigger issue. Mild stubbornness and boundary testing are normal. Consistent training and grooming through this phase prevent lifelong problems.

Adult (1.5–9 years)

Stable, affectionate, and playful. Adult Maltese maintain a puppyish energy well into middle age. Grooming, dental care, and tear stain management are the primary ongoing needs. Weight management matters at this size.

Senior (10+ years)

Heart disease (MVD) is the most common senior concern. Dental deterioration accelerates. Vision and hearing may decline. Despite aging, many Maltese remain lively and engaged into their mid-teens. Twice-yearly vet visits help catch changes early.

The Maltese's health profile is typical of toy breeds: patellar luxation, heart disease, and dental issues are the most common concerns. The breed also carries elevated risk for liver shunts and hypoglycemia, particularly in very small individuals.

White Dog Shaker Syndrome is the breed's most distinctive condition — a neurological disorder causing tremors in small white dogs. While alarming when it first appears, it typically responds well to treatment.

Overall, Maltese are a reasonably healthy breed with good longevity. Dogs from breeders who test for patella, cardiac, and liver conditions tend to have fewer problems. For breeding requirements, see our Health Testing Before Breeding guide.

Exercise

20-30 minutes daily. Short walks and indoor play. Maltese are active for their size but don't need vigorous exercise. They enjoy play sessions and short walks but tire quickly.

Grooming

High maintenance. Full coat: daily brushing, weekly baths, and regular conditioning. Most pet owners choose a puppy clip — trimmed short every 4-6 weeks. Daily face cleaning to manage tear staining is essential regardless of coat length. Dental care (daily brushing) is critical — Maltese teeth deteriorate quickly without it.

Diet

Small, measured meals. Puppies need frequent feeding (every 3-4 hours) to prevent hypoglycemia. Adults do well on 2-3 small meals daily. Avoid table scraps — Maltese have sensitive stomachs and gain weight easily.

Training

Positive reinforcement with food rewards. Maltese are intelligent and learn quickly when motivated. They can be stubborn and may resist training they find boring. House training requires patience and consistency — many Maltese owners use indoor potty options.

Families with Children

Not recommended for families with young children. Maltese are fragile and can be seriously injured by rough handling. Best for adult households or families with gentle older children.

Other Pets

Good with other dogs and cats, especially when raised together. Having a companion dog can help reduce separation anxiety. Supervise interactions with larger dogs — size mismatch creates injury risk.

Apartments vs. Houses

Excellent apartment dogs. Small, low-shedding, moderate barking. They adapt well to any living situation with companionship and climate control.

Not Right for You If...

• You're away from home most of the day
• You don't want grooming and face-cleaning responsibility
• You have toddlers or rough-playing children
• Tear staining bothers you significantly
• You want a low-maintenance, independent dog

Breeding Maltese requires understanding tiny-breed reproduction challenges. Very small litters, fragile newborns, and hypoglycemia risk make the whelping and neonatal period especially demanding.

Health Clearances Before Breeding

OFA patella evaluation and cardiac evaluation are minimum requirements. Eye exams and bile acid testing for liver shunts are also recommended.

Pregnancy & Whelping

Maltese pregnancies average 63 days from ovulation. Litters are typically 1-4 puppies. C-section rates are moderate — small dams and singleton pregnancies can complicate delivery. Newborn Maltese puppies are among the smallest of any breed, typically weighing 60-120 grams (2-4 oz).

At these tiny weights, every gram matters. The Animal Weight Tracker is essential for monitoring, and the Whelping Date Calculator helps plan delivery. See our fading puppy syndrome guide — these tiny newborns are especially vulnerable.

Tear Staining Is a Daily Reality

If a pristine white face matters to you, be prepared for daily cleaning and management. Tear staining is cosmetic but persistent. No miracle product eliminates it completely — daily wiping is the most reliable approach.

Separation Anxiety Is Common

Maltese left alone for 8+ hours daily will likely develop anxiety behaviors. This breed needs companionship. If you work long hours, consider a dog walker, doggy daycare, or a second small dog for company.

They're Tougher Than They Look

Despite their delicate appearance, Maltese have spirited personalities. They're playful, occasionally bossy, and surprisingly brave. Don't underestimate them or exempt them from training because they're small.

Common Reasons Maltese End Up in Rescue

• Grooming became too much work or expense
• Separation anxiety and destructive behavior when left alone
• Owner health or lifestyle change
• Dental costs exceeding expectations

Popularity

The Maltese consistently ranks in the AKC's top 40 breeds. Popularity has been stable, supported by their low-shedding coat and apartment-friendly size.

Price Ranges

From a responsible breeder: $1,500-$3,500. Show-quality: $3,000-$5,000+. "Teacup" premiums are a red flag — no recognized teacup variety exists.

Rescue Rates

Maltese rescues report moderate intake. Most surrendered dogs need grooming rehabilitation and dental work. Once cleaned up, their friendly temperament makes them easy to adopt.

Lifespan Trends

Average lifespan of 12-15 years, with some reaching 16-18. Heart disease is the primary life-limiting condition in seniors. Overall a long-lived, healthy breed for its size.