Maltese Breed Information

Maltese Personality

The Maltese is a joyful little extrovert that is lively and active. It insists on being involved in all family activities. It can be very strong-willed and resents being forced, but it will respond well to patient insistence. The owner must make peace with the individual dog’s personality or there will be a stand-off. View our Maltese Puppies for Sale.

Maltese Puppies

From 2 to 4 puppies in a litter. Some are born with light fawn markings about the ears, which normally turn white within 2 to 4 months. Eye rims and noses darken with age. Life expectancy is from 9 to 11 years.

Comments about Maltese

One of the oldest dog breeds, the Maltese comes from the Island of Malta, or Melita, which was settled around 1500 B.C. by the Phoenicians. Literature and paintings dating to Greek and Roman times indicate that a small white dog resembling today’s breed was carried about as a pet and companion. By the time of Queen Elizabeth, this tiny dog was so highly prized by ladies of the court that it is said that Maltese were selling for the equivalent of thousands of dollars. The Maltese is probably related to the spaniel family, but definitely not to the terriers, as has been suggested.

Maltese Potential Health Problems

A generally healthy toy. Eyes tear a lot and require constant care. Conversely, may have inadequate tear production. Teeth should be watched carefully, and a balanced diet should not be seriously varied. Frequently allergic to grass. Possible slipped stifle, and respiratory and skin problems.

Care and Exercise for your Maltese

Coat needs a great deal of attention. It stains easily, particularly around eyes and mouth. Bathing essential at least once a week. Brushing unclean hair is detrimental, making it harder to keep dog clean later. Coat may discolor. For show purposes, hair on head may be done in topknot and tied with a ribbon, or it may be left hanging; it should be brushed out and redone every day. Nonshow pets can be trimmed, but some of the dog’s beauty is lost with trimming. Breed requires little exercise and in fact should not go outdoors in bad weather, but be paper-trained. Indoor play provides sufficient exercise. Avoid excess heat and chills. Low body bulk leaves all toys vulnerable to the effects of weather.

Maltese Recommendations

This breed is recommended for owners interested in an alert, busy little dog that requires more than average coat care. Does not mix especially well with other pets. It is easy to spoil, although not particularly a lapdog.

Ideal Appearance of the Maltese 

Very small dog with long, silky hair reaching to ground. Dogs should weigh under 7 pounds, with 4 to 6 pounds preferred. Although standard does not specify height, dogs usually measure about 5” tall. Somewhat rounded skull with long hair on head, round eyes, and close-hanging, feathered ears. Short body has level topline. Tail carried over back, covered with long hair. No undercoat. Permissible colors: pure white; light fawn or lemon allowed on ears, though not desirable. Dark eyes with black rims; black nose.

Suited to Urban Life: HIGH
Good Watchdog: NO
Exercise Advisable: LOW
Grooming Care: HIGH
Size Group: TINY