Maltese Breed Guide: Tiny Dog, Enormous Personality, Zero Apologies (2026)

The Maltese weighs 4-7 pounds, stands 7-9 inches tall, and lives 12-15 years. Those dimensions make it one of the smallest breeds you can own, smaller than most cats, frankly. But the Maltese carries itself like it has no idea it’s small. This breed has been sitting in the laps of aristocrats since before the Roman Empire fell, and that sense of self-importance has survived every century since.

In Short: 4–7 lbs, 12–15 years. Moderate energy. Low-shedding (often called hypoallergenic, though no dog truly is). Watch for Patellar Luxation. Good for first-time owners, apartment-friendly.

Here’s what we think people get wrong about the Maltese: they assume it’s a passive, decorative dog. Something you carry in a purse and set on a pillow. The Maltese is actually surprisingly spirited, opinionated, and playful well into old age. It’s also a champion barker, which is the part the breed books tend to bury in fine print. If you want a tiny companion that genuinely engages with you and doesn’t need a fenced yard or two-hour hikes, the Maltese is outstanding. If you need quiet, maybe keep looking.

Maltese at a Glance

Trait	Details
Breed Group	Toy (AKC)
Height	7-9 in (both sexes)
Weight	4-7 lbs (both sexes)
Life Expectancy	12-15 years
Coat	Long, silky, single coat (white)
Colors	White
Temperament	Gentle, Playful, Charming, Affectionate
Shedding	Low
Energy Level	Moderate
Good With Kids	No (too fragile for young children)
Good With Cats	Yes
Apartment Friendly	Yes
First-Time Owner Friendly	Yes

History

The Maltese is ancient. Not “a few hundred years old” ancient, genuinely old enough that its exact origins are debated among historians. What we do know is that a small white dog resembling the modern Maltese has been documented in Mediterranean cultures for at least 2,800 years. Greek pottery from 500 BC depicts small companion dogs that look remarkably like today’s breed.

The name suggests a connection to Malta, but some scholars believe the breed actually originated on the island of Mljet (off Croatia’s coast) or in the Sicilian town of Melita. The word “Maltese” may derive from the Semitic root “malat,” meaning refuge or harbor, which would make sense for a dog that spent centuries aboard trading ships in the Mediterranean.

What’s not debated is the Maltese’s historical role. This has always been a companion dog. Not a hunter, not a herder, not a guard. Romans kept Maltese as status symbols. European nobility from the 15th century onward treated the breed as living jewelry. Queen Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Queen Victoria all owned Maltese. The breed has been doing exactly one job for millennia, keeping people company, and it does that job exceptionally well.

Size and Appearance

The Maltese is a toy breed in every sense. Both males and females stand 7-9 inches at the shoulder and weigh 4-7 pounds. There’s essentially no size difference between the sexes, and even within the breed, the range is narrow. A 7-pound Maltese is considered large for the breed.

The coat is the Maltese’s signature. It’s long, silky, straight, and pure white. Unlike most dogs, the Maltese has a single coat, no undercoat, which means minimal shedding and a texture closer to human hair than typical dog fur. When grown to full length, the coat can reach the floor, creating that flowing, ethereal look you see in show dogs.

Most pet owners keep their Maltese in a puppy cut, trimmed short all over, because maintaining a full-length coat is genuinely time-consuming. We’d recommend the puppy cut for anyone who isn’t planning to show the dog. It’s easier, cooler in warm weather, and your Maltese won’t care about the haircut.

Underneath all that white hair is a surprisingly sturdy little body. Dark, round eyes. A button nose that should be black. Small, dropped ears hidden under the coat. They’re undeniably cute, there’s no getting around it.

Maltese Temperament

The Maltese temperament is more complex than the breed’s toy status might suggest. Yes, they’re affectionate lapdogs. But they’re also alert, surprisingly brave, and have a stubborn streak that will catch you off guard if you’re not expecting it.

What the Maltese temperament really looks like:

• They’re devoted to their person. A Maltese will follow you room to room, sleep on your lap, and position itself as close to you as physically possible. They form intense bonds.
• They bark. A lot. The Maltese’s barking level is high, and they’ll alert to everything, doorbells, neighbors, squirrels, suspicious leaves. For a dog this small, the volume is impressive. This is the number one complaint from Maltese owners, and it’s the number one thing to manage early with training.
• They’re playful well into their senior years. A 10-year-old Maltese will still bring you a toy and initiate games. That puppy energy doesn’t fully fade.
• They can be suspicious of strangers. Not aggressive, but definitely selective about who gets their attention. Early socialization helps, but many Maltese remain one-person or one-family dogs at heart.

Our opinion? The Maltese is the best apartment companion breed for people who actually want a dog, not a stuffed animal. They have real personality, real opinions, and real emotional range. The tradeoff is the barking and the grooming. If those two things don’t bother you, this breed is a gem.

Exercise Needs

The Maltese needs about 30 minutes of exercise per day. That’s it. A short walk, some indoor play, a few rounds of fetch down the hallway, the Maltese doesn’t need marathon training sessions or grueling hikes. This is a companion breed, and its exercise needs reflect that.

What works for Maltese exercise:

• Short walks. Two 15-minute walks per day is plenty for most Maltese. They enjoy being outside and sniffing around, but they tire faster than larger breeds.
• Indoor play. Fetch with a small toy, tug games, and interactive play sessions in the living room genuinely count as exercise for a 5-pound dog.
• Puzzle toys. Mental stimulation matters for the Maltese too. Small puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys keep them engaged.

A few things to watch out for: Maltese are sensitive to heat because of their small size and that white coat. On hot days, keep exercise to cooler morning or evening hours. They’re also fragile, jumping off furniture, rough play with bigger dogs, or being stepped on can cause real injuries. This isn’t a breed for roughhousing.

The low exercise requirement is honestly one of the Maltese’s biggest selling points. If you live in a small apartment, have limited mobility, or simply don’t want a dog that demands hours of outdoor activity, the Maltese fits your life without compromise.

Grooming

Here’s where owning a Maltese gets real. The coat is beautiful. The coat is also a commitment.

A full-length Maltese coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles. The silky single-coat texture means knots form easily, especially around the legs, chest, and behind the ears. Skip a few days and you’ll be dealing with mats that may need to be cut out.

Grooming schedule for a Maltese:

• Daily brushing with a pin brush or fine-toothed comb (non-negotiable for full coats)
• Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for trimming and shaping
• Bathe every 1-2 weeks (white coats show dirt quickly)
• Daily tear stain maintenance, those reddish-brown streaks under the eyes are extremely common in Maltese and need regular cleaning with a damp cloth or specialized solution
• Nail trim every 2-3 weeks
• Teeth brushing 3+ times per week (small breeds are prone to dental issues)

If you opt for a puppy cut (and most pet owners should), grooming becomes much more manageable. You’ll still need regular brushing, but a few times per week instead of daily.

The upside of all this grooming? The Maltese is considered hypoallergenic. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the single coat and minimal shedding make the Maltese one of the better options for people with dog allergies. You’ll find very little Maltese hair on your furniture.

Maltese Health Issues

Maltese are generally healthy with a solid lifespan of 12-15 years. Some individuals live even longer. But small breeds come with their own set of health concerns.

Patellar Luxation

This is the most common health issue in Maltese. The kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position, causing intermittent lameness. It ranges from mild (the dog occasionally skips a step) to severe (constant dislocation requiring surgery). Treatment costs $1,500-$3,000 for surgical correction.

Portosystemic Liver Shunt

A serious condition where blood bypasses the liver through an abnormal vessel, preventing proper toxin filtration. Symptoms can include stunted growth, seizures, and disorientation, especially after eating. It’s more common in Maltese than in most breeds. Surgical correction costs $3,000-$8,000 and is often successful when caught early.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA causes gradual vision loss leading to blindness. DNA testing can identify carriers. There’s no cure, but blind Maltese adapt remarkably well in familiar home environments. Diagnosis and management costs run $2,000-$3,000.

Tracheal Collapse

The trachea (windpipe) weakens and collapses, causing a honking cough, especially during excitement or when pulling on a leash. This is why we’d always recommend a harness over a collar for a Maltese. Treatment ranges from medication to surgery, costing $1,000-$5,000.

White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Yes, that’s the actual name. It’s an inflammatory condition that causes full-body tremors in small white dogs, and the Maltese is one of the most commonly affected breeds. It typically appears in young adults and responds well to corticosteroid treatment. Costs are relatively modest at $200-$1,000.

Training

Maltese are moderately trainable. They’re smart enough to learn quickly, but they have a stubborn independence that can make them selective about which commands they feel like following on any given day. This isn’t a Golden Retriever that lives to please, it’s a tiny aristocrat that cooperates when it suits them.

Training tips for Maltese owners:

• Keep sessions short. Five to ten minutes is the sweet spot. Maltese have short attention spans and will disengage if training drags.
• Use high-value treats. Maltese are food-motivated but picky. Find what your dog goes crazy for and reserve it for training.
• Prioritize house training. Small breeds are notoriously harder to house train, and the Maltese is no exception. Their tiny bladders mean more frequent trips outside, and accidents happen more often. Be patient, be consistent, and don’t expect perfection for the first several months.
• Address barking early. Teach a “quiet” command and reward silence. Once barking becomes an established habit, it’s much harder to manage.
• Socialize extensively during puppyhood. Expose your Maltese to different people, dogs, sounds, and environments. Under-socialized Maltese can become yappy and nervous around anything unfamiliar.

One thing we’d emphasize: don’t carry your Maltese everywhere. It’s tempting because they’re small and portable, but dogs that never walk on their own feet in public become insecure and reactive. Let your Maltese walk, explore, and engage with the world on four legs.

Cost

Purchase Price

A Maltese puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs $1,000-$3,000. Show-quality Maltese from champion bloodlines can exceed $4,000. The price reflects the breed’s popularity and the difficulty of breeding very small dogs, litter sizes are small (typically 2-4 puppies) and complications during delivery are more common.

Rescue Maltese are available through breed-specific rescues for $200-$500. They’re relatively common in rescue because the grooming demands and barking surprise some owners.

Monthly Costs

Expense	Monthly Estimate
Food (high-quality small-breed kibble)	$20-$35
Preventive vet care (averaged)	$15-$30
Pet insurance	$25-$45
Grooming (professional, averaged)	$30-$60
Treats and chews	$5-$15
Miscellaneous (toys, supplies)	$5-$15
Total	$70-$150

Note that professional grooming is a bigger line item for Maltese than for most breeds. If you learn to groom at home, you can save $30-$60 per month, but you’ll need to invest in quality tools (slicker brush, metal comb, grooming scissors, good dog shampoo).

First-Year Costs

Budget $2,500-$5,000 for the first year, including purchase price, initial veterinary care, spay/neuter, supplies, professional grooming appointments, and basic training. The ongoing grooming costs are the biggest financial difference between a Maltese and a lower-maintenance breed.

Is a Maltese Right for You?

A Maltese is a great fit if you:

• You live in an apartment or small home and want a dog that thrives in that environment
• You’re home frequently and can provide consistent companionship
• You’re willing to commit to regular grooming (daily for full coat, several times weekly for puppy cut)
• You want a hypoallergenic-ish breed that won’t cover your furniture in hair
• You’re a first-time dog owner looking for a manageable breed that still has real personality
• You have older children or an adults-only household

A Maltese is probably NOT right if you:

• You have toddlers or very young children, the Maltese is too fragile for rough handling, and even well-meaning kids can accidentally injure a 5-pound dog
• You’re away from home long hours and the dog would be alone most of the day
• Barking is a dealbreaker, the Maltese vocal tendencies are manageable but never fully eliminated
• You don’t want to deal with grooming or pay for professional grooming regularly
• You want a hiking buddy or running partner

The Maltese has been making people happy for nearly 3,000 years. That track record speaks for itself. They’re not the right dog for every household, but for the right person, someone who wants a real companion in a small package and doesn’t mind the soundtrack, a Maltese is about as good as it gets.

Related Breeds

If you’re considering this breed, you might also want to look at:

• Maltipoo
• Bichon Frise
• Havanese
• Brussels Griffon

FAQ

Are Maltese hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but the Maltese is one of the better options for allergy sufferers. The single coat (no undercoat) and low shedding rate mean significantly less dander and hair in your home compared to double-coated breeds. Many people with mild to moderate dog allergies do well with Maltese. If your allergies are severe, spend time around a Maltese before committing, reactions vary person to person.

Are Maltese hard to house train?

Yes, Maltese are harder to house train than most medium and large breeds. Their small bladders mean they need to go outside more frequently, and accidents are more common during the training phase. Consistency is everything, take your Maltese out after meals, naps, and play sessions, and reward heavily for going in the right place. Some owners use indoor potty pads as a supplement, which the Maltese’s small size makes practical. Expect the process to take 4-6 months for full reliability.

Do Maltese bark a lot?

Yes. The Maltese is a vocal breed that barks at doorbells, strangers, noises, other animals, and sometimes nothing identifiable at all. This is consistent across the breed, not just individual quirks. Early training to teach a “quiet” command helps manage the behavior, but it’s unlikely you’ll ever have a completely silent Maltese. If you live in an apartment with noise-sensitive neighbors, this is worth serious consideration before getting the breed.

How long do Maltese live?

Maltese have a lifespan of 12-15 years, with some individuals living to 16-18 years. The breed’s longevity is one of its strengths. Keeping your Maltese at a healthy weight, maintaining dental health (small breeds are especially prone to dental disease), and staying current on veterinary checkups are the best ways to maximize lifespan.

Can Maltese be left alone?

Maltese can tolerate being alone for short periods (4-5 hours), but they’re a companionship breed that doesn’t do well with extended isolation. Separation anxiety is fairly common. If you work full-time outside the home, consider a dog walker, doggy daycare, or a companion animal. Leaving a Maltese alone for 8-10 hours daily will almost certainly lead to behavioral problems including excessive barking, destructive chewing, and house soiling.