Maltese

Is a Maltese right for you?

The Maltese has been a treasured lapdog for over two thousand years, and the job description hasn't changed: be beautiful, be devoted, be carried. Under the silky white coat is a playful, surprisingly bold little companion that lives for its person.

At 4–8 pounds, fragility is real: toddlers, big dogs, and even jumps off furniture pose genuine risks. The coat is low-shedding (good for allergies) but high-maintenance, and like most toys, Maltese take patience to housetrain.

Best for: Singles, seniors, adults and families with older children, apartment living, allergy-conscious homes wanting a true lapdog.

Think twice if: You have toddlers or boisterous large dogs, need a dog that handles alone-time well, or want anything resembling ruggedness.

Temperament & Personality

• Deeply attached to their person — classic velcro lapdog
• Lively and playful; fearless beyond their size (monitor this around big dogs)
• Gentle and trusting with familiar people
• Alert barker despite the size
• Prone to separation anxiety
• Sweet but can become tyrants if never told no — spoiling has consequences

Exercise & Training

Two short walks plus indoor play meets a Maltese's needs — 30 minutes total is fine. They enjoy more if offered, in good weather. A harness, never a collar, protects the delicate trachea. Indoor potty options help in extreme weather.

Grooming

Show coats need daily brushing to the skin; most pet owners choose a 'puppy cut' (pro groom every 4–6 weeks) with 2–3x weekly brushing between. Daily face washing and eye-wiping controls tear staining on the white coat. Dental care is critical — toy breeds lose teeth early without it.

Health & Lifespan

• Average lifespan: 12–15 years
• Common issues: dental disease (the big one), patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, hypoglycemia in puppies
• Brush teeth daily; schedule professional dentals
• Use harnesses only; keep them off high furniture or use ramps