Small in stature but big in personality, Maltese dogs command attention and cuddles (in that order). Their luxe fur is considered hypoallergenic, though it does need constant care to stay shiny.
Personality and temperament
Maltese are a small-breed dog with a large-breed sense of self. If you like cuddling a lap dog that is full of character, then these diminutive pooches will suit you perfectly.  They bond strongly with their humans and like to be with them whenever possible. Though friendly with kids and other pets, their tiny size means they can get hurt easily – supervision is the way to go. Their cheerful nature can brighten any day, so they tend to suit seniors and those looking for a daily pep talk (in dog language).
Size and appearance
Tiny, tiny, tiny! Fully grown Maltese only weigh up to about 4kg and reach about 25cm tall. It’s hard to see underneath that distinctly silky white fur, but they have a compact build and can appear bigger than they actually are. The coat is low shedding and considered hypoallergenic. It is most commonly worn long and flowing (with little bows and clips) but can also be clipped short and curly. These tiny dogs know how to use their striking good looks for extra treats and cuddles. You’ve been warned.
History
Talk about a back story… Maltese dogs can trace their ancestors all the way to ancient times to the island of Malta. The Greeks and Romans, who valued their companionship and ability to warm any lap, saw Maltese as symbols of status and wealth. This is a status they held through the following centuries with one Maltese reportedly sold in the 1500s in Europe for the equivalent of $2000 today. They were first shown at a London dog show in 1877, before being the dog of the moment in Hollywood with everyone from Marylyn Monroe to Elizabeth Taylor owning one. The breed arrived in Australia and New Zealand with British nobility and settlers, and today they’re hugely popular as companion pooches from coast to coast.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Being such an established breed, Maltese are generally pretty healthy, however they can be prone to the following common health conditions:
- Dental disease (very common in small breeds)
- Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecap)
- Collapsed trachea (where the windpipe weakens and obstructs airflow)
- Heart disease (mitral valve disease in older dogs)
- Eye issues (including tear staining and cataracts)
- Allergies and skin sensitivities
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Maltese healthy.
Food and exercise
This tiny breed doesn’t need much food (no matter what your pooch says), but what they do need is small-breed-specific, nutrient-dense meals served up twice a day. Weight gain is harder to detect under all of that snowy fur. If you can say ‘no’ to their pleading little faces (good luck), it’s best to limit their treats.
Though small enough to fit in your bag, Maltese need around 30 minutes of exercise a day. However, this can be made up of playtime, indoor games and short walks. No running or long hikes for these little guys. Mental stimulation, like puzzler feeders and toys can help stave off separation anxiety (for a short while).
Grooming and maintenance
Maltese are low-shedding, so they won’t leave much fur around the house, however their grooming requirements put them in the high-maintenance category.  To keep them happy and healthy, you will need to commit to brushing several times a week and a regular appointment at the groomers every couple of months.
- Bathe: every 4-6 weeks or as needed
- Professional groom: every 6–8 weeks
How to groom your Maltese
- Fur: brush 3-4 times a week with a slicker brush and comb
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly and check for any moisture
- Eyes: wipe daily to reduce tear staining
Training and space requirements
Part of a Maltese’s daily exercise can be made up of short training sessions. Maltese are intelligent and eager to please, so they’ll pick up basic cues and some tricks in no time. Reward-based training works well, but make sure the treats are broken up into small pieces.
As you would imagine, Maltese are quite happy to live in small spaces like apartments and townhouses. As long as they get enough time with their owners (which is most of the time, in their opinion) and have enough mental and physical challenges on a daily basis, they’ll be happy chappies.
Best suited for…
Maltese suit just about any household and any human, as long as they are committed to making their lap available for snuggles and their mornings for exercise and playtime. These hypoallergenic pooches crave attention, calm households (where they can be the centre of attention) and a human who understands how to care for their flowing locks.
