Malteses 101

Toy group

Sweet, gentle and affectionate, the Maltese is a little dog who’s a good match with older singles or couples, but may be a little too fragile for families with small children. They are smart and outgoing, and good with other family pets.

Maltese love to be the center of attention. They are a perfect purse dog who’ll happily go wherever their families do. Eager to please, they’re easy to train and easier still to spoil. Early manners training and socialization will set the stage for a lifetime of good behavior.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Malteses

One of the sweetest of breeds. Smart, too!

Maltese have bright, expressive eyes and a black shoe button nose. Their long, silky white coats are difficult to maintain, so most are kept clipped short.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
7 to 9 inches tall
Group Size Toy

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Mature adult Maltese

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Maltese conditions

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Luxated patella

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Dental disease

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Urinary bladder stones

Senior Maltese

9+ years

Risk level for common Maltese conditions

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Collapsed trachea

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Cushings disease

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Valvular heart disease

Maltese puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Maltese conditions

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Ear infection

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Gastritis

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Trauma

Young adult Maltese

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Maltese conditions

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Luxated patella

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Dental disease

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Gastritis

Mature adult Maltese

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Maltese conditions

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Luxated patella

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Dental disease

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Urinary bladder stones

Senior Maltese

9+ years

Risk level for common Maltese conditions

risk-level-bar

Collapsed trachea

risk-level-bar

Cushings disease

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Valvular heart disease

Maltese puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Maltese conditions

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Ear infection

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Gastritis

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Trauma

Young adult Maltese

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Maltese conditions

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Luxated patella

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Dental disease

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Gastritis

2-Maltese sitting down GettyImages-93208811

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3-Fun fact Maltese GettyImages-961715370

Elvis Presley had a beloved Maltese named Foxhugh, who often accompanied him on tour and even had his own custom-made outfits.

Maltese coat care and colors

The silky, floor-length coat of the Maltese tangles easily, which is why most are kept clipped short by a professional groomer. While that makes home coat care easier, dogs may get chilly on winter days, so it’s best to have a sweater or two on-hand for added warmth. Eye stains can be a problem most notable in small white-colored dogs, so health issues should be ruled out before attempting cleanup. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.

Maltese exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

While it’s easy to simply carry a Maltese, it’s better for them to get those little legs moving. Regular walks needn’t be long and should be supplemented with indoor play and games.

Class star

Trainability

Smart and eager to please, the Maltese loves to learn and to show off. Teach some tricks with praise and small treats and you’ll both enjoy it.

Maltese fun facts

Top girl names for Malteses

Top boy names for Malteses

Nationwide loves Malteses of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Malteses

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