Maltese Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Maltese is among the oldest toy breeds, a snow-white lap companion that has been cherished for centuries. Behind the delicate look is a lively, affectionate dog that likes to be near its people at all times.

Origins and appearance

The breed is named after the island of Malta, though its true origins are debated. Small white dogs similar to the Maltese appear in ancient art and writings, and they were prized by nobles and travelers. The modern dog has a long, straight, silky white coat, a black nose and dark, round eyes. Adults usually weigh under seven pounds.

Temperament

Maltese are gentle, playful and affectionate, with a surprising streak of boldness. They like attention, follow their owners from room to room and enjoy games indoors. They are alert and may bark at visitors. Separation can upset them, so build alone time slowly. See puppy separation anxiety prevention. They tend to do best in quiet homes with adults or considerate older children.

Exercise

A Maltese needs short walks and playtime rather than hard exercise. Fifteen to thirty minutes of activity across the day plus indoor games usually suffices. Protect them from heat and cold, and watch around larger dogs.

Training

Maltese are bright and eager to please but can be slow to house train. Frequent trips outside, consistent cues and rewarding success work better than punishment. Many enjoy tricks, which provide mental stimulation. Teach them to accept handling of paws, face and mouth, since they will need regular grooming and dental care.

Coat and grooming

The long white coat has no undercoat and sheds little, but it tangles and shows dirt. Brush several times a week, ideally daily for long coats, and bathe every few weeks. Many pet owners choose a shorter puppy clip that is easier to maintain. See silky coat dog grooming guide. Clean around the eyes daily with a damp cloth to manage tear staining, and keep face hair trimmed so it does not irritate the eyes.

Health considerations

Concerns often discussed in the breed include:

• Dental disease and early tooth loss. See dental disease in dogs
• Luxating patella. See luxating patella in dogs
• Heart valve disease in older dogs. See heart murmur in dogs
• Collapsing trachea. See collapsing trachea in dogs
• Hypoglycemia in tiny puppies. See hypoglycemia in puppies
• Shaker syndrome, a tremor condition reported in small white dogs
• Eye problems, including excess tearing

Living with a Maltese

They thrive in apartments and enjoy riding along on errands. Provide steps for furniture, avoid cold floors and use a harness for walks. Protect them from falls and from large, boisterous dogs.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Maltese suits someone who wants a gentle, portable companion and enjoys grooming. It may not suit a busy home with young children or an owner who is away much of the day. For a similar coat with a more outgoing personality, see the Bichon Frise.

Puppies and the first year

A Maltese puppy is delicate and needs gentle handling, steady warmth and frequent small meals. Begin face cleaning and brushing early, since adult grooming depends on a dog that accepts handling. House training often takes longer than expected, so use a pen, a schedule and plenty of praise. See how to crate train a puppy.

Common owner mistakes

Common problems include overfeeding treats to a tiny frame, neglecting tooth brushing, letting the coat mat and giving in to every demand for attention. Spoiled Maltese can become noisy and clingy, so practice calm separations from the start. Keep the face clean and see your vet if tearing is heavy or the eyes look sore.

The takeaway

Maltese are sweet, small and demanding in terms of grooming and company, but they reward careful owners with years of affection.