Affiliate disclosure: Dog Product Picker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in.
With their silky white coats and bright, expressive eyes, Maltese dogs have captured hearts for centuries—but there’s more to this little breed than just looks. Whether you’re drawn to their charm or curious about their history, you’re not alone in wanting to learn more about one of the most beloved toy breeds.
Originally hailing from the island of Malta, this tiny yet spirited dog has been adored for thousands of years—dating back to ancient Greek civilization. Today, the Maltese still enjoys its reputation as a fashionable and affectionate companion. Often seen in celebrity arms and luxury handbags, it’s no surprise this breed holds a solid spot among the American Kennel Club’s most popular dogs.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Maltese—from their temperament and grooming needs to the best products suited for their delicate size and spirited personality. With a wide range of options featured, there’s something here for every type of Maltese owner.
What Else Does Your Maltese Need to Stay Happy and Healthy?
If you’re already learning about the Maltese dog breed, there’s a good chance you want to give your pup the best care possible. One of the most important steps—especially for young dogs—is choosing the right food. Your set-up isn’t complete without a tailored diet that supports their small size and high energy levels. Check out our guide to the best puppy food for Maltese to find options that match your Maltese’s needs. Whether you’re a new owner or just looking to upgrade your routine, this resource will help ensure your Maltese gets the nutrition they deserve.
Maltese Appearance
A true toy breed, the Maltese stands just 7-9 inches tall and weighs a fragile 4 to 7 pounds. The Maltese has an unmistakable single coat which is long, silky, and generally all white. The Maltese’s head is slightly round and a pair of drop ears are set low; both the head and ears have long hair. While most Maltese dogs are white, non-standard colors include white and lemon, and white and tan. Black points may also be present on the Maltese, though this is the only marking, and an AKC standard one.
Despite its tiny frame, the Maltese is compact and proportional, with sprung ribs and some depth in the chest. The tail of the Maltese features long, flowing hair, much like it has on the rest of its body. The nose and foot pads of the Maltese are black, and the eyes of the Maltese are also dark—usually black or a very dark brown. Because of their delicate build and long coats, choosing the best dog collars for Maltese is essential to ensure comfort and avoid matting or irritation.
Temperament/Personality
The Maltese is an intelligent little dog that has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Having lived alongside humans for several millennia, the Maltese has adapted quite well to its luxurious lifestyle as a lapdog. The Maltese is a loving family pet and prefers to pass its time in the company of its family. While the Maltese is quite affectionate and social, adults should always supervise children in the presence of a Maltese, since this toy breed is very small and gentle, and can easily be hurt by a child’s horseplay.
Small as they are, Maltese are quite dependable as watchdogs. Highly alert and not shy about barking, the Maltese can be somewhat territorial and will likely sound the alarm when any visitors arrive. A generally happy-go-lucky dog, the Maltese is friendly with just about anyone. These dogs get along well not only with their owners but with practically any stranger willing to spoil them. For this reason, the Maltese is often used as a therapy dog, where it thrives in its work. Similarly, the Maltese is quite comfortable around dogs and cats.
The Maltese loves to accompany its owner all over town and is a great travel partner. A Maltese left alone for too long can suffer from severe separation anxiety. Fortunately, these little dogs are easily transported and highly adaptable, and will settle into most places quite nicely if there are people around.
Caring for a Maltese
The Maltese is a fantastic best friend and can provide loving companionship and entertainment for just about anyone. Since these dogs have so much love and affection to give, it’s important to make sure they are well taken care of in return.
Nutrition
The Maltese’s small stomach can prove difficult to please, so it’s important to make sure that a nutritious food for small dogs is provided. Bones, big pieces of food, and table scraps containing foods like chocolate, macadamia nuts, grapes, and onions should be avoided. Many Maltese owners prefer to offer their dogs home cooked meals or a high quality wet dog food instead of dry kibble. As with many other breeds, care should be taken to prevent the Maltese from weight gain and obesity, as it can lead to a variety of dangerous health issues and place undue stress on the Maltese’s small bones.
Exercise
The Maltese needs regular exercise but isn’t particularly demanding when it comes to letting out some of its energy. These adaptable little dogs will be content to play indoors or out, and with a couple of brief walks every day. Surprisingly, the tiny Maltese is actually quite impressive when it comes to canine sports, and this breed is always up for a challenge. Whether it’s with puzzle toys for dogs, interactive dog toys, a couple of laps around the backyard, or a stroll around the neighborhood, the Maltese will love to enjoy some good old-fashioned play, particularly when its owner joins in the fun.
Training
Training a Maltese can be frustrating at times due to the breed’s intelligence, but the Maltese is generally very eager to work with its owner in a mutually beneficial agreement. For this reason, it’s important to train the Maltese using a consistent approach that involves encouragement and reward. The Maltese is more than capable of absorbing all sorts of information, and has proven its mastery of all sorts of skills and tracks. If trained properly, the Maltese should have no issue with basic and advanced commands, and can make quite the show dog, not to mention a talented athlete.
Health
A long lifespan is a wonderful thing, but that doesn’t mean the Maltese is devoid of all health risks. Since the Maltese is known to have shown some cases of genetic disorders, a dog DNA test is a helpful tool for owners, and can aid in the early detection and treatment of some inherited conditions.
A fairly common condition among many other small dog breeds, the Maltese can be prone to luxating patella, a painful dislocation of the knee cap that can often render dogs unable to walk properly. Some congenital liver problems may also be seen in the Maltese, including liver shunt, a defect that disturbs the connection between the liver’s portal vein and another vein, and microvascular dysplasia (MVD), a condition in which the liver atrophies as a result of missing or underdeveloped blood vessels.
To help manage these risks and provide a safe space for rest and recovery, many owners look for the best dog crates for Maltese, especially ones that offer comfort, security, and proper ventilation.
Owners should take care to provide some basic care and grooming for the Maltese, which includes the occasional haircut and regular brushings with a soft dog brush, as well as keeping its nails trimmed using nail clippers for dogs, giving the Maltese a flea treatment for dogs, and regularly brushing its teeth with an all-natural toothpaste for dogs.
Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maltese dogs good pets?
Yes, Maltese dogs make wonderful pets thanks to their affectionate nature and lively personality. They’re loyal companions who love being with their people and thrive in homes where they get plenty of attention.
Which is better, Bichon Frise or Maltese?
It depends on your lifestyle—both breeds are loving and small, but the Maltese tends to be a bit more delicate and cuddly, while the Bichon Frise is playful and slightly more energetic. Choosing between them comes down to what kind of temperament and grooming needs fit best with your daily routine.
Is Maltese dog a Shih Tzu?
No, the Maltese and Shih Tzu are two different breeds, though they can look similar with their long coats and small size. Each breed has its own unique personality and history.
What was the original purpose of the Maltese dog?
The Maltese was originally bred as a companion dog, prized for its elegance and charm. Ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans kept them as lapdogs for royalty and nobility.
Why are Maltese so special?
Maltese dogs are known for their gentle spirit, silky white coat, and deep loyalty to their owners. Their combination of charm, intelligence, and loving nature makes them truly stand out as companion dogs.
Recommended Reading:
- Best Dog Food for Maltese
- Best Puppy Food for Maltese
- Best Dog Shampoo for Maltese
- Best Dog Crate for Maltese
- Best Dog Bed for Maltese
- Best Dog Brush for Maltese
- Best Dog Collar for Maltese
- Best Dog Muzzle for Maltese
- Best Dog Harness for Maltese
- Best Dog Training Book for Maltese
- Best Dog Toys for Maltese
- 10 Breeds Most Compatible with Maltese
Additional Recommended Reading:
About the author
Natural Flea Treatments for Dogs That Help Keep Pests Away
Fleas can quickly turn a happy, healthy dog into an itchy and uncomfortable one. If you’ve ever noticed your dog scratching more than usual, you already know how frustrating flea problems can be. Many dog owners prefer natural flea treatments because they avoid harsh chemicals while still helping keep pests under control. There are many natural flea treatment products available for dogs on the market. In this guide, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best natural flea treatments for dogs, covering a wide range of options so dog owners can find something that fits their dog’s size, lifestyle, and sensitivity. Want to Boost Your Dog’s Flea Protection Naturally? Choosing the best natural flea treatment for dogs is a great first step, but many dog owners find that combining a few natural approaches works even better. For example, plant-based sprays and […]
10 Best Natural Dewormer for Dogs
A natural dewormer is essential for your furry friend. The dewormer will eliminate all types of intestinal worms and parasites (like Giardia Intestinalis, and other) and keep your dog healthy. In this article, we have listed down the 10 best natural dewormers for dogs that are available on the market: 1.NaturPet D Wormer Homeopathic Medicine This is homeopathic medicine and is manufactured by NaturPet. NaturPet is one of the best dog medicine brands on the market. The NaturPet D Wormer Homeopathic Medicine comes in a liquid form and will eliminate all the parasitic worms from your furry friend’s stomach. This 100 % natural wormer is made of papaya leaf, fennel seed, sage, cumin seed, black walnut hull, and wormwood. This homeopathic medicine eliminates roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and pinworms from the dog's digestive tract. The NaturPet D Wormer Homeopathic medicine will […]
Can Cats Eat Roses?
As cat owners, this should be common knowledge for us that our furry friends are obligate carnivores and anything other than animal protein is not the best thing for your cat's health. So, giving your beautiful feline flowers, outdoor plants, indoor plants, garden plants, or any plant material is not a good idea. However, the good news is that there are a few parts of plants that your feline friend can enjoy, and are rose plants one of them or not? Let's find out. Is Rose Plant Poisonous to Cats? We know cats are curious creatures, and if their owner's attention is not on them, you will find them in a flower garden looking for their prey and playing with beautiful flowers. However, this is dangerous for them as there are toxic flowers, different sprays, and other things in the […]
Cat Cats Eat Raw Bacon?
Many believe that since cats are obligate carnivores, cat food must include raw foods like raw meat, raw bacon, turkey bacon, pork bacon, and other human foods. However, that is not the case with your feline friend, a cat's health can be affected if given raw foods because these human foods may contain harmful bacteria that can cause health issues. So, can our furry friend eat raw bacon? Is Bacon Good or Bad for Cats? Giving you cat bacon is fine, but what about the bacon grease, too much salt, and other ingredients in regular bacon? Because of these ingredients, bacon can be given to your feline friend as an occasional treat. However, passing your cat bacon regularly harms them as too much bacon can cause digestive issues and other health problems. So, if your furry friend needs animal protein, […]
Cat Cats Eat Raspberries?
Raspberry is a human food that contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and other essential vitamins and has a more excellent nutritional value for human beings. However, that does not mean that this fresh fruit completes your feline friend's dietary needs and can be included regularly in your cat's diet. You can give your cat raspberries in small amounts as it is not great for your cat's health. So, what should a cat's diet include? What Should Be a Cat’s Diet? When it comes to a cat's diet and health, cat owners giving your feline friend new foods is not a good idea. Your furry friend might get digestive issues, allergic reactions, and other health issues. So, in simple words, human foods are not an excellent option for your feline friend as cats are obligate carnivores, and the cat's digestive system […]
Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Cats have sensitive digestive tracts, and giving them anything other than the cat’s regular food can damage your cat's health. Human foods have many health benefits. A few such foods can be significant for your feline friend's health, but changing a cat's diet entirely to human foods can cause digestive issues and affect your furry friend's overall health. So, the question arises can adult cats eat fresh pumpkin or raw pumpkin seeds? Benefits of Feeding Pumpkin to Cat The short answer is yes. You can give your feline friend some plain pumpkins because it has many nutritional benefits for your furry friend and is even part of some good quality cat food. They are suitable for cats' body, as it provides them with healthy skin and coat. Even though cats are obligate carnivores, the high fiber content in the pumpkin […]
Related
Emotional Support Dog vs Service Dog Explained
Emotional support dogs and service dogs are not the same. This guide breaks down the real-world differences that matter in housing, travel, and everyday life.
Best DIY Guides for Building a Dog House
Ready to build a cozy dog house this year? Here are six DIY guides you can trust, from recycled pallet builds to insulated plans for colder climates.
What is a Dapple Dachshund?
Discover what sets the dapple dachshund apart, including coat patterns, temperament, and key health considerations for responsible ownership.
Most Presidents Had Dogs. Here’s Who Didn’t — and Why It Matters
Most U.S. presidents kept a loyal dog at their side. This guide explores famous presidential pets, standout breeds, and the surprising presidents who skipped having a White House pup entirely.
Funny Dog Breeds: Goofy, Dorky, and Downright Lovable
Looking for a pup that makes you laugh? Our guide to funny dog breeds highlights pugs, corgis, dachshunds, and more — plus care tips and gear suggestions to match each breed’s playful personality.
Is Trump the Only President to not Have a Dog?
Curious why Donald Trump never had a dog in the White House? This quick, factual guide explains the history, context, and how his choice compares to long-standing presidential pet traditions.
