Maltese

About the Maltese

The Maltese is an ancient toy breed prized for over two thousand years as a glamorous, affectionate companion. With its flowing pure-white coat and dark, expressive eyes, the Maltese has been a favorite of nobility and royalty since the days of ancient Greece and Rome. Named for the Mediterranean island of Malta, this tiny dog was bred for one purpose — companionship — and it has been perfecting the art of being a beloved lapdog ever since.

Despite its delicate, elegant appearance, the Maltese is playful, spirited, and surprisingly bold. These little dogs bond intensely with their people and thrive on affection and attention. They're gentle and loving, wonderful for apartment living, and their silky, low-shedding coat makes them a popular choice for allergy-conscious owners. That signature white coat is the breed's crowning glory — and its main commitment.

Breed at a Glance

Coat Color

The Maltese wears one signature coat: pure, gleaming white. The long, silky, single-layered coat hangs straight to the floor when grown out, though many pet owners keep it in a short, easy-care "puppy cut." Slight lemon or tan shading on the ears is sometimes seen but not preferred.

Temperament & Personality

Maltese are affectionate, playful, and lively — gentle lapdogs with a surprisingly bold streak. They bond deeply with their people and love to be close, whether on a lap or following you around the house. Bright and eager to please, they're quite trainable, and their alert nature makes them good little watchdogs. Like most companion breeds, they don't like being left alone and thrive on attention.

• Affectionate and devoted — a true companion lapdog.
• Playful, lively, and surprisingly bold for their tiny size.
• Bright and eager to please; responsive to gentle training.
• Alert little watchdogs; they crave company and dislike being alone.

Exercise & Enrichment Needs

Maltese have modest exercise needs, most of which can be met indoors — but they still enjoy activity and mental engagement.

• Short daily walks — a gentle stroll satisfies their exercise needs.
• Indoor play — games and toys keep them happy in a small space.
• Training & tricks — their clever minds enjoy a challenge.
• Gentle supervision — tiny and delicate, they need protection from falls and rough play.

Grooming & Care

That flowing white coat is the Maltese's signature — and its biggest commitment. Whether kept long or trimmed short, it needs consistent care.

• Brush daily if kept in a long coat to prevent mats; a "puppy cut" reduces the workload.
• Bathe regularly to keep the white coat clean and bright.
• Clean the eye area daily to minimize tear staining, common in the breed.
• Prioritize dental care — small breeds are highly prone to dental disease — and keep nails trimmed.

Health Considerations

Maltese are generally long-lived, but their tiny size brings some specific concerns. Attentive care helps them thrive.

• Dental disease — very common in toy breeds; regular brushing and cleanings are essential.
• Patellar luxation & collapsing trachea — knee and windpipe issues seen in small dogs; use a harness rather than a collar.
• Hypoglycemia — low blood sugar can affect very small or young Maltese.
• Portosystemic shunt & tear staining — a liver condition and cosmetic eye staining both occur in the breed.

Is a Maltese Right for You?

Maltese are affectionate, elegant, allergy-friendly companions — ideal for those who want a devoted lapdog and can commit to grooming and gentle care.

A Maltese may be perfect if you…

• Want an affectionate companion suited to apartment living.
• Need a low-shedding breed for allergies or a cleaner home.
• Can commit to regular grooming and gentle handling.

Think twice if you…

• Have very young children who might handle a fragile dog too roughly.
• Don't have time or budget for coat maintenance and small-breed dental care.
• Are away from home for long hours — they dislike being alone.