Maltese
About the Maltese
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Toy (under 10 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 7-9" |
| Weight | 4-7 lbs |
| Coat Type | Long |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Low (under 30 min/day)
20 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
High - Daily
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$3,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,100/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Malteses may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Allergy Sufferers
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
- Low-Maintenance Seekers
Guides for your Maltese
The story behind the Maltese
Small white companion dogs of Mediterranean origin are described in classical sources and have long been linked with the island of Malta, though the connection between those ancient dogs and the modern breed cannot be traced with certainty. Whatever the precise line, dogs of this type circulated among the wealthy of the Mediterranean world and later of Renaissance Europe, appearing frequently in paintings and valued purely as lapdogs for ladies of rank. The breed reached Britain and, in the nineteenth century, the show ring, where breeders standardised size, colour and the extraordinary coat. Kennel Club and AKC recognition followed. The Maltese is among the longest-established companion breeds in Europe and remains widely kept today, with pet clips far more common than the full show coat.
Originally bred for: Companion dog, Lapdog, Ladies' pet. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Maltese
Tiny dogs need small quantities of very good food, so choose a rich, well-balanced food made for small breeds, offered two or three times daily, using small kibble sizes for a delicate jaw. Puppies in particular should not go long without eating. Dental care matters as much as recipe.
Watch for: No single breed-wide allergy is confirmed, though owners often link tear staining and skin irritation to diet, and evidence for that connection is mixed at best. Rich treats upset small stomachs quickly. Ask a veterinarian to investigate persistent itching or staining before restricting foods.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Maltese
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.