The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world, with a history stretching back more than 2,000 years to the ancient Mediterranean island of Malta. Prized by royalty, featured in Renaissance paintings, and beloved by modern families, the Maltese combines an elegant appearance with a surprisingly feisty, affectionate personality. Beneath that flowing white coat is a confident, playful dog that bonds deeply with its family and adapts well to apartment living — making it one of the most popular small breeds in the world.
Maltese Breed Overview and History
Standing just 7 to 9 inches tall and weighing under 7 pounds, the Maltese is classified as a toy breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Its most distinctive feature is a long, silky white coat that falls straight to the ground and lacks an undercoat — which also makes Maltese one of the lowest-shedding breeds, earning them a reputation as relatively hypoallergenic (though no dog is truly allergen-free).
Historical records suggest Maltese-type dogs were kept by ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians as companion animals. By the Renaissance, they had become fashionable accessories for European aristocracy. Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria both kept Maltese. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1888 and has remained consistently popular ever since. Today, the Maltese also forms the foundation of many popular designer crossbreeds, including the Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle) and the Morkie (Maltese + Yorkshire Terrier).
Maltese Temperament and Personality
The Maltese personality is larger than its frame suggests. These dogs are lively, confident, and sometimes bold in a way that surprises new owners who expect a fragile lap dog. Maltese are affectionate with their family — often bonding closely with one or two primary people — and tend to be playful and mischievous throughout their lives.
They are alert and vocal, which makes them effective watchdogs despite their size, but can make excessive barking a challenge if not addressed early with training. Maltese generally do well with calm, older children but may be too easily injured by the rough handling of very young children. They can coexist with cats and other dogs when properly introduced, though they may attempt to boss around animals much larger than themselves.
Separation anxiety is a real concern with Maltese. They thrive on human companionship and do not cope well with long hours alone. This should be a primary consideration before adopting one — they are best suited to households where someone is home for most of the day or where the dog will be taken to work or daycare.
Maltese Health and Lifespan
Maltese are a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years — longer than many small breeds. However, like all purebreds, they are predisposed to certain health conditions that owners should be aware of.
Luxating patella (slipping kneecap) is the most common orthopedic issue in toy breeds, including the Maltese. Mild cases may require no treatment; severe cases may need surgical correction. Dental disease is extremely common in small breeds due to crowded teeth in a small jaw — daily tooth brushing and regular professional dental cleanings are essential. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can affect Maltese puppies and very small adults; small, frequent meals are important during puppyhood. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye condition that causes progressive vision loss; reputable breeders screen for this. Tear staining — the reddish-brown discoloration that appears under the eyes — is not a health concern itself but is common in Maltese due to their facial anatomy and is managed through regular cleaning and coat care. Portosystemic shunt, a liver blood vessel abnormality, occurs at higher rates in toy breeds including Maltese and can affect puppies and young adults.
When purchasing a Maltese puppy, seek breeders who perform health testing through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for patellas and eyes, and who can provide health clearances for both parents.
Maltese Grooming Requirements
Grooming is the most demanding aspect of Maltese ownership. The traditional floor-length show coat is breathtaking but requires daily brushing and weekly bathing to prevent tangling and maintain its silky quality. Most pet owners choose to keep their Maltese in a shorter trim — the puppy cut or teddy bear cut — which is far more manageable and requires brushing only two to three times per week.
Regardless of coat length, Maltese need regular eye area cleaning to prevent tear staining from becoming a skin irritation issue. Gently wipe the inner corners of the eyes daily with a damp cloth or eye-specific wipe. The ears should be checked weekly for wax buildup and signs of infection — Maltese that are kept in shorter trims around the ears may have less hair trapping debris, but the ears still require monitoring. Nail trimming every three to four weeks and professional grooming every six to eight weeks round out a complete grooming routine.
Training and Exercise Needs
Maltese are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They learn commands quickly when motivated with treats and praise. However, they can also be stubborn and may try to use their cuteness to get away with bad behavior — a phenomenon sometimes called “small dog syndrome” when owners fail to set consistent boundaries. Housetraining can be more challenging with Maltese than with many breeds, requiring patience and a consistent schedule.
Puppy classes and early socialization are highly recommended to develop a confident, well-mannered Maltese. Exposing puppies to a wide variety of people, sounds, surfaces, and situations during the critical window of 3 to 16 weeks of age produces calmer, more adaptable adults.
Exercise requirements are moderate. A Maltese does not need long runs — 20 to 30 minutes of walking and play per day is usually sufficient to meet their physical needs. They enjoy indoor games and short play sessions, which makes them excellent apartment dogs. However, mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, and interaction is just as important as physical exercise for this clever, social breed.