The Maltese is the epitome of elegance. With a mantle of long, silky white hair that touches the floor and a tiny black button nose, he looks like a living plush toy. But beneath that glamorous exterior beats the heart of a spirited, playful, and surprisingly tough little dog.

Weighing less than seven pounds, the Maltese is one of the smallest toy breeds, but he doesn’t seem to know it. He approaches life (and larger dogs) with a fearless, happy-go-lucky attitude that has charmed emperors, queens, and philosophers for millennia.

History and Origin: The Ancient Companion

The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in history. While the exact origin is debated, the breed is generally agreed to have originated in the Central Mediterranean, likely on the island of Malta.

For more than 2,800 years, the Maltese has been the lap dog of choice for the wealthy and powerful. The ancient Greeks erected tombs for their Maltese dogs. Roman aristocrats carried them in the sleeves of their robes and wrote poetry about them. The breed was even known as “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta.”

Throughout the centuries, the Maltese survived the fall of the Roman Empire and the Dark Ages by being carefully bred in China and then reintroduced to Europe. By the 15th century, they were once again the darlings of French and English royalty. Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, were both fans. The breed arrived in the United States in the late 1800s and has remained a popular show dog and companion ever since.

Physical Characteristics

The Maltese is a toy dog covered from head to foot with a mantle of long, silky, white hair.

• Height: 7-9 inches (18-23 cm).
• Weight: Under 7 pounds (3 kg), with 4-6 pounds being preferred.

Distinctive Features

• Coat: Single coat (no undercoat). It is pure white, straight, and silky. It should hang flat against the body. Light tan or lemon markings on the ears are permissible but not preferred.
• Head: Slightly rounded on top. The muzzle is medium length and fine.
• Eyes: Large, round, very dark, and set wide apart with black rims. This creates the famous “Maltese expression”—gentle yet alert.
• Nose: Pure black. Even in winter (snow nose), it should remain black.
• Tail: A long, silky plume that arches gracefully over the back.

Temperament and Personality: Fearless and Fun

Despite their delicate appearance, Maltese are sturdy and resilient.

The Watchdog

They are surprisingly good watchdogs. They are alert and will bark at anything suspicious. However, they are not yappy unless allowed to become so.

The Socialite

Maltese thrive on human companionship. They are “people dogs” through and through. They get along well with other dogs and cats if socialized early. However, due to their tiny size, they can be easily injured by rough play, so interactions with large dogs should be supervised.

The Lap Dog

They are affectionate and cuddly, happy to spend hours curled up on your lap. But they also have a playful side and enjoy a game of fetch or a romp around the living room.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise

The Maltese has moderate energy.

• Indoor Play: They can get most of their exercise indoors. A good game of fetch or chasing a toy is often enough.
• Walks: A short daily walk is good for their mental health and sniffari needs.
• Agility: Surprisingly, they excel in agility and obedience trials. They are fast and nimble.

Training

Maltese are intelligent and eager to please, but they can be a bit stubborn.

• Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and praise. Harsh methods will make them shut down.
• Housebreaking: This is the breed’s biggest challenge. Their tiny bladders mean they need to go out frequently. Crate training and consistency are essential. Many owners train them to use indoor potty pads.

Health and Lifespan

Maltese are generally healthy and long-lived, often reaching 12 to 15 years or more.

• Dental Disease: Like all toy breeds, they are prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Daily brushing and regular professional cleanings are crucial.
• Luxating Patella: Slipping kneecaps are common.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar can occur in puppies or very small adults if they go too long without eating.
• Liver Shunt: A congenital condition where blood bypasses the liver.
• White Dog Shaker Syndrome: A neurological condition causing tremors in small white dogs. It is treatable with medication.
• Tear Staining: The white face shows tear stains easily. This can be caused by eye irritation, allergies, or water mineral content. Daily wiping is necessary.

Grooming and Care

The Maltese coat is stunning but high-maintenance.

• Show Coat: If you keep the coat long, it requires daily brushing and wrapping to prevent breakage and mats. This is a significant commitment.
• Puppy Cut: Most pet owners keep their Maltese in a “puppy cut” (shorthaired all over). This is adorable and much easier to maintain, requiring brushing 2-3 times a week.
• Bathing: Weekly bathing is recommended to keep the white coat bright. Use a whitening shampoo.
• Eyes: Daily cleaning to prevent tear stains.
• Ears: Check weekly and pluck hair from the ear canal if necessary (ask your vet or groomer).

Nutrition

Maltese can be finicky eaters.

• Small Kibble: Use a high-quality food designed for toy breeds with small kibble size.
• Wet Food: Many Maltese prefer wet food or a mix.
• Treats: Use small, soft treats for training. Avoid hard chews that could damage their teeth.

Is a Maltese Right for You?

The Maltese is a delightful companion for the right person.

Yes, if:

• You want a devoted lap dog that loves to cuddle.
• You live in an apartment or condo (they are great indoor dogs).
• You are willing to commit to daily grooming or regular professional cuts.
• You want a dog that is generally hypoallergenic (low shedding).

No, if:

• You have very small children (toddlers can easily injure a fragile toy dog).
• You are gone all day (separation anxiety is real).
• You want a “tough” dog.
• You are not prepared for the housebreaking challenges.

For those who want a tiny, elegant, and spirited friend, the Maltese is a treasure. They have been loved for thousands of years for a reason—they are simply perfect companions.