Some dogs have been beloved for decades. The Maltese has been adored for millennia. Called "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta" by the English, the Maltese has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the Bible was a work in progress. Ancient Greeks wrote poems about it. Roman aristocrats tucked it into their sleeves. Renaissance queens kept it at their palaces. And today, this tiny creature with its floor-length white silk coat remains one of the world's most cherished companion dogs.
For a dog that weighs less than seven pounds, the Maltese carries a remarkable history — and an equally remarkable personality. It's playful, charming, and adaptable, with a big-dog confidence that belies its tiny size. And it will love you with a devotion that has survived three thousand years of history.
Three Thousand Years of History
The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with a history that reaches back thousands of years. Its name comes from the Mediterranean island of Malta, which served as a trading hub from at least 3,500 B.C. Ancient writers traced the little dog to the island, and Greek poetry, Roman literature, and Aesop's fables all mention the "Melitaion" — a diminutive, much-spoiled companion dog.
In the classical period, the Maltese was already the favorite pet of the ancient world. Greek writers likened it to a small marten; Roman aristocrats prized it as a lapdog and fashion statement, with noblewomen famously tucking their Maltese into their sleeves or blouses. The breed was even believed to have healing powers — legend says a Maltese would rest on the pillows of the sick to speed their recovery. Emperor Claudius reportedly owned one, and ceramics from the Roman Empire depict dogs remarkably like the modern Maltese.
After the fall of Rome, the breed's survival was largely due to Chinese breeders, who kept the Maltese alive through the Middle Ages and crossed it with their own toy breeds to refine its appearance. When the breed returned to the wider world, its fame only grew. In 1837, the artist Edwin Landseer painted "The Lion Dog from Malta: The Last of His Tribe," a portrait of Queen Victoria's beloved Maltese. A white dog was exhibited as a "Maltese Lion Dog" at the very first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York in 1877, and the American Kennel Club registered the breed in 1888.
The Maltese's modern form was finalized in the Victorian era, when breeders regulated the crossing of existing white toy varieties to produce a standard, pure-white show breed. Today it remains one of the most popular toy breeds in America — a tiny aristocrat with a pedigree stretching back to the cradle of civilization.
A Creature of Pure Silk
The Maltese is a tiny, compact toy dog, standing 7 to 10 inches tall and weighing 4 to 7 pounds. Its most famous feature is its coat: a single-layer, dense, glossy, silky mantle of pure white hair that falls heavily to the ground, without curls and without an undercoat. The breed is deliberately pure white — though it originally came in other colors, breeders selected for white over centuries.
Beneath the coat, the Maltese has a compact, almost square body, a proud, elegant carriage, and delicate legs ending in tiny, rounded paws. Its dark, expressive eyes and small black nose give it a sweet, trusting expression. The tail curves gracefully over the back, and the whole effect is one of aristocratic elegance.
The coat is famously low-shedding, which makes the Maltese a popular choice for allergy sufferers — though no breed is truly hypoallergenic. Like many white dogs, Maltese are prone to tear stains beneath the eyes.
A Charming Little Personality
The Maltese's personality is as delightful as its looks. It's intelligent, lively, and very affectionate — a docile companion that rates a perfect five out of five for affection from the AKC. Maltese are trusting, playful, and fun-loving, with a spunky energy that persists well into their senior years. They're fearless little watchdogs, quick to sound the alarm at anything unusual, despite their tiny size.
Maltese become deeply attached to their people. They adore humans and want to be close to them constantly — underfoot, in your arms, or curled in your lap. That devotion has a flip side: Maltese are prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long stretches, and some can be stubborn and willful. Their small size and delicate build mean they're best suited to homes with adults or older children, and they should be protected from rough handling.
They're adaptable and do well in apartments, get along with other pets, and are happiest simply being part of the family. The Maltese was bred to be a companion, and for three thousand years, it has done exactly that — nothing more, nothing less.
Exercise and Activity
The Maltese has moderate exercise needs. A short daily walk plus some indoor play keeps a Maltese healthy and content. These are lively little dogs that enjoy play sessions, but they tire quickly and are equally happy to curl up in your lap for hours.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 30–45 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 20–30 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
Because of their tiny size and delicate build, play should be gentle and supervised. They can be injured by jumping off furniture or by rough play with larger dogs, so protect them accordingly. The Daily Exercise Guide offers a sensible approach for a small toy breed.
Training a Maltese
Training a Maltese takes patience, consistency, and a positive approach. These dogs are intelligent but willful, and they respond best to reward-based methods — treats, praise, and gentle encouragement. Harsh training will only make a Maltese dig in its heels.
Early socialization is essential. A Maltese that meets a variety of people and situations from puppyhood grows into a confident, friendly adult; an under-socialized one becomes anxious and defensive. Because of their tiny bladders, house-training requires patience and consistency — crate training often helps. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Maltese
The Maltese's magnificent coat is its greatest beauty and its greatest responsibility. That floor-length silk requires daily brushing to stay tangle-free and beautiful, and many owners choose to keep the coat clipped short for easier maintenance. The hair around the eyes should be cleaned regularly to prevent tear stains, and the ears should be checked and cleaned weekly.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 3–4 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
| Professional trim or clip | Every 6–8 weeks | Keeps the coat tidy and hygienic |
The good news: the Maltese doesn't shed, so the grooming effort is all about the coat itself rather than housekeeping. Nails need regular trims, and — because toy breeds are prone to dental problems — daily tooth brushing is essential. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a long, silky, non-shedding coat.
Feeding a Maltese
A Maltese needs a high-quality, complete and balanced diet sized to its tiny frame. Feed measured meals twice or three times a day rather than free-feeding — these small dogs gain weight easily, and extra pounds strain their delicate frames. Because Maltese are prone to low blood sugar, especially as puppies, regular meals are important.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/3–1/2 cup | Use a small-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1/2–3/4 cup | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1/2 cup | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Portion control and treat counting are essential. Your vet can recommend the right amount for your dog's age and activity level.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Maltese is a generally healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years, but its tiny size brings some specific health concerns.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Patellar luxation and eye screening | Discuss with your vet | Breeder screening (OFA/CERF) |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
Dental disease is the most common problem — toy breeds pack their teeth tightly, inviting tartar, gum disease, and tooth loss. Luxating patella (a slipping kneecap) is common in small breeds. Eye problems occur, including progressive retinal atrophy, and the breed's tear-staining is a constant cosmetic concern. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can affect puppies and small adults. White dogs like the Maltese can also be prone to skin allergies and, less commonly, deafness.
Because many of these conditions are hereditary, choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests is important. Regular veterinary care, dental hygiene, and a lean body weight are the pillars of keeping a Maltese healthy. The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist between vet visits.
Home Environment
The Maltese is one of the most adaptable dogs in the world. It's a perfect apartment dog, does well in small homes, and suits singles, couples, and seniors alike. Its moderate exercise needs, quiet nature, and devotion to its people make it an ideal companion for those who want a small dog to share their life.
That said, the Maltese's delicate size makes it a poor match for homes with very young children, who might handle it roughly. The breed does best with adults or older children who understand its needs. Because of its devotion, a Maltese shouldn't be left alone for long stretches — it wants to be with you. If you're deciding between companion breeds, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help.
Common Ownership Challenges
The Maltese's challenges are the familiar ones of toy breeds. The magnificent coat demands daily grooming. The tiny body needs protection from injury, rough handling, and cold. The breed's devotion makes it prone to separation anxiety, and its willful streak can test a patient owner. Dental care is a lifelong commitment.
But for those who embrace those needs, the Maltese is extraordinary. It's a living piece of history — a breed that has been adored by emperors, queens, and commoners for three thousand years, and that still carries itself with the dignity of an ancient aristocrat. In a white silk coat and with a heart full of love, the Maltese remains, as it has always been, one of the most enchanting companions on Earth.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Devoted, affectionate, and loving companion
- Low-shedding coat, popular for allergy sufferers
- Adaptable to apartments and small homes
- Long lifespan of 12 to 15 years
- Playful, lively, and fun well into old age
- Beautiful, elegant appearance
Disadvantages
- High grooming needs; daily brushing required
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Small, delicate frame needs protection from injury
- Not ideal for homes with very young children
- Willful streak requires patient training
- Prone to dental problems and tear stains
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maltese good family dogs? They're affectionate and gentle, but their small, delicate size makes them better suited to homes with adults or older children.
Do Maltese shed? Very little. Their single-layer silk coat is low-shedding, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers.
How big do Maltese get? They stand 7 to 10 inches tall and weigh 4 to 7 pounds.
How long do Maltese live? Typically 12 to 15 years, making them a long-term companion.
Are Maltese easy to train? They're intelligent but willful. Positive, patient training works best with this breed.
Do Maltese bark a lot? They can be alert and vocal, making them good little watchdogs, though training helps manage excessive barking.
Are Maltese good apartment dogs? Excellent. They're small, adaptable, quiet, and need only moderate exercise.
Are Maltese good with other pets? Generally yes, with proper socialization. Their delicate size needs supervision around larger animals.
Do Maltese have health problems? They're prone to dental disease, luxating patella, eye conditions, and hypoglycemia. Regular vet care is essential.
Are Maltese hypoallergenic? No breed is truly hypoallergenic, but the Maltese's low-shedding coat produces less dander and suits many allergy sufferers.
Are Maltese good for first-time owners? They can be, for patient owners committed to grooming and socialization.
Do Maltese get separation anxiety? They can. This devoted breed forms strong bonds and does best when not left alone for long periods.