Maltese
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Find Maltese BreedersGet to Know Malteses
- Ancient Lineage: The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds, with a history that dates back over 2,000 years. They were highly prized by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians for their beauty and companionship.
- Luxurious Coat: Maltese dogs are known for their long, flowing white coat, which gives them a regal appearance. Despite their luxurious coat, they are relatively low-shedding but require regular grooming to maintain their appearance.
- Gentle and Playful: Maltese are gentle and playful dogs that make excellent companions for people of all ages. They are known for their affectionate nature and often form strong bonds with their owners.
- Compact and Portable: Maltese are small dogs, typically weighing between 4 to 7 pounds, making them highly portable. Their small size and adaptable nature make them ideal for apartment living.
- Historically Favored by Aristocracy: Maltese dogs were favored by European royalty and aristocracy for centuries. They were often seen as symbols of wealth and luxury, and they frequently appeared in artworks and literature.
Breed History
The Maltese is an ancient toy breed that has been beloved for centuries. Originating in the Mediterranean, particularly on the island of Malta, the Maltese is thought to have descended from dogs brought to the island by Phoenician traders over 2,500 years ago. The breed was likely developed from smaller versions of the Bichon family, resulting in its elegant, white, and silky coat. Maltese were initially bred as companions for nobility, and their affectionate nature and charm made them favorites of royal courts throughout history. Today, the Maltese continues to be a popular companion dog, admired for its graceful appearance and lively personality.
Personality and Behaviour
- Affectionate and Loyal: The Maltese is a loving and loyal companion who forms strong bonds with their owners. They thrive on human interaction and enjoy being the center of attention. Maltese dogs are known for their devotion and can be quite protective of their family, making them excellent watchdogs despite their size.
- Intelligent and Alert: Maltese dogs are intelligent and quick learners. They enjoy mental stimulation and can excel in obedience training, tricks, and agility. Their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs, and they are always on the lookout for new experiences and visitors.
- Spirited and Playful: Despite their small size, Maltese dogs have a spirited and playful personality. They love to entertain their families with playful antics and enjoy interactive games. Their playful nature makes them great companions for active seniors or singles who can provide plenty of attention and playtime.
Care
- Exercise: Maltese dogs have moderate exercise needs. They enjoy short walks and playtime indoors or in a secure yard. Their small size makes them adaptable to apartment living, but they still require daily physical activity to stay fit and prevent boredom. They enjoy interactive toys and short training sessions to keep their minds engaged.
- Grooming: The Maltese has a long, flowing, and silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Daily brushing is recommended to keep their coat free of knots and maintain a healthy shine. Maltese are prone to tear staining, so regular cleaning around the eyes and a diet free of artificial coloring can help manage this issue. Routine grooming also includes regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care.
- Training and Socialization: Training a Maltese requires patience and positive reinforcement methods. They can be independent and a bit stubborn, so gentle, consistent training is essential. Early socialization is important to help them develop good manners and confidence around new people, animals, and environments. Maltese dogs should be exposed to a variety of experiences to prevent fearfulness or aggression later in life.
Maltese Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Maltese Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Congenital Cardiac Exam. Advanced Cardiac Exam. Basic Cardiac Exam. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. |
| Serum Bile Acid Test | it is recommended that Paired Serum Bile Acid levels be done as an indicator test for liver shunt and microvascular dysplasia (MVD). |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Maltese Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Maltese is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Maltese
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Maltese puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Maltese, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Maltese is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
