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Dog Breed
Maltese
Friendly • Playful • Calm
The Maltese is a silky-white lapdog with a sweet, playful spirit and a cloud-soft coat. Gentle, devoted and endlessly charming, the Maltese has been a beloved companion for thousands of years.
- Origin
- Malta
- Size
- Small
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Energy
- Low
- Height
- 20–25 cm
- Weight
- 2–4 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Energy
- Low
- Shedding
- Low
- Grooming
- High
- Trainability
- Medium
- Size
- Small
Maltese Overview
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world, with roots tracing back more than two thousand years to the Mediterranean island of Malta. Ancient Greeks and Romans treasured these little white dogs as symbols of refinement, and poets wrote verses about them. Through the centuries the Maltese has remained a devoted lapdog — small in size, grand in personality.
Maltese are gentle, playful and remarkably affectionate. They bond intensely with their people and are happiest curled up beside them or in their lap. They are smart and trainable, though their small size and delicate build mean they are best suited to older children and adults. Despite their dainty appearance, Maltese are brave little dogs with a surprisingly confident attitude.
The Maltese's long, silky white coat is its crowning glory — and its biggest commitment. Daily brushing prevents painful matting, and many owners keep the coat short for easier care. They are low-shedding, which suits allergy-conscious homes. With daily walks, regular grooming and plenty of cuddles, the Maltese is a sweet, devoted companion for the right household.
Appearance
What this breed looks like and how to recognize it.
- Coat
- Long, silky, straight single coat
- Build
- Tiny, elegant and compact
- Color
- Pure white (light ivory accepted)
- Features
- Large, dark expressive eyes and a black nose
Temperament
Typical personality traits at a glance.
- Friendliness5 / 5
- Trainability4 / 5
- Energy2 / 5
- Social4 / 5
- Independence2 / 5
These are editorial guidance indicators based on typical breed traits, not scientific measurements. Individual dogs vary.
Exercise Needs
How much activity this breed needs to stay happy and healthy.
Daily Exercise
30 minutes of daily exercise — short walks and indoor play
Mental Stimulation
Trick training, puzzle toys and games
Outdoor Activities
Short walks · Indoor fetch and play · Lap-time and social outings
Training
An honest look at how this breed learns.
Training Difficulty
Easy to moderate — smart, but small-dog stubbornness appears
Best Approach
Positive reinforcement with treats and patience
Common Challenges
- House training — small bladders need frequent breaks
- Small-dog syndrome without consistent rules
- Barking at unfamiliar sounds
01
Be consistent
Treat the Maltese like a dog, not a toy, and rules stick.
02
Brush every day
Daily brushing prevents painful mats in the silky coat.
03
Socialize early
Confident Maltese enjoy the world; shy ones bark at it.
04
Protect the knees
Use ramps instead of letting them jump from furniture.
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance routines.
- Frequency
- Daily brushing; professional grooming every 3–4 weeks
- Brushing
- Brush daily to prevent matting in the long silky coat
- Bathing
- Bathe every 2–3 weeks to keep the white coat bright
- Nail Care
- Trim nails every 2–3 weeks
- Ear Care
- Clean ears weekly — the floppy ears trap moisture
Feeding
General feeding guidance — always tailored to your individual dog.
Portions
0.25–0.5 cups of quality dry food daily, split into two meals
Schedule
Two meals a day — and brush teeth regularly
Feeding needs vary by age, size, activity and individual health. Consult a veterinarian for individualized feeding guidance.
Health
Common health considerations to be aware of.
- Patellar luxation
- Dental disease — tiny mouths crowd teeth
- Eye conditions — tear staining and glaucoma
- White shaker syndrome (inflammation of the nervous system)
This is educational information only. For any health concern, consult a qualified veterinarian. This information is educational only — it is not a diagnosis or treatment plan.
Is This Breed Right For You?
Check typical traits against your household.
Select the criteria that matter for your home, and we will show how typical Maltese traits line up. This is friendly editorial guidance, not a scientific or medical assessment.
Pros & Considerations
Why People Love This Breed
- Sweet, gentle and devoted
- Low-shedding coat
- Perfect size for apartments
- Long lifespan (12–15 years)
- Adaptable and easy to love
Things To Consider
- Daily grooming is essential
- Fragile — not suitable for homes with toddlers
- Prone to dental and knee issues
- Can be yappy without training
- Sensitive to cold and rough handling
Frequently Asked Questions
Honest answers about Maltese, including the FAQ schema on this page.
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Dog Training Basics
Positive, reward-based training foundations that work for every breed. Tips that matter for Maltese owners.
6 min readEveryday Dog Care
Daily routines for feeding, exercise, safety and a happy home. Tips that matter for Maltese owners.
7 min readUnderstanding Dog Behavior
Why dogs do what they do — body language, instincts and quirks. Tips that matter for Maltese owners.
5 min readTest Your Dog Knowledge
Playful quizzes that teach as you go — fun for the whole family. Tips that matter for Maltese owners.
5 min quizComments
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