Maltese: Temperament, Size, Care & Health Guide

The Maltese is a small, affectionate dog covered in a long, straight, silky white coat, hiding a compact body that moves with a smooth, effortless gait. Large dark eyes and a black "gumdrop" nose, according to the AKC, can charm even the biggest skeptic. Despite their aristocratic bearing, Maltese are hardy and adaptable pets, brave little watchdogs, and even agile agility competitors. In this dog breeds directory profile, you will find the history, appearance, temperament, and care of the Maltese.

Origin	Central Mediterranean basin; Patronage: Italy
FCI Group	Group 9 – Companion and Toy Dogs, Bichons (No. 65)
Height	about 7–9 inches
Weight	under 7 lbs
Coat	long, straight, silky, no undercoat, hardly sheds
Color	pure white
Lifespan	12–15 years
Temperament	playful, affectionate, alert, sometimes stubborn
Suitable for	apartments, seniors, families with gentle children

The Maltese – Darling of the Ancient World

The name "Maltese" covers both an ancient variety of small white dogs and the modern breed, which is genetically related to the Bichon Frise, Bolognese, and Havanese; their exact connection remains unknown. The ancient Maltese seems to have been the most common or favored pet dog of antiquity. An Athenian amphora dating back to around 500 BC depicts a small, pointy-nosed dog with the inscription "Melitaie." In Classical Greece, small dogs were called "little dogs from Melita," and Melita was the Latin name for both Malta and the Adriatic island of Mljet – the debate over their exact origin continues, though modern researchers lean more toward Malta.

The AKC notes that by 3500 BC, Malta was already a thriving port through which spices, silks, gemstones, and a small white lap dog favored by wealthy ladies passed. They were likely brought to Malta by the Phoenicians. In the 4th and 5th centuries BC, the Greeks admired their beauty, and Aristotle described them as "perfectly proportioned." The philosopher Diogenes of Sinope called himself a "Maltese dog," and in one of Aesop's fables, a pampered Maltese is contrasted with a hardworking donkey. According to Stanley Coren, these dogs may have been among the first human companions. The FCI recognized the breed in 1955, listing the Central Mediterranean basin as its region of origin and Italy as its patron.

Appearance: Floor-Length White Silk

The Maltese is a compact, well-proportioned little dog weighing under 7 lbs. The coat is pure white, long, straight, and silky, reaching the floor on show dogs, and lacks an undercoat. The ears are drop, covered with long hair, and the tail is carried gracefully over the back. Large dark eyes and a black nose create a characteristic gentle expression, and the overall figure appears elegant and balanced.

Some researchers believe that ancient Maltese may have resembled spitz-type dogs, with a short muzzle and erect ears. The modern breed is different: it features drop ears, a long straight coat, and a curled tail.

Temperament: Playful and Brave Little Dog

The AKC describes the Maltese as playful, charming, and adaptable companions, alert watchdogs, and fearless in a toy-dog way. They happily make friends with people of all ages. Maltese are highly intelligent – through centuries of living with humans, they have learned exactly how to get what they want, which can sometimes make them stubborn and willful. Positive reinforcement training works best.

Maltese are full of energy, but occasional bursts of activity are usually enough for them: daily walks with their owner or running around in a fenced yard, or even indoors, help keep them in shape. Because of their small size, they are perfect for apartment living, but caution is needed with small children, as this fragile dog can easily be injured.

Health: Liver, Heart, and Teeth

• Patellar luxation – parental screening recommended.
• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) – a congenital heart defect; cardiac exam recommended.
• Liver shunt and microvascular dysplasia – a bile acid test is recommended for puppies.
• Encephalitis (GME) – occurs occasionally; no test is currently available.
• Teeth – prone to dental disease as they age, so daily teeth brushing is essential.

Coat Care

• Daily. Gently brush down to the skin to prevent mats and tangles.
• Bathing. Bathe regularly using a high-quality conditioner.
• Eyes. Monitor for tear stains and consult a vet if necessary.
• Nails and ears. Nails grow fast and should be trimmed regularly; check ears weekly.

Feature	Maltese	Bichon Frise	Yorkshire Terrier
Weight	under 7 lbs	about 11–12 lbs	under 7 lbs
Coat	long, straight, silky	curly, with undercoat	long, silky
Color	white	white	steel blue and gold
Origin	Mediterranean region	Belgium, France	Great Britain

The Maltese is Great for Apartments and Patient Families

The Maltese is a small, cheerful dog that forms strong bonds with its people, making it thrive in apartments and a popular choice for seniors.

• Good for: city dwellers, seniors, people who dislike shedding hair, and families with older children.
• Not ideal for: families with toddlers, people who frequently leave the dog alone, and those unwilling to commit to grooming.

The white fur around their eyes often turns reddish-brown from tears, so their face should be wiped daily with a damp wipe. Maltese are sensitive to the cold, so a warm dog sweater or coat will be very useful during cold winters.

How to Choose a Maltese Puppy

Ask the breeder for the parents' patella and cardiac evaluations, as well as the puppy's bile acid test results. Avoid "mini" or "teacup" Maltese, as undersized dogs are much more fragile and prone to health issues. Consider whether you can dedicate time to daily coat care or if you prefer keeping them in a short puppy cut. When looking for a Maltese puppy, ensure you are working with a reputable breeder who prioritizes health and temperament over profit. Avoid pet stores and puppy mills, and ask to meet the puppy's parents. Alternatively, consider adopting through a local shelter or a breed-specific rescue. For more details on finding a responsible breeder or adopting, check out the guide introduction.

You can find other small white companions in the Bichon Frise profile, and the popular Maltese-Poodle mix in the Maltipoo guide. For another similar long-haired toy breed, check out the Yorkshire Terrier profile.