People usually start looking up the Maltese when they’re weighing up whether this tiny white dog will fit their home — an apartment, a busy household, a quieter life — and whether the grooming and health upkeep is realistic.
The details matter. A Maltese that isn’t brushed, handled gently, and kept on top of dental care can end up with painful mats, sore gums, and avoidable vet visits. What follows is a plain-language look at size, temperament, training, exercise, grooming, diet, and the health issues seen in small breeds — grounded in breed standards and veterinary guidance.
Quick facts: Maltese (often incorrectly called “Maltese Terrier”)
- Size: Toy breed; height up to about 25 cm at the withers (breed standard).1
- Weight: Commonly around 2–4 kg for many pet dogs (varies by line and condition).2
- Coat: Long, straight, silky, white; single coat (no woolly undercoat).1
- Temperament: Lively, intelligent, alert; traditionally a companion dog.1
- Typical lifespan: Often 12–15 years, with good preventive care.2
- Exercise needs: Usually modest — short walks and play each day suit most individuals.3
History and origin
The Maltese is an old Mediterranean companion breed, long associated with small “lap dogs” kept for company rather than work. You’ll often see the island of Malta referenced in the name and popular history, but what’s most consistent across modern breed authorities is the dog’s long-standing role as a human companion.
It’s worth clearing up one modern habit: “Maltese Terrier” is widely used online, but the recognised breed name in major kennel-club standards is simply Maltese.1
Physical characteristics
Size and build
Maltese are small, fine-boned dogs. Breed standards describe a compact little animal, with height not exceeding 25 cm at the withers.1
Pet weights vary. Many adult Maltese kept as family pets sit roughly in the 2–4 kg range, though individuals can be smaller or larger depending on breeding lines, diet, and muscle tone.2
Coat (and the “hypoallergenic” myth)
The classic Maltese coat is long, straight and silky, with no woolly undercoat.1 That single coat often means less hair left around the house, but it doesn’t make the breed truly “hypoallergenic”. All dogs produce allergens (from dander, saliva, and urine), and some people still react even to low-shedding breeds.4
Temperament and behaviour
A well-bred, well-socialised Maltese is typically bright and people-focused. Breed standards describe the temperament as sweet-tempered, lively, intelligent and alert.1
They tend to live close to their humans — following room to room, choosing warm laps, and keeping an eye on household activity. That closeness can be a strength, but it also means they don’t thrive when left isolated for long stretches.
Children and other pets
Maltese can live happily with children, but their small size changes the rules. Falls, squeezing, and rough handling can injure a toy dog quickly. Supervision and calm, gentle interaction matter more than the dog’s friendliness.
With other animals, early exposure and steady, quiet introductions usually go further than “letting them sort it out”. Small dogs can be overwhelmed by bouncy larger dogs, even when nobody means harm.
Training and exercise
Training approach
Maltese are often quick to learn, especially with short sessions and consistent rewards. Keep cues simple. Reward the behaviour you want, then end on success before the dog loses interest.
Daily movement and enrichment
Most Maltese don’t need long-distance exercise, but they do need daily movement and something to think about. A short walk or two, plus indoor play and basic training games, suits the breed’s size and energy for many households.3
Because they’re alert, some individuals are prone to nuisance barking. Regular play, predictable routines, and teaching a calm “settle” can make the world feel less noisy.
Health and lifespan
Maltese are often long-lived, with many sources placing the typical lifespan around 12–15 years.2 Like most toy breeds, they do have patterns of risk that are worth planning for early.
Dental disease (a big one for small dogs)
Small breeds are especially prone to dental disease. Brushing is widely recommended as the most effective at-home prevention — ideally daily — alongside regular veterinary checks.5 If you can only manage a few times a week, that’s still meaningfully better than nothing, but consistency matters more than intensity.
- Start early: gentle lip lifts and a finger rub before you ever introduce a brush.
- Use pet toothpaste only: human toothpaste can be harmful if swallowed.5
- Ask your vet about professional cleans: some dogs need scaling and polishing over their lifetime, even with home care.6
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps)
Patellar luxation is a common orthopaedic issue in small-breed dogs. It involves the kneecap moving out of its normal groove and can show up as an intermittent “skipping” step or sudden hind-leg lameness.7 Mild cases may be managed conservatively; more severe cases can require surgery, and your vet will grade severity and advise options.7
Eye and skin sensitivity
Maltese can be prone to irritation around the eyes, especially if hair rubs or if the face stays damp. Skin can also react to parasites, grooming products, or diet changes. These aren’t guaranteed problems, but they’re common enough that gentle grooming and regular checks are part of sensible ownership.
Grooming and maintenance
A Maltese coat is beautiful because it behaves like hair — and like hair, it tangles. If you keep a long coat, daily brushing is usually needed to prevent mats forming close to the skin (the kind you don’t see until they’re tight).3
Many pet owners choose a shorter “puppy clip” for comfort and practicality. It doesn’t remove grooming needs, but it makes them manageable.
Simple coat routine
- Brush: gentle daily brushing for long coats; several times a week for shorter clips (more if the dog swims or wears a harness).
- Bathe: as needed with a mild dog shampoo; rinse thoroughly to avoid residue.
- Eyes and face: keep hair out of the eyes (topknot or trim) and wipe dampness away to reduce irritation.3
- Nails: trim regularly; overlong nails change gait and can worsen discomfort.
Diet and nutrition
Choose a complete and balanced diet appropriate for a small breed and your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior). Toy dogs can gain weight quickly, and extra kilos place more load through small joints and potentially through already-wobbly kneecaps.
Keep toxic foods well away from curious noses. Grapes/raisins, onions, and chocolate are classic hazards — and the risk is not theoretical.8
Feeding rhythm
Many Maltese do well on two measured meals a day. Treats count. If you’re training, use tiny rewards and reduce meal size slightly rather than adding calories on top.
Living conditions: apartments, routines, and quiet corners
Maltese generally suit apartment life because their exercise needs can be met with short walks and indoor play, as long as they’re not treated like ornaments. They still need daily movement, sniff time, and calm exposure to the wider world.
They also need safe footing. Slippery floors, steep stairs, and high couches can be an injury risk for small dogs. Ramps, rugs, and a low bed can prevent a lot of mishaps.
Final thoughts
The Maltese is a small companion dog with a very practical set of demands: coat care, dental care, gentle handling, and steady daily attention. Meet those needs, and you usually get a dog that settles in close — bright-eyed, watchful, and quietly devoted.
References
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Maltese breed standard
- Purina UK – Maltese breed information (size, weight, lifespan)
- Royal Canin – Maltese breed overview (grooming and exercise)
- PetMD – Maltese breed overview (allergy and shedding context)
- Animal Welfare League (Australia) – How to care for your dog’s teeth
- ABC News (Australia) – Dog dental care and brushing guidance
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Patellar luxation in dogs and cats
- RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase – Common foods toxic to pets
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom