Maltese have existed for centuries solely to be pampered pooches in their (typically regal) owners’ laps. With their charming looks, including a show-stopping floor-length white coat, these toy dogs are playful, adaptable, affectionate, easy going and very sweet. They’ve never met a human they don’t fall in love with and they’re surprisingly great with other animals, especially cats.
Braver than they appear, you’ll need to watch out for rough handling from small children and larger animals that can damage these delicate dogs. They’re happiest hanging out at home with you rather than exploring the great outdoors, tramping or running - their energy and exercise needs are really low. Instead, you’ll invest time in keeping their coat in tip-top shape.
Maltese Facts
Toy dogs, Maltese weigh less than 3kg and stand a maximum of 23cm tall. Known for their distinctive long white coats, you’ll swap daily sweat sessions together with pampering ones as you brush and groom their fur. Playful and elegant, these low-shedding dogs will quickly earn a place in your lap (and heart).
- Breed Group: Toy
- Height: Female: 18-23cm, Male: 18-23cm
- Weight: Female: under 3kg, Male: under 3kg
- Life Span: 12-15 years
- Coat: Long
- Colour: White
What Does a Maltese Look Like?
You’ll know a Maltese straight away by their distinctive, floor-length white fur. Classed as a toy dog, these tiny pups proudly wear silky smooth, all-white coats out of which peek large, dark, round eyes. These friendly peepers sit above a gorgeous gumdrop nose. Their show-stopping coats don’t shed much, but they will need daily brushes and weekly deeper grooms to keep them looking their best.
Although not runners, or known for their speed, their compact bodies move effortlessly and elegantly, helping you understand why they’ve lived in the lap of luxury - they’re particular favourites of the aristocracy - for centuries.
Maltese
Maltese Temperament: Lap Lover
If you’re looking for a devoted dog companion that’s happiest curled up in your lap and sticking by your side, you’ve found it. Maltese dogs love their people. Known for being gentle, sweet, friendly, easy going and playful, they charm every human they meet.
They charm most animals too, especially cats because they’re about the same size as them. Their fearless natures belie their tiny stature and fragility. Keep an eye on them around young children and other animals as they’re at risk of being hurt by rough play.
Because of their intense bond with their humans, they can feel anxious if they’re left alone for long. This can lead to them barking, especially if they’re bored or worried. We’re not talking about the odd bark - Maltese dogs can be persistent barkers which might not please your neighbours. Yet good training and socialisation can help familiarise them with noise and reduce their need to bark.
It’s best to pop them into doggy daycare or have someone drop in and spend some time with them if you’re going to work outside the home. Maltese dogs fit in perfectly in lots of different homes, including apartments, solo pet parents and families with older children. Although quieter homes where the risk of them being hurt by small children, people or other pets can work best.
Keeping Maltese Healthy: 7 Issues to Watch Out For
Although they look delicate, Maltese dogs are actually a really healthy breed with a long life span.
Tear Stains
They’re not more prone to tear stains than other breeds, it’s just that it’s far more noticeable in them thanks to their pure white coats. If daily cleaning doesn’t get on top of the tearing up, contact your vet who will check them for allergies or eye problems.
Teeth Issues
As a toy dog, Maltese have less room in their mouth for all their teeth. This can cause overcrowding and other dental issues. Keep their smiles healthy with daily toothbrushing and yearly professional cleans by your vet.
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Maltese are at risk of White Dog Shaker Syndrome. This is when they develop tremors when they’re between 1 and 2 years old. These tremors can be mild or severe and can get worse when they’re over-excited. They can normally be treated with medication.
Liver / Hepatic Shunt
This congenital issue affects the liver and is a problem with the vein that carries blood out and into the liver. It can cause toxins to build up in their body. If your Maltese has it, they might suffer from head pressing, poor growth or seizures. It can be treated with surgery.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Maltese are at risk of Patent Ductus Arteriosus, a genetic condition that results in a blood vessel near the heart not closing completely when they’re born. Untreated, it can lead to heart failure. But surgery is an option. Your vet will check your pup’s heart at their yearly check-up and listen for sounds of a heart murmur, as this is normally the first sign.
Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis
Toy dog breeds can suffer from Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis (GME), a serious disease of the brain that affects the nervous system. It can cause things like blindness, seizures and behaviour changes. It’s important that it's diagnosed early and it can be treated with medication.
Breathing Problems
Some lung problems Maltese can commonly experience are a collapsed trachea and reverse sneezing. They have similar symptoms - your dog will sound like a duck quack or goose honk or they might gasp, wheeze or snort. A collapsed trachea usually needs surgery to fix but reverse sneezing is harmless although it can be scary to watch the first few times it happens!
Caring for Your Maltese Dog
Born to snuggle in your lap, Maltese dogs don’t have extensive exercise or training needs - as long as they’re with you as much as possible, they’ll be happy. Their stunning all-white coat needs more grooming than other dogs though - think of it as even more quality time together.
Grooming:
Brush and comb your Maltese dog’s coat every day to help prevent tangles and knots and to brush out any surface dirt. Once a week, treat them to a slicker brush. This gets deeper into their coat and gets rid of any dirt.
A bath every four to six weeks with shampoo that’s designed especially for white dog coats can help it look its dazzling best. When their nails are soft after their bath, it’s the perfect time to give them a quick trim.
As well as a daily brush, you’ll need to wipe their eyes daily too - tear stains can be really obvious on their all-white coats. If you’re finding tear-staining is a problem with your Maltese, have a chat with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
Your final daily task is a thorough teeth clean - Maltese dogs are prone to dental disease. Daily toothbrushing can help ward off tartar and plaque and avoid costly vet bills. You can also incorporate dental treats to support their dental health.
Nutrition:
Your Maltese will happily chow down on high-quality dog food that’s tailored to their life stage (puppy, adult or senior) or you can feed them Royal Canin Maltese dry dog food. Getting them to eat biscuits / kibble is good for their teeth, as it helps slough off any tartar or plaque. Daily treats can help with training but remember they count towards their daily calorie intake and can quickly add up. You can opt for a natural or low calorie treat instead. Make games of treats with interactive treat toys that’ll mentally stimulate them as they try to get their paws on the goodness.
Maltese dogs do well when they have a routine for feeding and toileting. So, rather than leaving food out all day for them to nibble on, feed them at set times in the morning and evening.
Exercise:
Although they’re energetic and playful, Maltese don’t need much exercise. A daily neighbourhood stroll will keep them happy and healthy - aim for 20-30 minutes, tops. They can even cope with an outdoor play session in the garden or inside every day if a daily walk isn’t an option.
Keep things interesting by switching up their daily exercise, from walks to indoor play sessions to a gentle game of fetch - you won’t be impressed by their speed but you will be impressed by the devotion to returning the ball to you, every time. Puzzle toys are a great low-energy way to keep them mentally stimulated too.
Training
With their intelligence and eagerness to please, Maltese respond well to training, especially when positive reinforcement is in play (when they get treats and praise for being good). Used to being companion dogs for centuries, Maltese are great at getting what they want from their humans. Avoid being suckered into their demands (they can be surprisingly stubborn and determined for such tiny dogs) by being consistent with their training.
Some Maltese love learning tricks and taking part in dog sports, while others have no interest beyond tucking up in your cosy lap. It’s a good idea to start training and socialisation early, especially when it comes to curbing their barking tendencies.