The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world, a tiny aristocrat that has been a cherished companion for well over two thousand years. With its flowing white coat, dark expressive eyes and fearless, affectionate personality, the Maltese was bred for one purpose: to be a devoted lap dog. Gentle, playful and deeply people focused, it thrives on closeness and adapts happily to almost any home, including apartments. That glamorous coat and delicate little body, however, mean the Maltese asks for careful, consistent grooming and gentle handling in return.
This guide covers what living with a Maltese involves, from the demanding coat to dental care and companionship.
A Devoted, People Focused Companion
Maltese are affectionate, lively and bond intensely with their people, which makes them wonderful companions but also prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long. They do best in homes where they have company for much of the day, and a calming supplement can take the edge off for anxious dogs, alongside training and enrichment. A puzzle feeder, a snuffle mat and a lick mat help keep that busy little mind occupied and settled.
The Coat Is a Real Commitment
That signature long, silky white coat is the breed’s crowning glory and its biggest care demand. It grows continuously and, being single coated and low shedding, it mats easily without regular attention. A full length coat needs daily brushing, while many pet owners sensibly opt for a shorter puppy cut to reduce the workload. Regular bathing followed by a good conditioner keeps the coat soft and tangle free, and a fine comb helps with the face and the tear staining that shows so clearly on white fur. The low shedding coat is a bonus for allergy prone homes, but it never means low maintenance.
Dental Care Matters Most
This is a care point owners of small breeds must take seriously. Like many toy dogs, the Maltese is highly prone to dental disease thanks to a small mouth with crowded teeth, and poor dental health affects the whole body. Daily tooth brushing with a proper dog toothpaste, along with dental chews and regular veterinary dental checks, is one of the most important things you can do for a Maltese. Keeping the nails trimmed with a gentle nail grinder completes the routine for such a small, delicate dog.
Exercise, Feeding and Delicate Handling
Maltese are energetic in short bursts but need only modest exercise, a daily walk plus indoor play, which suits apartment life perfectly. A secure playpen gives a tiny dog a safe space, and a martingale style collar or a harness that will not slip is kinder on a delicate neck. They have small stomachs and fast metabolisms, so quality food in measured, appropriately sized portions matters, and our picks for the best small breed food are a useful start. Being fragile, they need gentle handling and careful supervision around young children and larger pets.
Health and Lifespan
Maltese are long lived little dogs, frequently reaching twelve to fifteen years or more with good care. Beyond dental disease, they can be prone to luxating kneecaps, a collapsing windpipe and tear staining, so gentle handling, weight control and regular vet checks all help. Choosing a responsible breeder reduces the risk of inherited problems.
Is a Maltese Right for You?
A Maltese suits people who want a small, affectionate, low shedding companion and who can commit to serious grooming, diligent dental care and enough company to avoid separation anxiety. It is a poorer fit for households out all day, homes with boisterous young children, or anyone wanting a wash and go coat. Keep up the coat and the teeth, and the Maltese rewards you with centuries of perfected companionship in a tiny, loving package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Maltese need a lot of grooming?
Yes. The long single coat mats easily and needs daily brushing, or a shorter puppy cut to reduce the workload, plus regular bathing and face cleaning.
Are Maltese hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the Maltese’s low shedding coat is often better tolerated by allergy sufferers, in exchange for high grooming needs.
Why is dental care so important for Maltese?
As a toy breed with a small, crowded mouth, they are very prone to dental disease, which affects overall health. Daily brushing and regular dental checks are essential.
