Maltese Dog Breed Guide: Size, Temperament, Colors and Care
The Maltese is a toy companion dog that weighs under 7 lb (3.2 kg), stands about 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) tall and usually lives 12 to 15 years. It is affectionate, playful and surprisingly bold for its size. Its long, silky white coat sheds very little but needs brushing every day, so this is a small dog with a big grooming commitment.
Maltese Quick Facts
| Trait | Maltese |
|---|---|
| Breed group | Toy (AKC and Royal Kennel Club) |
| Weight | Under 7 lb (3.2 kg); 4 to 6 lb (1.8 to 2.7 kg) is the AKC preferred range |
| Height | About 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) at the shoulder |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Long, silky, single coat with no undercoat |
| Color | White (some UK dogs have light lemon markings on the ears) |
| Shedding | Very low |
| Grooming | Brush and comb every day |
| Exercise | Up to 30 minutes a day: one or two short walks plus indoor play |
| Best for | Adults, seniors and families with older, gentle children; apartments are fine |
What Is a Maltese Dog?
A Maltese is a toy breed developed purely as a companion. It has no hunting or herding job in its past. It has spent its history on laps, which is why it is so people-focused today.
The breed is sometimes called a “Maltese terrier”, but it is not a terrier. Both the American Kennel Club and the Royal Kennel Club in the UK place it in the Toy group. In the show ring a Maltese is pure white with a coat that can reach the floor. Most pet owners keep the coat short in a “puppy cut”, which turns the same dog into a fluffy, low-fuss teddy bear.
If you are still comparing tiny breeds, browse our tiny dog breeds directory.
Maltese History: Where the Breed Comes From
The Maltese is one of the oldest companion breeds, with roots going back more than 2,000 years. It is linked to Malta, a small island about 60 miles (97 km) south of Sicily in the middle of the Mediterranean. Phoenician traders may have brought the first little white lapdogs there, but the exact origin is not known.
Ancient Greeks painted the breed on pottery, and Aristotle described it as perfectly proportioned. In Rome, noblewomen carried Maltese as fashionable lapdogs. Later the breed turned up in royal legends: Mary Queen of Scots is said to have had a Maltese with her at her execution in 1587. The American Kennel Club first registered the breed, then called the “Maltese Lion Dog”, in 1888.
So when people ask what Maltese were bred for, the answer is simple: company. That history explains why a Maltese still wants to be wherever you are.
Maltese Appearance, Colors and Coat
A Maltese has a compact body, a slightly rounded head, a black nose, large dark eyes and a plumed tail carried over the back. There is one size of Maltese. Under the AKC standard an adult should weigh under 7 lb (3.2 kg), with 4 to 6 lb (1.8 to 2.7 kg) preferred.
Breeders who advertise “teacup” or “mini” Maltese are selling a marketing label, not a separate type. Very small puppies are more prone to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), so treat an unusually tiny size as a reason for caution, not a bonus.
Are All Maltese White?
Yes, a purebred Maltese is white. The AKC standard allows only pure white. The Royal Kennel Club in the UK also accepts white with lemon markings, usually a light tint on the ears. A “black”, “brown” or parti-colored Maltese is almost always a Maltese mix, such as a Maltipoo or a Maltese crossed with a Yorkie or Shih Tzu.
Shedding, Allergies and Grooming
The Maltese has a single coat with no undercoat, so it sheds very little. That helps many people with mild dog allergies, but no breed is fully hypoallergenic. Allergens also come from skin flakes and saliva, so spend time with a Maltese before you commit if anyone at home has allergies.
Low shedding does not mean low grooming. Loose hair stays in the coat and mats if you skip brushing. Plan on:
- Daily brushing and combing, right down to the skin
- A bath every few weeks, with conditioner on a long coat
- A gentle wipe around the eyes to reduce tear staining on the white fur
- Regular tooth brushing, because small mouths are prone to dental disease
- A professional trim if you keep a short puppy cut
Our Maltese grooming guide covers brushing, bathing, tear stains and haircuts step by step.
Maltese Temperament and Personality
A Maltese is affectionate, playful and fearless for its size. The AKC breed standard says that “for all his diminutive size, the Maltese seems to be without fear”. Most bond closely with their people and follow them from room to room. Many attach most strongly to one person, but a well-socialized Maltese is friendly with the whole household.
Expect a lively, curious dog that enjoys games and learning tricks, and then happily settles on your lap. Some are reserved with strangers at first. Many are alert little watchdogs that bark at noises, and a bored or lonely Maltese can become vocal or clingy. A Maltese can also have a stubborn streak, so short, upbeat training sessions work better than long drills.
Is a Maltese Right for You? Kids, Apartments and First-Time Owners
Maltese and Children
A Maltese can be a loving family dog, but it suits homes with older, gentle children best. A dog this small can be hurt if it is dropped, stepped on or squeezed, and a frightened Maltese may snap. With toddlers, always supervise, and teach children to sit on the floor to hold the dog.
Apartments, Exercise and Time Alone
The Maltese is one of the easiest breeds to keep in an apartment. It needs up to 30 minutes of exercise a day, which one or two short walks plus indoor play will cover. In cold or wet weather many Maltese need a coat, because they have no undercoat.
Time alone is the harder part. A Maltese should not be left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety. If everyone in the home works full days away, plan for a dog walker, daycare or a midday visit.
First-Time Owners
A Maltese can work well for a first-time owner who is ready for daily grooming, patient house training and plenty of company. It is a poor fit if you want a dog that is happy alone all day or a hardy running partner. Our first-time small dog owner guide covers what to expect in the first weeks.
Still deciding between a Maltese and another tiny breed? Our tiny dog breeds directory lets you compare size, coat and temperament side by side, so you can find a dog that fits your home and your time.
Maltese Health and Lifespan
Maltese usually live 12 to 15 years, which is long even for a small breed. They are generally healthy, but these conditions show up in the breed:
- Dental disease: the most common problem. Brush teeth often and book dental checkups.
- Luxating patella: a kneecap that slips out of place, which can cause skipping or limping.
- Portosystemic (liver) shunt: a blood vessel problem present from birth that affects the liver.
- Low blood sugar in puppies: very small puppies need small, frequent meals.
- Collapsing trachea: a weak windpipe that causes a honking cough. A harness is safer than a collar.
- Heart valve disease in middle and older age, and cataracts or glaucoma in seniors.
Good breeders have their dogs examined by a vet and eye-tested before breeding. If you notice limping, coughing, weakness, loss of appetite or changes in the eyes, see your vet promptly.
Read our full guide to how long Maltese live and their health risks.
Maltese vs Shih Tzu, Yorkie, Havanese and Bichon Frise
These white or long-coated companion breeds often end up on the same shortlist. The Maltese is the lightest of the group and has the most delicate frame.
| Breed | Adult weight | Typical lifespan | Coat and care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maltese | Under 7 lb (3.2 kg) | 12 to 15 years | Long, white single coat; brush daily |
| Shih Tzu | 9 to 16 lb (4.1 to 7.3 kg) | 11 to 14 years | Long double coat; brush every other day |
| Yorkshire Terrier | About 7 lb (3.2 kg) | 14 to 16 years | Long, silky coat; brush every day or two; more terrier attitude |
| Havanese | 7 to 13 lb (3.2 to 5.9 kg) | 12 to 14 years | Long, soft coat; brush two to four times a week |
| Bichon Frise | 10 to 16 lb (4.5 to 7.3 kg) | 12 to 15 years | Curly white coat; brush every other day; regular trims |
Maltese or Shih Tzu? Neither breed is better overall. A Shih Tzu is heavier and sturdier, which can make it easier around children. A Maltese is lighter and more delicate, and needs brushing every day rather than every other day. If you also like curly coats, compare the Toy Poodle.
Training a Maltese: Common Behavior Problems and Fixes
Maltese learn quickly and love rewards, but they are sensitive and can be stubborn. Keep sessions to a few minutes, use small treats and praise, and never scold. The most common problems are slow house training, barking and separation anxiety. All three improve with a steady routine.
House Training
A tiny bladder means a Maltese needs more toilet breaks than a bigger dog. Take your dog out:
- First thing in the morning and last thing at night.
- After every meal, nap and play session.
- To the same spot every time, outdoors or on an indoor pad.
- With an immediate reward the moment they finish.
Watch for sniffing, circling, whining or restlessness, and head for the spot straight away. If you catch an accident, interrupt calmly and carry your dog to the spot. Clean with an enzyme cleaner so the smell does not draw them back. A crate sized for a tiny dog helps, because dogs avoid soiling where they sleep. Many Maltese also learn to use an indoor potty system, which helps in apartments and bad weather.
Socialization
Socialize your puppy early and keep it going for life. Once your vet says it is safe, introduce new people, calm vaccinated dogs, household sounds, car rides and grooming tools. Start in quiet places and keep each meeting short and positive. A puppy class with a trainer who knows small, sensitive breeds is worth the effort. If fear or reactivity persists, ask a qualified trainer or behaviorist for help.
Barking
Most Maltese barking comes from boredom, loneliness or alert barking at noises. Reward quiet moments, teach a “quiet” cue, and give enough play, walks and puzzle toys. Do not shout, because a Maltese hears that as you joining in.
Separation Anxiety
Build alone time slowly. Start with a few minutes, keep arrivals and departures low-key, and leave a safe chew or food puzzle. Signs of real distress include constant barking, accidents, chewing at exits or not eating while you are out. In that case talk to your vet or a behavior professional. You can also read more about separation anxiety in small dogs.
Harness and Leash Training
Use a well-fitted harness rather than a collar, because pressure on the throat is risky for a breed prone to tracheal collapse. Let your dog sniff the harness for a treat, wear it indoors for short spells, then add the leash indoors before your first short walk. If your dog pulls, stop until the leash is slack, then carry on.
Finding a Maltese: Rescue First, Then a Reputable Breeder
Adult Maltese and Maltese mixes regularly need new homes, often when an owner dies, falls ill or loses their home. Start with your local shelters and breed rescues. In the US, the American Maltese Association Rescue is run by volunteers who place Maltese through foster homes. In the UK, Canada and Australia, search for Maltese or small-breed rescues in your area and check that each one is a registered charity or nonprofit.
If you buy a puppy, choose a breeder who:
- Lets you meet the mother and see where the puppies are raised
- Shows vet and eye-test records for the parents
- Does not ship puppies unseen or hand them over in a parking lot
- Asks you questions and takes the dog back at any age
Walk away from sellers who push “teacup” sizes, rare colors, multiple breeds at once or payment before you have met the puppy. These are common signs of puppy mills and online scams.
Ready to look for your Maltese? Start with the American Maltese Association Rescue or your local shelter, and keep our Maltese grooming guide handy for the first weeks at home.
Tiny Loving Canines is not a rescue and does not rehome or sell dogs. We point you to shelters and breed rescues instead.
Maltese FAQs
How big do Maltese dogs get?
An adult Maltese weighs under 7 lb (3.2 kg), and the AKC prefers 4 to 6 lb (1.8 to 2.7 kg). Most stand about 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) at the shoulder. There is only one size of Maltese, so “teacup” or “mini” labels are sales terms, not separate types.
Are all Maltese white?
Yes. The AKC standard allows only pure white, and the Royal Kennel Club in the UK also accepts white with light lemon markings on the ears. A black, brown or two-tone dog sold as a Maltese is almost certainly a mix, such as a Maltese crossed with a Poodle, Yorkie or Shih Tzu.
Do Maltese shed, and are they hypoallergenic?
Maltese shed very little because they have a single coat with no undercoat. That suits many people with mild allergies, but no dog is fully hypoallergenic, since allergens also come from skin flakes and saliva. Spend time with a Maltese before you commit if anyone at home has allergies.
Are Maltese dogs high maintenance?
For grooming, yes. A Maltese needs brushing every day, regular baths, eye cleaning and frequent tooth brushing, plus professional trims if you keep a short cut. For exercise, no: short walks and indoor play are enough. They also need plenty of company. See our Maltese grooming guide.
How much exercise does a Maltese need?
A Maltese needs up to 30 minutes of exercise a day. One or two short walks plus indoor games usually cover it, which makes the breed a good fit for apartments and older owners. Add puzzle toys or short trick sessions to keep its mind busy, and use a harness rather than a collar on walks.
Do Maltese bark a lot?
Some do. Maltese are alert and often bark at noises or visitors, and boredom or loneliness makes it worse. Daily play, short walks, puzzle toys and rewarding quiet behavior from puppyhood keep barking manageable. Shouting tends to make a Maltese bark more, so stay calm and redirect.
Are Maltese good with kids?
Maltese are gentle and affectionate, but they suit homes with older, calm children best. A dog under 7 lb (3.2 kg) can be injured if it is dropped or squeezed, and a hurt or scared dog may snap. With young children, supervise every interaction and have kids sit on the floor to cuddle the dog.
Can a Maltese be left alone for 8 hours?
No, not regularly. A Maltese bonds closely with its people and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Build up alone time slowly, and if you work full days away from home, arrange a dog walker, daycare or a midday visit so your dog is not alone all day.
Is a Maltese better than a Shih Tzu?
Neither breed is better overall. A Maltese is lighter at under 7 lb (3.2 kg) and more delicate. A Shih Tzu weighs 9 to 16 lb (4.1 to 7.3 kg) and is sturdier, which can suit families with children. Both need regular grooming. Compare them on our Shih Tzu breed guide.
What health problems do Maltese have?
The most common Maltese health problem is dental disease. The breed is also prone to luxating patella, liver shunt, low blood sugar in puppies, collapsing trachea and, later in life, heart valve disease and eye conditions. Regular checkups and tooth brushing help. Read more about Maltese lifespan and health.