The Maltese dog: everything you need to know

Ever seen a cloud gliding seamlessly along the floor? No, your eyes weren't deceiving you, it was probably a Maltese. These well-established pooches have been on our radars for more than three millennia, and have enjoyed various positions in society, from medieval healers to luxurious lapdogs owned by the upper class and royalty. Nowadays, the Maltese dog is known as a loyal little companion, popular for its long, silky coat, small size, and charming nature.

Maltese characteristics

• Origin: Evidence of the Maltese dates back to 300BC. Most historians agree these little white dogs originated from the Island of Malta, although some believe they came from Italy or Asia.   
• Size: Male Malteses are around eight to ten inches tall, whereas females are usually an inch or so smaller. Scooping a tiny Maltese into your arms is pretty easy as they weigh just four to six pounds. 
• Character: These playful pups are gentle, loyal, and absolutely adore their pet parents. They are intelligent and easy to train, but they can sometimes be wary of unfamiliar furry friends and young children. 
• Grooming: Daily brushing will keep your Maltese’s coat looking its best. If your Maltese has tear staining around the eyes and mouth, gently clean the area and treat them to a stainless steel, ceramic, or glass bowl. 
• Health needs: Malteses generally have few health issues, but as with all toy breeds, it’s particularly important to keep on top of dental hygiene. Teeny “Teacup” Malteses weighing less than four pounds may be prone to more health problems due to breeding techniques. 
• Energy levels: Most Maltese doggies need about 20 minutes of exercise a day, but are just as happy to let off steam around the house as in the park. They can be energetic pups, but generally calm down into adulthood and can be quite sleepy in their senior years. 
• Intelligence: While it’s hard to picture a Maltese herding sheep on a farm, they are a super emotionally intelligent breed. They are great at making you feel loved, and extra cuddles are definitely on the cards if you’re feeling down. 
• Lifespan: This breed normally lives between 12 and 15 years.
• Noise levels: These little doggies are well-known for their loud voices. Due to their temperament, Maltese dogs may bark if they’re looking for attention from beloved pet parents or feeling uneasy. Training and early socialisation should help quieten them down. 

Maltese looks & appearance

Malteses are chic little pups often seen in the arms of equally glamorous owners. Their Standard Cut (aka the Show Cut) cements their supermodel status; their silky white hair appears to have been blow-dried into long layers which reach down to the floor.

Clips can be used to get their long white hair out of their faces, or practice the art of the perfect top knot so that your little buddy can go about their day without a fringe in the way! Some pet parents prefer to clip their Maltese’s fur into the shorter Puppy Cut - not only reserved for young pups, this cut makes their silky coat easier to maintain. 

These little aristocrats have cute, round faces with little black eyes and teddy bear noses. They have just one layer of fur, making shedding levels low but sensitivity to the cold high. Historically, Maltese dogs would have come in many colours, but today they are almost always white. That being said, a brown Maltese can be bred by crossing a Maltese with a Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, or Shih Tzu. If you’re looking for more info on Maltese mixes, check out our guide to the adorable Morkie. 

Maltese personality

Maltese doggies are entirely devoted to their family and will be affectionate and gentle with their pet parents. Despite their refined look, these fearless Fidos can be feisty watchdogs, barking at strangers and alerting pet parents to anything they think is threatening. They are not always the biggest fans of small children or other furry friends who might get in between them and their loving family, and pet parents should keep an eye out for any signs their Maltese dog thinks it rules the roost.

Maltese puppies are often adventurous and playful, growing up to become intelligent doggies that enjoy a bit of training. They should be socialised from an early age - getting them used to all the interesting sights and sounds of our world will make sure your pup grows into a happy, easy-going adult dog.

What’s the ideal home for a Maltese? 

Being only little themselves, Malteses aren’t fussed about living in apartments and small places. They don’t need a huge amount of space to run around in - tails will be wagging whether they’re playing hide and seek at home or prancing around the park. Take note - these homebodies don’t fare too well in extreme temperatures as they have just one layer of fur. They can get really chilly when out in cold, wet weather, and hot weather can be just as uncomfortable as they can get sunburnt in areas where the hair is parted. 

What’s the ideal human for a Maltese? 

Malteses are social butterflies who love to be in the company of their loved ones. These adoring doggies enjoy lots of belly rubs and snuggles and are ideal for new pet parents. You might think these small dogs would be the perfect sidekicks for little kids, but Malteses are not known for being too keen on young children. They are better suited to homes with adults and older children who won’t play too rough with these delicate little pooches.

Tips for training Malteses

Training’s a breeze with a Maltese! But really - from therapy dogs to sporting events, these are intelligent pooches that enjoy a bit of hard graft. Lots of praise and a treat or two (surprise surprise) are great ways of showing your Maltese puppy it’s doing the right thing. Don’t go overboard though - we know it can be tempting to spoil these little cuties. Showing them new experiences and socialising your pup with other dogs are also great ways of teaching them the dos and don’ts of the doggy world. 

Letting loose for around 30 minutes per day will also help to teach your pooch the lay of the land. Obviously getting out when nature calls is key to avoiding accidents, but other than that you can think outside the box in terms of exercise - from a short walk on the lead or a run around the garden to a bit of (gentle) rough and tumble at home. 

Unfortunately, there is a downside to a Maltese’s doting love for its owner - some suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviour. Setting your pup up with a playpen filled with all their favourite toys or even crate-training your pooch should make them feel more comfortable being left at home for long periods. If you’re planning a getaway sine-dog, be sure to get an in-house pet sitter to take care of your Maltese so that they can continue getting the love and attention they deserve.

Maltese grooming

Keeping your Maltese’s white coat looking spick-and-span is important for maintaining its sophisticated status. Debris can become matted into their long hair and they are prone to getting tear staining around their faces, so it’s a good idea to get into a regular grooming routine.

Depending on the length of the coat, brush your Maltese every one to three days. Comb through tangled fur and work on particularly stubborn mats with your fingers and a drop of doggy shampoo (your pooch will thank you for this). Use a coated band or clip to tie long hair away from your Maltese’s face, and bathe them weekly to keep their fur snowy white. 

Although tear staining is not a pretty sight, it is not recommended to use fur whitening products as they may cause damage to your pooch's coat. You’re better off keeping on top of staining by cleaning around your Maltese’s eyes and muzzle daily. While our pooches aren’t quite at the stage of wearing napkins, teaching them to drink from a water bottle is the next best thing, and avoiding plastic food bowls can also help to prevent staining. Have a word with your vet if the staining persists, as this could be a sign of clogged tear ducts, allergies, or other health problems.

Take advantage of grooming time to check for health problems your pooch may have. Check their eyes and ears for signs of infection, and make sure their skin looks healthy. If your Maltese's little black nose starts to turn pink, this might be a sign they’re not getting enough vitamin D, so prioritise getting out on sunny days (although always keep an eye out for sunburn on the skin beneath their coat). 

Maltese history

These sophisticated doggies have been adored for a while - three millennia to be exact. Hieroglyphics and other artefacts suggest that Maltese dogs were venerated and perhaps even worshipped by Egyptians, while the Greeks showed their adoration for these ancient doggies by building tombs for them. Equal to being tagged by your favourite celeb today, the "Melitaie Dog” even got a mention from Aristotle, who called it “perfectly proportioned”. That’s a compliment, right? 

But Rome really put these little white dogs on the map. As the favoured accessory for the upper classes, the “Roman Ladies’ Dog” appeared in stories and poems as a symbol of loyalty. Did you know, “Fido” didn’t just become one of our favourite dog names by chance. “Fido” comes from the Latin word for “trustworthy” or “faithful,” and was the name given to a Maltese pooch from Imperial Rome!

In the dark Middle Ages, the Maltese dog became known as “The Comforter,” and was renowned for its special healing powers which could cure poorly tummies and remove fleas. As these centuries thankfully passed, the Maltese became a firm favourite for aristocrats and royalty once again. It is said that one Maltese was sold for the equivalent of $2,000 in the 1500s! Their fanbase included Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, whose loyal Maltese was said to have died of a broken heart after her beheading in 1587. 

Despite sitting in the lap of luxury for centuries, in 1844 Queen Victoria commissioned a painting titled “The Lion-Dog of Malta—The Last of His Tribe”, suggesting that the breed may have been at risk of extinction. But Chinese breeders kept the Maltese going and just thirty years later, it appeared as the "Maltese Lion Dog" at Westminster's first dog show in 1877. The American Kennel Club went on to register the Maltese in 1888.

While there seem to be countless stories, myths and legends relating to the Maltese throughout history, we’re not totally sure where they actually came from. You would have thought “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta” was a bit of a clue, but theories of their origins vary from the Island of Malta to Italy and Asia. No matter what their origins are, Maltese dogs have stood the test of time, and today they are one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the world. 

Getting a Maltese

Despite their refined history, these little pups end up in shelters far too often. If our guide to Maltese dogs has won you over, consider adopting one of these little fur babies. But before doing anything rash, make sure you have the time to devote to one of these adoring doggies. Remember, while a dog might only be here for a small part of your life, to them, you are their whole life!

Ready to learn about another cute little dog breed?

We thought so! Next up, learn everything there is to know about the adorable Havanese dog in our breed guide.