Maltese

The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world, with a history stretching back over 2,000 years. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Toy Group, it is a small, elegant dog defined by its long, pure white silky coat and devoted, lively temperament. The combination of an ancient breed lineage, compact size and affectionate character has made it a consistently popular companion breed.

The Maltese's most immediate practical consideration is its coat. The long, silky white coat is beautiful but requires daily attention. Without daily brushing, it mats rapidly and painfully. Most owners choose to keep the coat in a shorter pet clip maintained by a groomer every six to eight weeks. This is a non-negotiable cost: grooming is not optional for the Maltese, it is a welfare requirement.

Dental disease is the most reliably common health issue in the breed. The Maltese's small jaw and crowded dentition, combined with a breed-specific predisposition, make dental disease almost inevitable without daily toothbrushing. Professional dental cleaning under anaesthetic will be required by many Maltese during their lifetime. Start the daily brushing routine from puppyhood: it is the single most valuable health investment for this breed.

On the positive side, the Maltese is a long-lived breed. Lifespans of 12 to 15 years are typical for well-cared-for dogs. They adapt to virtually any living situation including flats, have modest exercise requirements, and are warm, engaging and typically responsive to training.

Separation anxiety should be managed proactively from puppyhood. Maltese are companion dogs: they want to be with their people and will be distressed if they have not been trained to tolerate periods alone.

Purchase prices from KC-registered breeders typically range from £800 to £2,000. Monthly running costs of £90 to £160 make the Maltese affordable relative to larger breeds, though dental treatment can add cost. The Maltese is one of the most rewarding toy breed companions for owners prepared for the grooming commitment.

Maltese Rescue UK rehomes dogs nationally. For owners prepared to commit to the grooming requirement, start toothbrushing from day one, and build independence from puppyhood, the Maltese is one of the most rewarding toy breed companions available. Its long lifespan of 12 to 15 years means this is a genuine long-term commitment and one that will be returned in warmth, affection and characterful company throughout. Begin with the grooming, commit to the dental care, and everything else follows naturally.

Maltese are gentle, affectionate and lively small dogs with a personality considerably larger than their physical frame. They are confident, curious and typically friendly with people and other dogs when well socialised.

They form close bonds with their family and want to be included in household activity. Their devotion is genuine and their preferred position is near their person, ideally in physical contact.

They can be prone to separation anxiety if independence is not built from puppyhood. A Maltese that has always had company becomes distressed when circumstances change.

Their intelligence means they respond well to gentle, positive training. They can be stubborn if the training approach does not suit them, but most Maltese find positive reinforcement sessions genuinely enjoyable.

They are alert dogs that will announce visitors and changes in their environment. This barking tendency can be managed with training but not eliminated entirely. In flats and terraced houses, this is worth factoring into the decision.

Overall, the Maltese is a warm, devoted and engaging companion for owners who can commit to their grooming needs and provide consistent company.

Maltese are intelligent, responsive and generally easy to train with positive reinforcement. Their eagerness to please and food motivation make them quick learners.

Four priorities for a new Maltese owner:

1. House training. Small breeds can take longer to house train reliably. Consistent routine, frequent trips outside and immediate reward for correct toileting are the keys. Use puppy pads with caution: they can confuse the training message.
2. Separation tolerance. Build positive alone time from puppyhood. Do not allow constant contact as the default.
3. Dental care routine. Start daily toothbrushing from the day the puppy arrives. Puppies that accept toothbrushing become adults that tolerate it.
4. Basic obedience. Sit, stay, down, come and leave it using positive reinforcement. Maltese are engaged and motivated learners when the approach is positive.

Common mistakes: Carrying the dog everywhere rather than allowing it to walk and interact normally. Maltese that are over-protected can develop small-dog syndrome: anxiety and reactive behaviour toward larger dogs and strangers.

Maltese have modest exercise needs appropriate to their small size. They enjoy activity but do not require the sustained exercise of working or sporting breeds.

Adult Maltese: 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day, delivered as one or two short walks plus indoor play. They are active and playful indoors and enjoy interactive games.

Mental stimulation: Despite their small size, Maltese benefit from mental engagement. Trick training, short obedience sessions and puzzle feeders satisfy their intelligence.

Weather considerations: Maltese feel cold acutely, particularly in wet weather. A waterproof dog coat in cold or wet conditions protects both the dog and the coat. Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure in freezing weather.

Puppies: Short, unforced play sessions increasing gradually with age. Very young Maltese puppies are small and fragile: exercise should be gentle.

Maltese are generally long-lived and robust for a toy breed, but several conditions occur commonly and require awareness.

Dental disease is the most prevalent health issue. The combination of small jaw, crowded teeth and breed-specific predisposition means most Maltese will develop significant dental disease without daily brushing. Professional dental cleaning under anaesthetic is often required annually or every two years.

Luxating Patella (slipping kneecap) is common in small breeds. Severity ranges from grade 1 (intermittent, minimal impact) to grade 4 (surgical correction required). Ask breeders about parental patella status.

Portosystemic Shunts (liver shunts) occur at elevated rates in the Maltese. The liver shunt diverts blood away from the liver, allowing toxins to accumulate. Signs include poor growth, neurological symptoms and poor condition. Diagnosis requires ultrasound or scintigraphy.

White Dog Shaker Syndrome (generalised tremor syndrome) causes full-body tremors in young white dogs including Maltese. It is treatable with corticosteroids.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy occurs in some lines. DNA testing is available.

Monthly insurance typically costs £20 to £45. Lifespan is 12 to 15 years.

Maltese are very small dogs with modest caloric needs but important dental health considerations.

Daily feeding: Adult Maltese typically need 60 to 120g of a good quality dry complete food per day, split into two meals. Quantities vary with the individual dog's size and activity level.

Dental health: Dental disease is the most common health problem in the Maltese. Daily toothbrushing with dog-safe toothpaste from puppyhood is the single most effective preventive measure. Dry kibble provides more dental mechanical action than wet food alone.

Hypoglycaemia: Very small toy breeds including the Maltese can be prone to hypoglycaemia, particularly as puppies. Small, frequent meals and avoiding prolonged fasting periods reduces this risk.

Weight management: Even half a kilogram of excess weight is significant on a 2 to 3kg dog. Check body condition regularly. An overweight Maltese is at higher risk of joint and dental problems.

Foods to avoid: Grapes and raisins are toxic. Onion, garlic, chocolate and xylitol are also toxic. Avoid feeding table scraps.

Puppy feeding: Three to four small meals daily until 12 weeks, then three times until six months, then twice daily.

The Maltese has one of the most demanding grooming requirements of any breed. This is not a low-maintenance dog.

Long coat (show or owner preference): Daily brushing with a pin brush and wide-toothed comb is required to prevent matting. The long, silky coat mats easily, particularly around the ears, armpits and hindquarters. Mats that are left will need to be cut out and can pull the skin painfully.

Pet clip: Most Maltese owners opt for a practical all-over clip keeping the coat at 2 to 5cm. This dramatically reduces daily grooming time but still requires brushing every two to three days and professional clipping every six to eight weeks.

Professional grooming: Every six to eight weeks regardless of coat style. For a small dog, professional grooming costs approximately £35 to £55 per session.

Eye and face care: Tear staining around the eyes is almost universal in Maltese. Gently clean daily with a damp cotton pad to reduce staining. The cause can sometimes be reduced by filtering drinking water or dietary adjustment.

Ear care: Check weekly for redness, discharge or odour. Hair in the ear canal can predispose to infections.

Nails: Clip every four to six weeks.

Dental care: Daily toothbrushing. This is the most important health investment for this breed.

Purchase price: £800 to £2,000 from a KC-registered breeder.

Monthly insurance: £20 to £45 for comprehensive lifetime cover for a small breed.

Food: £15 to £25 per month for a good quality complete dry food.

Professional grooming: £35 to £55 every six to eight weeks.

Dental care: Professional dental cleaning under anaesthetic is likely to be required periodically, costing £200 to £350 at a standard practice.

Routine veterinary care: Annual vaccination and health check approximately £60 to £80.

Total estimated monthly cost: £90 to £160 when insurance, food, grooming (amortised) and routine care are combined.

Best suited to: Individuals and families who want a small, devoted companion and can commit to significant daily grooming; those who are home regularly; owners who enjoy maintaining a beautiful coat or are happy to keep the dog in a shorter pet clip.

Can work with: First-time owners who research the grooming commitment; flat and apartment dwellers; older owners; gentle families with children who interact appropriately.

Not ideal for: Owners who cannot commit to daily grooming or professional appointments every six to eight weeks; households with very boisterous children who may handle the dog roughly; those wanting a low-grooming breed; owners who need a dog that manages extended periods alone.

Size and living situation: Maltese are very small dogs (under 3.2kg per breed standard) well-suited to any living situation including flats.

Children and other pets: Gentle with children who interact appropriately. Their small size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury from very young or boisterous children. Usually sociable with other dogs and cats when properly introduced.

Alone time: Both Maltese and its close crosses are companion-oriented. Build independence from puppyhood to prevent separation anxiety.