Maltese
Complete Breed Guide
"Goldilocks wishes she had hair as good as mine!"
Quick Facts About Malteses
Toy
4–7 lbs
7–9"
Yes
Based on current listing prices on Puppies.com. Results may vary.
Overview
The Maltese is one of Europe's oldest toy breeds, beloved for centuries for their silky white coat, expressive dark eyes, and warm, sociable personality. Lively, friendly, and eager to please, Maltese make devoted companions who get along beautifully with people and other pets alike.
The Maltese is the oldest toy breed in Europe, with roots tracing back to the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, from which they take their name. Elegant and expressive, the Maltese is instantly recognizable by their flowing white coat, domed skull, round dark eyes framed by a distinctive dark halo, wide black nose, and low ears covered in long silky hair. Some Maltese develop a winter nose, a natural lightening of the nose color to pink during cooler months that returns to its darker shade in summer, though in older dogs the change can become permanent. Their striking appearance has made them a longtime favorite in the show ring. Beyond their looks, the Maltese is a spirited and sociable companion with a personality that belies their small size. Fearless, friendly, and eager to learn, they bring a lively energy to daily life that can surprise new owners who expect a quiet lapdog. Maltese are true social butterflies who warm up to strangers with time and interaction and befriend other dogs and cats with ease, including breeds much larger than themselves. For the right owner, the Maltese is a devoted, joyful, and endlessly charming companion who brings elegance and energy in equal measure.
Temperament and Behavior
Maltese are friendly, energetic, fearless dogs who love to play. They don’t bark at random things, but they will alert their owners to anything they deem suspicious, making them great watchdogs. The Maltese loves to cuddle and does not shed, which is easy on both your allergies and your wardrobe. They do need watched in hot or cold weather since they don’t adjust easily to either. They're generally sensitive pups, so encouragement should be used during training rather than lashing out harshly.
Coat & Grooming
Maltese have a distinctive long, white, silky coat with no undercoat. Some may have cream or lemon-colored ears. They do require daily brushing to remove dead hair and require periodic dental care since they do sometimes have problems with their teeth.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
The Maltese, with their loving personalities and playful attitudes, are great around older children. They are definitely companion dogs who also get along well with other pets. This breed can adapt to a rural lifestyle but does best as an indoor dog.
Exercise & Activity
The Maltese does not require an abundance of activity , but they do love to play chase and enjoy occasional walks. So strap up your tennis shoes and provide plenty of catch-toys for this toy breed!
Health Considerations
The average lifespan of a Maltese is 12–15 years. They are generally healthy, with few health concerns, but pet parents should be aware of a few inherited conditions to manage their health. Maltese can have the following health conditions: Luxating Patella, Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), Liver Shunts, and Dental Disease.
Medical References
- PetMD
Breed descriptions and health information are provided for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Individual dogs may vary in temperament and health.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Maltese FAQs
Common questions about the Maltese breed, answered by our editorial team.
Find Maltese Puppies
