With their loyal gaze, plush fur, and affectionate nature, the Maltese make wonderful companion dogs. Here you’ll learn what sets these social and affectionate dogs apart and what makes them so unique.

History of the Maltese

The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds and has been a popular companion for centuries. Its exact origins are not clear, but according to tradition, Phoenician sailors discovered similar dogs around 1500 BC on the island of Malta. However, the name cannot be traced back to the island of Malta but rather to the Semitic word “Màlat,” which means refuge or harbor, suggesting that the ancestors of the breed lived in the ports and coastal towns of the central Mediterranean. The dogs served primarily to combat rats and mice.

During the Renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries, the dogs became popular companions for the aristocratic circles. The small white dogs were particularly popular among ladies. British Queen Victoria, as well as French queens Marie Antoinette and Joséphine Bonaparte, were admirers of the breed. The Maltese is also among the first dogs to be publicly exhibited at dog shows. They were first shown in Great Britain in 1862 and shortly thereafter in the United States in 1877. Today, the breed is internationally recognized by the FCI Group 9, Companion and Toy Dogs, Section 1.1, “Bichons and related breeds.” The small companion dog remains a popular breed worldwide.

Temperament and Character

The Maltese is a cheerful and affectionate family dog ​​who enjoys going on adventures. This energetic dog is always ready to play and makes a great companion in everyday life. The fluffy dogs can play with children under supervision without any problems. With their affectionate nature, they need a lot of attention and cuddles to be happy. They prefer to follow their owner everywhere, which is not a problem due to their size and loving nature. They are shy and reserved towards strangers.

These small, spirited dogs are confident and show no fear towards much larger dogs. Well-socialized, they get along easily with other dogs, cats, or small animals. Although they have a weak hunting instinct, they can easily follow scent trails. This is due to their curiosity. They want to be taken seriously as dogs and become unhappy when not sufficiently occupied. Nevertheless, these friendly and lively dogs are suitable for beginners.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	Medium
Playfulness	Medium
Energy Level	Medium
Trainability	Medium
Intelligence	Medium
Tendency to Bark	Medium
Amount of Shedding	low

Appearance of the Maltese

The black button eyes and cute snub nose surrounded by radiant white fur melt the hearts of dog lovers. Despite their small size of 20 to 25 centimeters and a weight of up to 4 kilograms, the Maltese is a real eye-catcher. The small dog with an elongated body looks very elegant and carries its head proudly. The long and soft fur is usually pure white but can also be ivory-colored. When the coat is allowed to grow long, it reaches almost to the ground when parted on the back.

The breed is easily confused with other dog breeds by laymen. Although they all descend from the same type of dog, many variations of Bichons have developed over the centuries. Many laymen confuse them especially with the similarly white Coton de Tuléar. However, the Maltese is smaller than this and has smooth fur. It is also easily confused with the curly-haired Bichon Frisé from Tenerife, the Italian Bolognese, or the multicolored Havanese.

Puppy Training

The aggressive and mischievous behavior of some representatives of the breed can usually be attributed to lack of training, due to its reputation as a lapdog. With gentle and loving training, the Maltese develops into a great everyday companion. You don’t need any special knowledge or experience to train this eager-to-learn dog. If it’s your first dog, seek help from a dog training school.

Don’t be swayed by the cute puppy eyes and clearly show the dog what is allowed and what is not. Giving in once will result in dealing with bad habits throughout the dog’s life. Whatever the dog is allowed to do as a puppy, it will continue into adulthood. However, these small dogs are generally friendly and eager to please their owner. Early socialization and getting used to unfamiliar people and animals are very important so that you can tackle everyday life together smoothly and without problems.

Activities with the Maltese

Although Maltese dogs are small and cute, they are no less active than other breeds. They also need long walks, games, and other activities. These smart dogs love to explore their surroundings and follow interesting scent trails. Searching games with small treats are a huge joy for the little furballs. The small dogs also enjoy playing and frolicking with balls and other throwing toys. With patience and consistency, the four-legged friends learn tricks and stunts.

If they don’t get enough activity, the spirited dog may become a barker or start destroying furniture. Even though they may not look like it, Maltese dogs are real dogs who enjoy any kind of activity. If you want to engage your dog at a professional level, you can participate in dog sports with them. However, you should not overburden them, but you can try out small exercises in agility or dog dancing.

Health and Genetic Diseases

Common health problems that can affect Maltese dogs include eye problems such as tear duct obstructions and cataracts. These dogs also tend to suffer from dental issues like tartar and gum disease, so regular dental care is essential. Another health risk is the so-called “White Shaker Syndrome,” a neurological disorder that causes trembling and muscle spasms.

Since the Maltese is a small breed, they can also suffer from patellar luxations (dislocation of the kneecap). It is important to recognize signs of discomfort or pain in our dog and seek veterinary help immediately if necessary.

To minimize the risk of genetic diseases, it is crucial to choose a reputable breeder who cares about the health and genetics of their dogs. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are also important to promote the health of our Maltese. By lovingly caring for our dog and identifying potential problems early on, we can ensure that our Maltese leads a long and happy life. Like many small dogs, this breed is also prone to patellar luxations, the painful shifting of the kneecap. The best prevention here is avoiding overweight and regular exercise to strengthen the stabilizing muscles around the knees.

Care of a Maltese

Due to its long fur, the Maltese requires special grooming. The easiest care option is to keep the fur in a short haircut. To do this, it is necessary to have the dog shaved every two to three months. With practice, you can perform this process yourself. If you decide to let the dog’s fur grow, you should brush the animal once a day to prevent matting. It is recommended to introduce your dog to this daily ritual as a puppy for proper care.

Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and knots in the fur. It is recommended to brush the fur daily to remove loose hairs and keep the coat shiny and well-groomed. It is also important to keep your Maltese’s eyes and ears clean to prevent infections. Gentle cleaning with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Since the fur on the head is particularly long, some representatives of the breed may be prone to eye inflammations. Although the fur may appear dense, it is not suitable for protecting against cold. Since it does not have an undercoat, you should not leave the Maltese outside for too long in cold temperatures and consider putting on a coat, but not a costume.

Dental care is another important aspect of Maltese grooming. Since they are prone to dental problems, regular brushing is essential to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Veterinary check-ups should also be carried out regularly to monitor the overall health of our Maltese.

Does the Maltese Suit Me?

Before purchasing a Maltese, you should be aware that you are not getting a pure lapdog. Like any other dog, this breed also needs regular walks and stimulation. Those who do not have time for this should refrain completely from buying a dog. Due to its small size, the Maltese can also be kept in smaller apartments if it gets enough exercise outside. A major advantage of the breed compared to other long-haired dogs is the almost odorless coat and the lack of shedding.

If you decide on the breed, you should search for a reputable breeder. Ideally, they are affiliated with a registered club and have experience with breeding. Here you can follow the development of your puppy from the beginning until it moves in with you. A purebred puppy with vaccinations and a health check costs between $1,000 and $1,500. With luck, you may also find a good-natured Maltese or a mixed breed looking for a new home in animal shelters. Here you only pay a small adoption fee and do something good at the same time.

Interesting and Fun Facts

Do you have a Maltese or are you planning to get one? Tell me in the comments what you think makes them so special!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Maltese hypoallergenic?

Yes, the Maltese dog is known to be hypoallergenic, meaning it is suitable for many allergy sufferers.

Do Maltese require a lot of exercise?

Although they are small, Maltese dogs need adequate exercise to stay healthy. Regular walks and playful activities are recommended.

Are Maltese easy to train?

Yes, Maltese dogs are intelligent and respond well to positive training and loving consistency.

Do Maltese shed a lot?

No, Maltese dogs are a non-shedding breed, meaning they only shed minimally.

Can Maltese live in apartments?

Yes, due to their small size and adaptability, Maltese dogs are ideal for living in apartments and small spaces.