Maltese

The Maltese is one of the most recognisable toy breeds, loved for its flowing white coat, bright eyes, and charming personality.

Beneath its glamorous appearance lies a spirited, affectionate, and loyal companion.



This breed has been a favourite of royalty and aristocracy for centuries, and today the Maltese continues to win hearts around the world as a devoted lapdog and playful family pet.

Breed Origins

The Maltese is an ancient breed, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years to the Mediterranean island of Malta.

Highly prized by nobles and even mentioned by Aristotle, they were bred as companion dogs, known for their elegance and affectionate nature.



Despite their small size, Maltese dogs were valued for their lively spirit and loyalty.

Appearance & Physical Traits

Maltese dogs are small, graceful, and covered in a long, silky white coat.

• Size: 20–25 cm tall, 3–4 kg.
• Coat: Single coat, fine and flowing to the floor.
• Colour: Pure white.
• Distinctive Features: Black button nose, dark round eyes, and a lively expression.

Temperament & Personality

Maltese are gentle, affectionate, and highly people-oriented.

They thrive on companionship and love being part of family life.

Despite their size, they can be surprisingly bold and playful, often showing bursts of energy during playtime.

Training & Socialisation

The Maltese is intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively straightforward.

Training Tips:



• Use gentle, positive reinforcement.
• Socialise early to prevent shyness or excessive barking.
• Be patient with house training — small dogs can take longer to learn consistent toilet habits.

Exercise & Activity Needs

While they don’t require hours of exercise, Maltese dogs enjoy short daily walks and interactive play.

Best Activities:

• Short walks in safe areas
• Indoor play with toys
• Gentle fetch or hide-and-seek

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity.

Grooming & Maintenance

The Maltese’s long coat requires consistent grooming to stay beautiful and tangle-free.

• Brushing: Daily to prevent mats.
• Bathing: Every 2–3 weeks to maintain coat cleanliness.
• Other Care:
• Regular eye cleaning to prevent tear staining
• Nail trimming every 3–4 weeks
• Dental care — they’re prone to dental disease

Health & Lifespan

Maltese are generally healthy but can be prone to:

• Luxating patella
• Dental problems
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Heart issues in older age

With good care, they can live 12–15 years.

Diet & Nutrition

Maltese need a nutritious, balanced diet suited to their small size and moderate energy levels.

• Adults: Two small meals daily.
• Puppies: Three to four small meals daily.
• Recommended Diet: High-quality small breed dog food with lean protein.

Avoid overfeeding — obesity can shorten lifespan.

Is a Maltese Right for You?

Best suited for:

• Apartment living
• Owners who can give daily attention
• Those prepared for regular grooming

Not ideal for:

• Very young children (due to fragility)
• Owners away from home for long hours

Maltese Puppies – Buying & Adoption

If buying from a breeder:

• Choose a breeder who health tests for genetic issues.
• Meet the parents to assess temperament.

Average price in Australia: $3,000–$6,000.

Adoption: Rescue groups and shelters often have Maltese or Maltese-cross dogs.

Maltese FAQs

Do they shed?
Very minimally — they have hair, not fur.

Are they hypoallergenic?
Yes, often suitable for allergy sufferers.



Are they good with kids?
Best with older, gentle children.

Max’s Comment

"Small in size, big in personality — they’ll rule your home from your lap." – Grumpy Old Max 🐾

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