Maltese

Home > Dog Breeds > Maltese
Size

Small

Life span

15 Years

Weight

3.6 Kg

Group

Toy Dogs

Maltese Overview

The Maltese belong to the small and toy dog breed group. They're hypoallergenic so would suit a family that suffers from allergies as they shed very little. They have a wonderful and loving temperament. Willing to show affection all day and they aim to please their owners, they're great with commands and easy to train. They have a gentle nature and docile and fearless approach to life. They're highly intelligent and easy-going. More than happy to chill in their bed as well as a long country walk. This dog breed suits most people and families. A good well-rounded dog breed of choice.

They measure in height around 21-25 cm for Males and 20-23 cm for Females. Weight, they weigh typically 3-4 kg for Male and same for Females.

Thinking of buying or adopting a Maltese?

Maltese Characteristics

Size InformationIntelligence
  • 4
Size InformationExercise Needs
  • 2
Size InformationDogs Health
  • 3
Size InformationChild Friendly
  • 3
Size InformationApartment
  • 5
Size InformationShedding
  • 2
Size InformationGrooming Needs
  • 2
Size InformationBarking
  • 2
Size InformationAlone
  • 1
Size InformationTrainability
  • 4
Size InformationEnergy Levels
  • 3
Size InformationDog friendly
  • 4

History & Origin

The Maltese are a toy dog breed, covered from head to foot on long, silky white hair. They're low-shedding, happy and long-lived. This wonderful dog breed makes an excellent companion as they love affection and to provide their owners with lots of love and attention. 

Maltese Temperament

The Maltese are affectionate toy dogs weighing less than seven pounds. Known for their aristocratic ways, they're a hardy dog breed and very well adaptable. This dog breed makes an excellent watchdog as they're fearless in their own charming way.

They love to make friends with all dog breeds and sometimes known for being stubborn they're also very easy to train if rewarded correctly. 

Maltese Training

The Maltese dog breed is known to be very intelligent. As with the majority of dog breeds, training must be consistent and rewarded. They're athletic and very talented and make excellent companions as they love to play and have fun with their loved ones. Best known for their talents and determination, they're obedient and very agile. Although they can be stubborn, they're very determined little dogs and respond to positive training methods.

Grooming

The Maltese have a long, white coat. They require daily grooming to prevents mats in their coats. Their coats should be regularly cleaned and conditioned to keep their hair looking healthy. their nails grow rather quickly and must be trimmed on a regular basis. Check their ears on a weekly basis and remove any hair or accumulated wax. The Maltese are prone to developing dental disease and should have their teeth brushed on a regular basis.

Regular cleaning of their eyes will help prevent tear staining and keep their eyes in optimum condition.

Health

The Maltese are a healthy dog breed with very few health conditions. When looking to buy a Maltese puppy you should use a responsible breeder and question them on their breeding process and rule out any pre-existing health conditions from the breeding parents. 

As this dog belongs to the toy dog breed group, they are prone to developing dental disease and therefore it is recommended to brush their teeth on a regular basis and take them to the vets for regular check=ups to ensure their fit and healthy.

Maltese Exercise Needs

The Maltese dog breed is full of energy and requires small amounts of daily exercise to help them keep fit and healthy. Daily walks are a must and 30 minutes twice a day is sufficient enough. If you have a garden, then allow your Maltese out to play and let them run around and have fun. This will also keep them mentally stimulated.

Children and other pets

The Maltese dog breed makes a wonderful pet for a family, however, they're not suitable for families with young children because of the size of the dog. children love to play and can on occasions be too rough and this doesn't bode well with the tiny Maltese dog. Playtime should be supervised and the dog should be given time to chill on their own without disturbance. 

Malteses generally get on well with most other pets of their socialised correctly and from a young age.