MalteseAncient silky-coated Mediterranean lapdog

History and Origin

Small white dogs resembling the Maltese appear in ancient Greek and Roman art and writing, and the breed has long been linked to the island of Malta, an important trading hub. Roman ladies and later European aristocrats prized these dogs as companions, and they were often given as gifts between noble families.

The FCI lists the breed's origin as the central Mediterranean, with Italy responsible for the standard. The Maltese was known in Britain by the Tudor period and appeared at early dog shows in the 1800s. The AKC recognized the breed in 1888.

Size, Coat and Color

The Maltese is a toy breed with a compact, square body covered from head to foot by a long, flat, silky white coat. Adults typically weigh 4 to 7 lb and stand about 7 to 9 inches at the shoulder. The AKC standard calls for under 7 lb, with 4 to 6 lb preferred, while some European dogs run slightly heavier. Males and females look very similar; males may be a little more solid in head and body.

The head is slightly rounded with a medium-length muzzle, dark round eyes and black eye rims and nose. The tail is plumed and carried over the back.

The coat is a single layer with no undercoat. It hangs straight, should feel silky rather than woolly or curly, and in show dogs reaches the floor. Most pet owners keep a short puppy cut instead.

Pure white is the only color allowed. A light tan or lemon tinge on the ears is tolerated in the AKC standard but not desired. Black pigment on the nose, lips and eye rims is important; seasonal fading of the nose, sometimes called snow nose, can occur.

Temperament and Personality

Maltese are lively, affectionate and playful. They enjoy being close to their owners and often follow them from room to room. Many are friendly with people they know but can be reserved with strangers, and they will bark to alert.

They generally get along with other pets. With children, they do best with gentle, older kids, as they are small and easily injured. Some become sensitive or snappy if handled roughly, so teach children to sit on the floor when holding the dog.

Despite its delicate look, the Maltese is often bold and playful, enjoying games of chase indoors and short bursts of zoomies. It can cope with short absences once trained but is happiest in homes where someone is around for much of the day.

Are Maltese Good for First-Time Owners?

Yes, in many cases. The Maltese is affectionate, people-focused and responds well to gentle, reward-based training, and its small size makes it physically easy to manage.

First-time owners should be ready for three things. Grooming is a real commitment: daily or near-daily brushing for longer coats, or a professional trim every four to six weeks. House training can take months, so plan for consistency, frequent trips outside and possibly an indoor potty area. And the dog is fragile: falls from sofas, being stepped on or dropped by children cause injuries. Owners who handle these basics usually find the Maltese an easy, rewarding first dog.

Can Maltese Be Left Alone?

A trained adult Maltese can usually manage a few hours alone, but it is a companion breed that prefers having someone home. Long, daily absences often lead to barking, whining or house-soiling.

Build independence gradually from puppyhood: short absences, a safe pen or small room, a comfortable bed and a food puzzle. Because tiny puppies can develop low blood sugar if meals are missed, very young Maltese should not be left for long stretches. Retirees, remote workers and households where someone comes home at lunch are the best fit. Many Maltese also travel easily, which reduces how often they need to be left behind.

Are Maltese Hard to Potty Train?

They are among the slower toy breeds to house train, though not impossible. A small bladder, a dislike of cold or wet weather and accidents that are easy to miss on carpets all slow progress.

What works best:

• Take the puppy out after every meal, nap and play session, and on a fixed schedule.
• Reward immediately outside, in the same spot each time.
• Use a crate or pen when you cannot supervise.
• Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner so the dog is not drawn back.

Many owners also teach a reliable indoor option, such as a pee pad or litter tray, for bad weather or high-rise living. Expect several months of consistency.

Exercise and Training

A Maltese needs modest exercise: two short walks and indoor play, about 30 to 45 minutes in total. Many enjoy trick training, short retrieving games and gentle agility. Protect them from cold and wet weather, and use a harness on walks to reduce pressure on the neck.

Training goes well with gentle, reward-based methods. House training can be slow, so be consistent and take the dog out often. Early socialization prevents nervous barking at visitors and noises.

Grooming and Shedding

The long, silky white coat has no undercoat and sheds little, but it tangles easily. Show-length coats need daily brushing and frequent baths; most pet owners keep a shorter puppy cut that needs brushing every few days and a trim every four to six weeks. Clean around the eyes daily to reduce tear staining, and brush teeth often, since dental disease is common in the breed.

Feeding and Nutrition

Feeding a Maltese starts with its size. Very small puppies have little fat to draw on and can develop low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if meals are skipped, especially when stressed. Feed puppies three to four small meals a day and keep regular times; signs such as weakness, trembling or wobbliness need a vet promptly.

Adults usually do well on two meals a day. Choose a small-kibble food so the dog chews rather than swallows, and weigh portions precisely: a few extra pieces matter in a 5 lb dog. Extra weight puts strain on the knees, a common weak point in the breed.

• Dental disease is very common, so pair feeding with daily tooth brushing and vet-approved dental chews counted in the daily food.
• Use tiny, low-fat treats and break them into pieces.
• Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls and wipe the face after meals to keep the white coat clean.

If your Maltese has a portosystemic shunt or another diagnosed condition, follow your veterinarian's dietary plan rather than general advice.

Estimates use the resting energy formula veterinarians work with (70 × body weight in kg^0.75) and standard activity factors. Use the feeding guide on your food as a starting point and adjust to body condition. Puppies, seniors, pregnant animals and pets that need to lose weight have different needs, so ask your vet.

Health and Lifespan

Common problems in the Maltese include luxating patellas, dental disease, portosystemic shunt (an abnormal blood vessel that bypasses the liver), heart conditions, hydrocephalus, cataracts and Chiari-like malformation with syringomyelia, which is linked to skull shape in small breeds. Many of these issues relate to very small size, so avoid breeders who promote extremely tiny dogs.

Ask breeders about patella checks, heart screening and eye exams, and schedule regular dental cleanings with your vet. Maltese usually live 12 to 15 years.

Maltese Price and Cost of Ownership

Typical breeder price in the US$1,500 to $3,500

A Maltese puppy from a reputable US breeder typically costs about $1,500 to $3,500. Prices vary by breeder, region and lines. Be cautious with sellers advertising teacup or micro Maltese at premium prices: extreme smallness is linked to health problems rather than added value.

Small-breed rescues frequently have Maltese and Maltese mixes, including seniors that make calm companions.

Ongoing cost drivers for this breed include:

• Professional grooming every four to six weeks for most pet owners
• Dental cleanings under anesthesia, often needed regularly
• Screening and possible treatment for luxating patellas or liver shunt
• Small-dog clothing and harnesses for cold weather and safe walks
• Pet insurance, which is worth comparing for dental coverage

Is the Maltese Right for You?

The Maltese suits apartment dwellers, seniors and families with older children who want an affectionate, low-shedding companion. It adapts well to small homes and short walks and enjoys traveling with its owners.

It is not ideal for homes with toddlers or for owners who dislike regular grooming. People with allergies often find it easier to live with than heavy shedders, though no dog is fully allergen-free.

Budget for professional grooming every month or two unless you learn to trim at home, and for regular dental care, which is one of the most common veterinary costs for small companion breeds.