Personality and Temperament

The Maltese dog is widely celebrated for its gentle, charming, and playful nature. Despite its small stature, this breed carries itself with a lively confidence and an eagerness to engage with the people it loves. Maltese dogs are quintessential lap dogs — they are happiest when they are close to their owners, whether that means curling up beside you on the sofa or following you from room to room throughout the day.

This breed is deeply affectionate and bonds strongly with its primary caregiver. Maltese dogs are known to be emotionally sensitive and can become anxious if left alone for extended periods. They thrive in households where they receive plenty of attention, interaction, and love. Despite their aristocratic appearance, they are not aloof — they are curious, social, and eager to play.

Maltese dogs can also be surprisingly bold for their size. They are not known for timidity and will often approach strangers with curiosity rather than fear. However, they can develop a tendency toward excessive barking if not properly socialized and managed from a young age. With consistent guidance, their natural charm and gentle temperament make them wonderful companions for individuals, couples, and families alike.

Appearance

The Maltese is instantly recognizable by its luxurious, floor-length coat of pure white silk. The coat is single-layered, which means it does not have a dense undercoat, giving it that characteristic flowing, straight appearance. The overall impression is one of elegance and refinement.

The body of the Maltese dog is compact and well-proportioned, with a slightly rounded skull, a black button nose, and large, round dark eyes that radiate warmth and expressiveness. The ears hang close to the head and are covered in long, silky hair. The tail arches gracefully over the back and is also heavily feathered.

Despite their dainty appearance, Maltese dogs are sturdily built for their size. They move with a smooth, free-flowing gait that is light and elegant. Standard breed coat color is always white, though some dogs may have slight lemon or tan shadings around the ears, which is considered acceptable but not preferred in show standards.

Exercise Needs

The Maltese dog has relatively low to moderate exercise requirements, making it an ideal companion for apartment dwellers, retirees, and those with a less active lifestyle. A couple of short walks each day combined with indoor play sessions is typically sufficient to keep a Maltese physically healthy and mentally stimulated.

While they are not a high-energy breed, Maltese dogs do enjoy playtime and short bursts of activity. Interactive toys, gentle fetch games, and indoor agility exercises can all help to keep them engaged without overtaxing their small frames. It is important not to push a Maltese into prolonged or strenuous exercise, particularly in hot weather, as their small bodies can overheat quickly.

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for this intelligent breed. Puzzle toys, short training sessions, and social interaction all contribute to a Maltese’s overall wellbeing. A bored Maltese may resort to barking or destructive behavior, so keeping their mind active is a key part of responsible ownership. For more general dog care tips, visit our blog.

Grooming Needs

Grooming is one of the most significant commitments that comes with owning a Maltese dog. The breed’s long, silky coat is beautiful but requires consistent daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Without regular grooming, the coat can quickly become knotted and uncomfortable for the dog.

Many Maltese owners choose to keep their dogs in a shorter “puppy cut” — trimmed to an even length all over the body — to reduce the daily grooming burden while maintaining the breed’s signature soft coat. This is especially popular for companion (non-show) dogs and makes day-to-day care significantly more manageable.

Tear staining is a common cosmetic concern for Maltese dogs. The reddish-brown staining that can appear beneath the eyes is caused by porphyrin-containing tears and is particularly visible against the white coat. Regular gentle cleaning of the eye area, keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed, and consulting your veterinarian about dietary or environmental triggers can all help to minimize staining. Regular bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning round out a complete grooming routine for this breed. For additional guidance, see our dog care blog.

Health and Common Issues

The Maltese is generally a healthy and long-lived breed, with many individuals reaching 14 or 15 years of age. However, like all purebred dogs, they are predisposed to certain health conditions that prospective owners and adopters should be aware of.

Luxating patella (slipping kneecap) is one of the most common orthopedic issues seen in small and toy breeds, including the Maltese. It can range from mild to severe and may require surgical intervention in advanced cases. Dental disease is also a significant concern — the Maltese’s small jaw means teeth are often crowded, making regular professional dental cleanings and at-home brushing essential.

Liver shunt (portosystemic shunt) is a congenital condition occasionally seen in Maltese dogs in which blood bypasses the liver, causing toxin buildup. It can often be managed medically or surgically when caught early. White dog shaker syndrome is another condition associated with small white breeds, causing full-body tremors, and is typically responsive to corticosteroid treatment. Routine veterinary check-ups are the best way to monitor for and manage these conditions proactively.

Are Maltese Good With Kids and Other Pets?

The Maltese can be a wonderful family companion, but their compatibility with children depends significantly on the age and temperament of the children in the household. Because of their small size and delicate build, Maltese dogs are best suited to homes with older, calmer children who understand how to handle a small dog gently. Rough play or accidental falls can cause injury to a dog of this size, so supervision is always important.

With proper socialization from an early age, Maltese dogs generally get along well with other dogs and even cats. They tend to be friendly and curious rather than territorial, though they can occasionally display a bold or feisty attitude with larger dogs despite the size difference — a trait sometimes called “small dog syndrome” when it goes unmanaged.

Introducing a Maltese to other pets gradually and positively, with plenty of supervised interactions, will set the foundation for a harmonious multi-pet household. Their sociable nature means they often enjoy having a canine companion, which can also help ease separation anxiety when their owners are away.

Training Tips

The Maltese is an intelligent dog that responds well to positive reinforcement training methods. Short, engaging training sessions work best for this breed, as they can become bored or distracted if sessions run too long. Treats, praise, and play are the most effective motivators — harsh corrections or punitive methods are counterproductive and can damage the sensitive Maltese’s trust.

Housebreaking can be one of the more challenging aspects of training a Maltese dog. Like many toy breeds, they can take longer to fully housetrain than larger dogs. Consistency, patience, a strict schedule, and crate training can all significantly speed up the process. Puppy pads may be a useful interim solution.

Early socialization is critical for the Maltese. Exposing puppies and newly adopted adults to a wide variety of people, sounds, environments, and other animals helps to build confidence and reduce the likelihood of fear-based barking or anxiety. Basic obedience commands — sit, stay, come, down — form the foundation of a well-mannered Maltese. Many owners also find success with trick training, which provides excellent mental stimulation and strengthens the human-dog bond. Visit our dog care blog for more training resources.

History and Origin

The Maltese is one of the most ancient of all dog breeds, with a history stretching back at least 2,000 years and possibly much longer. The breed takes its name from the island of Malta in the Mediterranean, where it is believed to have been developed and traded by ancient seafaring civilizations. Archaeological evidence and written records from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt all reference small white companion dogs that closely resemble the modern Maltese.

In ancient Rome, the Maltese was the prized lap dog of noblewomen and aristocrats, prized as much for its beauty and affectionate temperament as for its status as a symbol of wealth and refinement. Roman writers and poets wrote admiringly of the breed, and the dogs were often depicted in artwork and on ancient pottery.

During the Renaissance, the Maltese became firmly established as the preferred companion dog of European royalty and nobility. Queens, empresses, and ladies of the court all kept Maltese dogs, and the breed’s association with luxury and elegance endured for centuries. The Maltese was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 and remains one of the most popular toy breeds in the United States today.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Maltese Dog

Do Maltese dogs shed a lot?

No. The Maltese dog is considered a low-shedding breed because it has a single-layer coat with no dense undercoat. While no dog is completely non-shedding, Maltese dogs shed very minimally compared to most other breeds, which makes them a popular choice for people with mild dog allergies. Regular brushing helps to collect any loose hairs before they fall onto furniture and clothing.

How long does a Maltese dog typically live?

Maltese dogs are long-lived for their size. The average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years, though many healthy Maltese dogs live beyond 15 years with attentive veterinary care, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a loving home environment. Routine dental care, in particular, can significantly contribute to a longer, healthier life in this breed.

Are Maltese dogs easy to train?

Maltese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, which gives them good potential for training. However, they can be stubborn at times and housebreaking in particular may require extra patience. The key is to use consistent, positive reinforcement-based methods and keep training sessions short and rewarding. Early socialization and obedience training started in puppyhood — or as soon as a dog is adopted — yields the best results.

Can a Maltese dog be left alone during the day?

The Maltese is a companion breed that forms very strong bonds with its owners and does not do well with prolonged isolation. Being left alone for long stretches can lead to separation anxiety, excessive barking, and destructive behavior. If you work long hours, it is worth considering dog daycare, a dog walker, or adopting a second companion dog to keep your Maltese company. Gradual alone-time training from an early age can also help to build independence.

Adopt a Maltese

If you have fallen in love with the gentle charm and devoted personality of the Maltese dog, consider giving a rescue Maltese a second chance at a happy life. Many wonderful Maltese dogs — young and senior alike — are waiting in shelters and foster homes for a caring forever family. Adopting a rescue dog is one of the most rewarding decisions a pet lover can make, and it truly saves a life.

Walk Me Home Rescue works to connect adoptable dogs with loving homes. Browse our available dogs and start your adoption journey today by visiting our adopt a dog page. Your perfect Maltese companion may be closer than you think.