Weight

3–4 kg

Height

21–25 cm

Lifespan

12–15 years

Origin

Malta / Mediterranean

Coat

White only

Group

Toy / Companion

Maltese

Ancient, elegant, and devoted, a white silk companion with minimal shedding

🌍 Malta / Mediterranean 📋 Toy / Companion 📐 Small 🕐 12–15 years

The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds in recorded history, depicted in ancient Greek pottery and Roman writings dating back over 2,000 years. Named after the island of Malta, they were prized by aristocrats and royalty throughout antiquity and into the Renaissance. Aristotle mentioned them; Roman women carried them in their sleeves. Their continuous popularity across millennia reflects their enduring combination of beauty, gentle character, and adaptability.

🧠 Temperament

Maltese are affectionate, playful, and animated. They are fearless for their size and possess a confidence that surprises first-time owners. They bond closely with their primary person and can develop separation anxiety if not taught early to tolerate time alone. They are generally gentle and suit seniors and adults; they are less recommended for families with very young children who might accidentally injure them. Maltese can be stubborn during training but respond well to patient positive reinforcement.

🏥 Health considerations

Maltese are prone to dental disease (the number one health concern for the breed), luxating patella, hypoglycemia in puppies, liver shunt (portosystemic shunt), and white dog shaker syndrome, a condition causing full-body tremors unique to small white dogs. Tear staining around the eyes is almost universal and while cosmetic, requires daily cleaning.

🏃 Exercise needs

Maltese need only 20–30 minutes of daily exercise. Short walks and indoor play sessions are sufficient. They must be protected from cold and should not be exercised heavily in hot weather.

✂️ Grooming

In full coat, the Maltese requires daily brushing to prevent matting and maintain the flowing silky appearance. Most pet owners opt for a short 'puppy cut' which reduces daily brushing to every few days. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Daily eye cleaning is essential to manage tear staining.

🍽️ Feeding your Maltese

A 3.5 kg Maltese needs approximately 110–140 kcal per day, very small amounts. Puppies should eat 3–4 times daily to prevent hypoglycemia. Daily tooth brushing is strongly recommended.

Did you know? 💡

The Maltese appears in ancient Greek and Roman art, some of the oldest documented depictions of domestic dogs.
Mary Queen of Scots reportedly had Maltese hidden under her skirts at the time of her execution.
A Maltese puppy was reportedly sold for $2 million, one of the most expensive dogs ever sold.
Queen Elizabeth I, Marie Antoinette, and Josephine Bonaparte all owned Maltese.

Free calculators pre-set for Malteses 🧮

All values pre-filled based on typical Maltese data, adjust as needed for your individual dog.

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Dog Age Calculator

Pre-set for Maltese

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🩺 Based on AAHA 2019 formula

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Food Calculator

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🩺 WSAVA RER formula · sterilized adult

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Puppy Growth

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🩺 Breed-size growth curve estimate

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic? ▾

Maltese dogs produce less dander and shed minimally because they have a single-layer coat without an undercoat. This makes them a better option for allergy sufferers compared to double-coated breeds. However, no dog is completely hypoallergenic. The allergen comes from skin cells, saliva, and urine, not just fur. Spending time with a Maltese before adopting helps determine personal tolerance.

How often should a Maltese be groomed? ▾

Maltese with a full-length coat need daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Professional grooming every 3 to 4 weeks is recommended. Many owners maintain a shorter puppy cut (trimmed to 2 to 5 centimeters) that requires less daily maintenance but still needs brushing 3 to 4 times weekly. Regular face cleaning prevents tear staining around the eyes.

Do Maltese dogs have tear staining? ▾

Tear staining (reddish-brown discoloration below the eyes) is very common in Maltese due to their white coat, shallow eye sockets, and active tear production. Daily face cleaning with a damp cloth reduces staining. Using filtered or distilled water, stainless steel food bowls, and avoiding food dyes can help. Persistent staining should be checked by a vet to rule out blocked tear ducts.

What health problems affect Maltese dogs? ▾

Common Maltese health concerns include dental disease (overcrowded teeth in small jaws), patellar luxation, portosystemic liver shunt, collapsed trachea, and White Dog Shaker Syndrome. Hypoglycemia is a risk in puppies and very small adults. Regular dental cleanings, maintaining healthy weight, and annual blood panels help manage breed-specific risks.

Can Maltese be left alone during the day? ▾

Maltese are companion dogs that thrive on human interaction and do not handle long periods of solitude well. They may develop separation anxiety, excessive barking, or destructive behavior when left alone for more than 4 to 6 hours regularly. A dog walker, doggy daycare, or a companion pet can help. Gradual alone-time training starting from puppyhood builds tolerance.