Maltese
With a silky white coat and a bright, people-focused personality, the Maltese is a classic companion dog. This small breed tends to do best with close family time, gentle training, and steady grooming that keeps the coat comfortable and tangle-free.
How the Maltese ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Maltese
The Maltese is a small companion dog celebrated for its flowing, silky coat and lively, affectionate temperament. Most Maltese thrive on being close to their people and often follow you from room to room, curious, alert, and ready for attention.
Behind the elegant look is a playful dog that enjoys short games, easy walks, and learning simple cues. A Maltese typically fits well in apartments or larger homes, as long as it gets daily interaction, calm boundaries, and regular coat care.
History of the Maltese
Small white companion dogs have been cherished around the Mediterranean for a very long time, and the Maltese is closely linked to that tradition.
In port cities and busy households, a tiny dog that could thrive indoors was a practical delight, easy to carry, quick to bond, and content with close company.
Sailors and merchants also valued little lapdogs because they were portable, personable, and suited to life on the move. Over time, these companions became symbols of refinement, kept primarily for friendship and comfort rather than for work.
The name is often connected to the ancient term Melita, which was used for islands in the central Mediterranean and helped shape the breed’s identity.
Writers and artists described toy-sized dogs with bright eyes and a confident air, and they frequently appeared as treasured pets in wealthy households.
These little dogs were sometimes exchanged as gifts, a sign of status and affection that helped spread the type beyond its coastal roots. Early popularity encouraged careful breeding for a gentle nature, a light frame, and the silky coat that later became a hallmark.
As trade and travel expanded, the Maltese type spread through parts of Europe, where it was favored by nobles and fashionable city dwellers.
Paintings from courtly settings sometimes feature small white dogs on laps or cushions, emphasizing their role as close companions.
Because these dogs lived indoors and were handled often, steady selection reinforced a people-oriented temperament that still defines the breed today.
A bold little personality was useful too, helping a small dog stay confident in crowded homes, unfamiliar guests, and lively daily activity.
In later eras, the Maltese remained a beloved pet, and owners began to emphasize a polished, well-groomed appearance as part of good stewardship.
Coat care and presentation became woven into the breed’s story, with brushing, bathing, and thoughtful trimming helping the dog look and feel its best.
As companion dogs became more common in cities, the Maltese gained a reputation for fitting neatly into indoor life without needing a large yard.
The modern look, with its flowing coat and tidy outline, reflects both genetics and the owner’s commitment to regular maintenance.
Today’s Maltese is still primarily a companion, known for staying close, bonding deeply, and bringing an upbeat energy to everyday life.
Many also do well in roles that reward gentleness and steadiness, such as visiting programs, calm public outings, or learning fun tricks at home.
While the breed is small, it often carries itself with confidence, and that mix of sweetness and spark is a big part of its charm.
Responsible breeding and good early socialization continue to matter, helping preserve the friendly character that has long made the Maltese so popular.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
A Maltese is compact and fine-boned, with a proud carriage and a long, single coat that can feel like soft hair.
Because the coat can tangle and mat, daily brushing and gentle combing are key, especially around friction spots like the collar area, armpits, and behind the ears.
Regular baths, thorough drying, and a light detangling spray can make brushing easier and help keep the coat from breaking.
Many owners choose a shorter trim for convenience, while others keep a longer coat and commit to careful, consistent upkeep, including gentle face cleaning to manage tear staining.
Exercise needs are usually modest, but this breed still benefits from a routine that includes short walks, indoor play, and quick training games.
Mental enrichment matters as much as physical activity, so food puzzles, scent games, and simple trick sessions can help prevent boredom. A few minutes of relaxed practice throughout the day can be very satisfying for a Maltese and helps build polite habits.
Maltese can be surprisingly spunky, and without guidance they may rehearse nuisance habits like demand barking or guarding a favorite lap spot.
Because the Maltese is small, focus on safe surfaces and avoid rough play with much larger dogs, and consider a harness to reduce pressure on the neck during walks.
General care is mostly about prevention and comfort: keep nails tidy, check ears for debris, and watch for hair that irritates the eyes or collects around the mouth.
Small dogs can be prone to dental buildup and sensitive joints, so daily home care and regular wellness visits are helpful, and your veterinarian can advise what to monitor.
Feeding measured portions and limiting constant snacking can help maintain a healthy body condition, which supports comfort and mobility over time.
If you notice persistent coughing, limping, unusual itching, or appetite changes, it’s best to talk with your veterinarian for individualized guidance.
Coat & Grooming: Daily gentle brushing with a pin brush and metal comb, plus regular baths and careful trimming around eyes and paws, helps prevent mats and keeps the coat comfortable.
Shedding: Low shedding overall, but loose hairs can stay trapped in the coat, so brushing matters more than constant vacuuming.
Exercise Needs: Short walks and indoor play most days, along with brief training or puzzle games, usually keep a Maltese satisfied.
General Health: Common small-breed concerns like dental buildup, sensitive knees, and tear staining may occur, so routine checkups and good daily care are important, and your veterinarian can guide you on what to watch for.
Expected Lifespan: Typically long-lived for a small companion breed when cared for well, though every dog is an individual.
First-Time Owner Tips
For first-time owners, the Maltese can be a rewarding match because it is small, affectionate, and often eager to be involved in daily life.
The key is consistency: set clear house rules, keep training positive, and build a predictable routine for meals, potty breaks, and quiet time.
Housetraining may take patience, especially in cold weather or busy homes, so plan for frequent opportunities, calm praise, and a management setup that prevents accidents from becoming a habit.
Keep rewards small and frequent, and end lessons on an easy win that builds confidence for both of you.
Grooming is the biggest ongoing commitment, so start handling habits early and make coat care calm and comfortable. Teach your dog that brushing, face wiping, and nail trims are normal by pairing them with treats and stopping before it becomes stressful.
Early socialization also matters, including calm exposure to friendly people, everyday sounds, and gentle dogs that will not overwhelm a small pup.
Plan to teach independence gradually, since many Maltese prefer company and can become vocal or anxious if alone time is introduced too quickly.
Short departures, safe chew activities, and a cozy rest area can build resilience while still honoring the breed’s social nature.
- Start grooming habits early with calm, short sessions that include brushing, combing, face wiping, and paw handling.
- Use reward-based training and keep lessons upbeat, as many Maltese respond best to gentle consistency.
- Prioritize safe socialization so confidence stays friendly rather than turning into bossiness with strangers or bigger dogs.
- Be patient with housetraining, since small dogs can be distracted indoors, and a steady routine usually pays off.
- Protect that small body with supervised play, safe jumping habits, and cozy steps or ramps where needed.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required costs usually include food, everyday treats, routine parasite prevention, and basic supplies like waste bags, shampoo, brushes, and replacement toys.
Because the Maltese is small, it may go through less food than larger breeds, but quality still varies widely, and special dietary needs can raise the total.
Many owners also budget monthly for routine veterinary care, dental upkeep, and occasional medication refills when needed, even when nothing seems urgent.
Your location, your veterinarian’s pricing, and whether you buy supplies in bulk can all shift the monthly baseline.
Optional or variable costs often come down to choices: you can groom at home with the right tools or pay for professional bathing and trims.
Training can be as simple as at-home practice or as involved as classes and private sessions, and enrichment purchases range from minimal to frequent.
Some households use pet insurance, while others prefer a dedicated savings cushion, and travel, boarding, or daycare can add extra monthly expenses depending on your lifestyle and location.
Upgrades like premium beds, dental products, or specialty coat-care items can also change the budget from month to month.
Food & Treats: Required: about $30 to $75 per month, depending on food quality, treat habits, and any sensitivities your veterinarian flags.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: about $20 to $140 per month, based on DIY bathing and brushing versus professional grooming and coat length.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: about $20 to $60 per month for ongoing parasite prevention and routine care budgeting, varying by region and your veterinarian’s guidance.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: about $0 to $90 per month for pet insurance or a dedicated savings cushion, influenced by coverage choices and local pricing.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: about $10 to $120 per month for classes, private help, and enrichment toys, depending on goals and how much you do at home.
Maltese FAQs
Do Maltese dogs shed a lot?
Maltese are considered low-shedding, but the coat can hold onto loose hair, so regular brushing is still important to prevent tangles and mats.
Is the Maltese a good apartment dog?
Often, yes. Their small size and moderate exercise needs can suit apartment living, as long as they get daily play, short walks, and training that supports quiet behavior.
How much grooming does a Maltese need?
Expect frequent brushing and combing, regular baths, and trims that keep hair out of the eyes and mouth. Many owners choose a shorter clip for easier maintenance.
Are Maltese good with children and other pets?
They can be great with gentle, respectful kids and calm pets, but supervision helps because the breed is small and can be overwhelmed by rough handling or high-energy play.
Are Maltese easy to train?
They are usually bright and responsive, but they can also be opinionated. Short, positive sessions and consistent routines tend to work better than harsh corrections.
Do Maltese bark a lot?
Maltese are alert and may bark at noises or visitors. Early socialization, teaching a quiet cue, and providing enough enrichment can help keep vocal habits manageable.
Can a Maltese be left alone during the day?
Many prefer company and may struggle if alone time changes suddenly. Gradual practice, a safe setup, and enrichment activities can help, and some owners use a sitter or daycare when schedules are long.
