Maltese Breed Characteristics
Height
20 to 25 cm at the shoulder
Weight
Up to 3.5 kg
Life Expectancy
12 to 15 years
Coat Colours
White
Maltese
Easygoing, playful and lively
About the Maltese
The Maltese has basked in luxury for over two millennia. These cherished little white dogs feature prominently in the history of several ancient cultures. They are masters of companionship and excel at lounging.
The Maltese dog is a blend of playfulness and gentleness, harmonising well with children and other dogs. Though they may prefer the sofa over adventure, more active Maltese will eagerly dive into escapades as long as they’re with their owner.
Though primarily a companion dog, the Maltese shines as a therapy dog, bringing comfort and joy to those in hospitals, retirement homes, and nursing homes.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Maltese, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
Rated 5 out of 5
Friendly with Kids
Rated 5 out of 5
Friendly with Dogs
Rated 4 out of 5
Ease of Grooming
Rated 2 out of 5
Exercise Needs
Rated 2 out of 5
Prey Drive
Rated 4 out of 5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Rated 4 out of 5
Good for Novice Owners
Rated 5 out of 5
Apartment Living
Rated 5 out of 5
Maltese Breed History
There is evidence to suggest that the Maltese breed thrived on the Island of Malta. While there have been small white dogs throughout history, the Maltese breed comes from one of the oldest breeds of dogs. Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, poets, and historians all spoke highly of the small white dog that nobility all the way up to the emperors had. The French nobility in the 15th century adored this small dog and even Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria. However, poor breeding happened during the 17th and 18th centuries, almost eradicating the breed altogether. The efforts to preserve this breed ultimately led to the creation of other breeds, such as the Bichon Frise, Havanese, and Bolognese.
Caring For a Maltese
- Temperament: Maltese are neither shy nor timid. They get along well with dogs and cats and make excellent playmates for children. However, supervise play between young children and puppies, as the puppies are fragile.
- Grooming: The Maltese coat is always pure white. Maintaining their coat requires frequent brushing and grooming.
- Exercise: Despite their size, they are relatively high-energy. Expect to engage your dog in gentle walks and exercise sessions several times a day, totaling 30 minutes of activity.
- Nutrition: Adult Maltese need about ¼ to ½ cup of dry dog food daily. A Maltese puppy requires roughly half that amount. Due to their size, divide their food into multiple meals throughout the day.
- Training: The Maltese loves to please its owner, so positive reinforcement-based training is most effective.
How to Choose a Responsible Maltese Dog Breeder
Your choice of breeder significantly impacts your dog’s quality of life. Choose a responsible Maltese breeder to ensure your dog is healthy and free from genetic issues. The best breeders know how to produce dogs with even temperaments and calm dispositions.
A breeder should understand the genetic profile of their dogs and conduct health tests to ensure their breeding animals are free from inheritable diseases or conditions. Visit the breeder to meet the dam and stud, as their temperament will reflect in your Maltese puppy.
Looking for a Maltese breeder? Find one here: https://responsiblepetbreeders.com.au/maltese-breeders/
Are you looking for a Maltese stud? Find one here: https://responsiblepetbreeders.com.au/maltese-stud/
Looking for a similar breed? Find breeders for Maltese Shih Tzu’s instead: https://responsiblepetbreeders.com.au/maltese-shih-tzu-breeders/
Maltese FAQ
Can a Maltese be left alone throughout the day?
No. They are sensitive, gentle dogs who need to be with their family throughout the day.
Is the Maltese hypoallergenic?
Yes, they are considered to be hypoallergenic. They don’t have an undercoat and do not shed a great deal.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Maltese
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
