Maltese

The Maltese is a toy companion dog with a single coat of long, straight white hair that hangs close to the body. Adults weigh under 7 lb (about 3.2 kg) and stand roughly 20 to 25 cm at the shoulder, placing the breed firmly among the smallest of the toy group. Despite the delicate build, a Maltese is sturdy on its feet and moves with a smooth, light gait.

The breed has lived alongside people as a lap dog for centuries, and the temperament reflects that history. A Maltese is affectionate, gentle, and playful, tending to bond closely with the people it lives with. Alertness is part of the character too, so many will bark to announce visitors even though they are not guard dogs.

Because the coat grows continuously and sheds very little, the Maltese is often chosen by people who want a small dog that leaves little hair around the home. That same coat requires regular grooming, so the breed suits owners who can commit to daily brushing or a routine clip.

Who it suits

The Maltese fits owners who want a small, indoor companion and who are at home enough to give it regular attention. It does well in flats and smaller houses because its exercise needs are modest. The breed can be a good match for older adults and first-time dog owners, provided they keep up with coat care and dental hygiene. Households with very young children should supervise closely, as the dog's small frame is easy to injure during rough play.

The Maltese is one of the oldest of the toy breeds, with roots in the central Mediterranean. Small white companion dogs from the region appear in Greek and Roman writing and art, and the island of Malta is the traditional source of the name. Exact origins before the classical period are not documented, so older claims of a fixed founding date should be treated as tradition rather than record.

Through antiquity the dogs were kept as companions rather than working animals. Roman writers referred to a small Melitaean dog, and the type appears on pottery and in references to lap dogs owned by wealthy households. The breed's role as an indoor companion has remained consistent across its long history.

During the Renaissance the Maltese was a favourite of European nobility and appears in portraits of the period, often shown on the laps of aristocratic owners. This patronage helped preserve the small white type even as fashions in dogs changed.

The breed reached Britain and later North America in the nineteenth century, where it was shown and bred to a written standard. The Kennel Club recognised the Maltese, and the modern dog remains close in size and purpose to its historical ancestors.

The Maltese has a balanced, slightly square outline with a level topline and a tail carried over the back. The head is in proportion to the body, with a moderate stop, a black nose, and dark, round eyes that give an alert expression. The ears are low-set and drop, covered in long hair that blends into the coat. The overall impression is of a small dog that is refined but not fragile in movement.

Coat and colours

The defining feature is a single coat of long, straight hair without an undercoat, which falls to either side of a centre parting and can reach the ground in a show coat. The standard colour is pure white. Slight lemon or light tan markings on the ears are tolerated under some standards but are not preferred. Because the coat is hair rather than dense fur, the breed sheds little, yet it tangles and mats without regular brushing. Many pet owners keep the coat in a shorter clip to reduce daily maintenance while preserving the soft texture around the face and feet.

The Maltese is a people-oriented companion that prefers to be near its owners for much of the day. With family it is affectionate and gentle, and it often follows its people from room to room. Many Maltese retain a playful streak well into adulthood and enjoy short games and toys.

With strangers the breed is usually friendly once introduced, though it tends to bark at new arrivals and unfamiliar sounds. This alertness makes it a capable watchdog by noise, but it has no guarding ability given its size. Early socialisation helps reduce nuisance barking and nervousness.

With other pets the Maltese generally gets along when raised together, including with cats and other small dogs. Care is needed around much larger dogs because of the size difference. The breed can be prone to separation-related stress, so it does best in homes where it is not left alone for long stretches.

Grooming

• Brush the coat daily to prevent mats and tangles, especially behind the ears and under the legs.
• Bathe every one to three weeks with a gentle dog shampoo, and dry the coat fully to keep it straight.
• Clean around the eyes daily to limit tear staining on the white hair.
• Trim or tie back the hair above the eyes to keep vision clear.
• Brush the teeth several times a week, as small breeds are prone to dental disease.
• Trim nails every few weeks and check the ears for wax and debris.

Exercise

• Provide about 20 to 30 minutes of activity daily through short walks and play.
• Use indoor games and gentle fetch to meet most of the dog's needs.
• Avoid long or strenuous outings, as the breed tires quickly and overheats in warm weather.
• Protect the dog from cold and wet conditions, as the single coat offers little insulation.

Environment

The Maltese is an indoor dog and adapts well to flats and small houses. It is sensitive to temperature extremes and should live inside with its family rather than outdoors. A draught-free resting spot, a few safe toys, and steps or a ramp onto favoured furniture help protect the small frame from jumping injuries.

A Maltese does best on a complete and balanced diet formulated for small or toy breeds. The small kibble size is easier to chew and supports dental health. Because the breed is small and prone to weight gain, portions should be measured rather than free-fed, and treats kept to a small share of daily calories. Fresh water should always be available.

Treats and supplements

Use small, low-calorie treats for training and account for them in the daily total. Most Maltese on a complete commercial diet do not need supplements, but a vet may suggest dental chews or a joint or coat supplement in specific cases. Toy-breed puppies can develop low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) if meals are missed, so puppies should eat small meals on a regular schedule.

The Maltese is a generally healthy breed with a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and many individuals live longer with good care. As with most toy breeds, the main concerns relate to small size: dental crowding, fragile bones, and joint structures that can slip. Buying from breeders who screen for known conditions and keeping up with routine veterinary care both help reduce risk.

Preventive care

• Schedule annual veterinary examinations, and twice yearly for senior dogs.
• Keep vaccinations and parasite prevention current.
• Brush the teeth regularly and arrange professional cleanings as advised.
• Walk on a harness to protect the windpipe.
• Keep the dog at a lean weight to reduce strain on knees and joints.
• Ask the breeder about patella and, where relevant, liver screening in the parents.

The Maltese is intelligent and attentive, and it generally enjoys learning when sessions are kept short and positive. The breed responds to praise, food rewards, and play rather than harsh correction, which can make a sensitive dog anxious. House-training often takes patience, as small dogs have small bladders and may be slow to learn, so a consistent schedule and indoor pad options can help. Early socialisation to people, sounds, and handling reduces shyness and the tendency to bark at unfamiliar things.

Basics

1. Start with name recognition and a reliable recall in a quiet room.
2. Teach 'sit', 'down', and 'stay' using small treats and a calm voice.
3. Set a fixed toilet schedule and reward the dog immediately for going in the right place.
4. Introduce gentle handling for grooming, including brushing, paws, and the face.
5. Socialise the puppy to varied people, surfaces, and noises during the first months.
6. Practise short, frequent sessions of a few minutes rather than long ones.

Breeding a Maltese requires care because of the breed's small size. Females are usually bred only after they are physically mature, generally around 18 to 24 months, even though they can come into season earlier. Litters are small, often one to four puppies, and gestation runs about 63 days from conception. Because puppies are tiny at birth, whelping can carry a higher risk of complications, and some small bitches need veterinary support or a caesarean delivery.

Newborn puppies are vulnerable to chilling and to low blood sugar, so the whelping area should be warm and the puppies monitored for steady nursing and weight gain. Weaning usually begins around three to four weeks, and puppies are typically ready for new homes at eight to twelve weeks once they are eating well and have begun early socialisation. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for patellar and liver problems and avoid pairing dogs that carry the same defects.

Registering a Maltese in the United Kingdom

When a dog warden or rescue centre picks up a stray Maltese, the chip scan is the first move, and the record behind it decides how the story ends. Keep yours pointing home with a free United Pet Club profile. Register your dog once, and the record stands for life without a renewal letter ever landing on the mat.

The implant happens at the vet surgery; the record is your half of the bargain, and the 2016 regulations expect it kept up to date. Register the microchip free on the lifetime plan: any brand a British vet implants is accepted, amendments after moving house cost nothing, and the record stays searchable through the lookups rescue centres and wardens turn to first. Create your free account and square it away this evening.