Maltese
An ancient and elegant companion breed with a stunning white silky coat, the Maltese is a devoted, gentle lapdog with a surprisingly playful and spirited personality.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
The Maltese is one of the most ancient toy breeds, with a documented history spanning over two thousand years. The breed is thought to have originated on the Mediterranean island of Malta, from which it takes its name, though some historians argue that the name may derive from the Sicilian town of Melita or even the island of Mljet off the Croatian coast. What is certain is that these small white dogs were prized by ancient Greek and Roman civilisations.
Aristotle mentioned the breed around 370 BC, describing it as "perfectly proportioned," and Maltese dogs appear in Greek ceramics and Roman poetry. They were associated with healing in ancient cultures, with the sick sometimes placing a Maltese on their pillow in the belief that the dog's warmth and companionship would aid recovery.
Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the Maltese was a favourite of European aristocracy. They appear in paintings by artists including Titian, Rubens, and Goya, usually depicted on the laps of wealthy women. The breed arrived in Britain in the early 19th century and was one of the first breeds exhibited at early dog shows. The Kennel Club has recognised the Maltese since 1873, and the breed continues to be cherished for its elegance, charm, and devotion to its owners.
Appearance
The Maltese is a small, elegant dog with a flowing white coat that reaches to the ground when left in full length. They typically stand 21 to 25 cm at the shoulder and weigh between 1.8 and 3 kg. The overall impression is one of refined beauty and gentle poise.
The head is slightly rounded, with a moderate stop and a medium-length muzzle. The eyes are dark, round, and set to look directly forward, giving the Maltese its characteristic alert, sweet expression. Black eye rims and nose provide a striking contrast against the pure white coat. The ears are set low and hang close to the head, heavily feathered with long hair that blends into the body coat.
The coat is the breed's crowning glory: single-layered (no undercoat), silky, straight, and pure white. When kept in full show coat, it creates a dramatic, sweeping effect as the dog moves. The tail is plumed and carried in a gentle curve over the back. Most pet owners choose to keep their Maltese in a shorter, more practical trim, which is equally attractive and far easier to maintain.
Is a Maltese Right for You?
The Maltese is an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a devoted, elegant companion dog. They are particularly well-suited to singles and couples who can give them plenty of attention, and they also work well in households with older, careful children. Their small size and low exercise needs make them ideal for flat living.
They are a good option for allergy sufferers, as their single, non-shedding coat produces less dander than double-coated breeds. However, their grooming demands are significant, and prospective owners should be prepared for the time and expense involved in coat maintenance.
- Devoted companion that forms strong bonds with its owner
- Low-shedding, single-layered coat suits some allergy sufferers
- Requires daily grooming if kept in a longer coat
- Can be difficult to house train
- May develop separation anxiety if left alone too long
- Sensitive to cold and damp weather
Living with a Maltese
Living with a Maltese is a rewarding and often amusing experience. These dogs have a gentle, refined quality that belies a surprisingly playful and spirited nature. They are lively and curious, enjoying gentle games and exploration, but they are equally happy to spend hours curled on your lap or tucked beside you on the sofa.
Maltese dogs need around 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day, making them one of the lower-maintenance breeds in terms of activity. A couple of short walks around the neighbourhood, combined with some indoor play, is usually sufficient. They enjoy gentle games and can be surprisingly enthusiastic about a good toy, but they are not built for strenuous activity.
At home, Maltese are affectionate and attentive. They form deep bonds with their owners and will follow you from room to room with quiet devotion. They can be wary of strangers initially but warm up quickly once they feel comfortable. They are generally quiet dogs, though they will bark to alert you to visitors.
One challenge of Maltese ownership is the breed's sensitivity to cold and damp conditions. During British winters, a warm coat is essential for outdoor walks, and many Maltese appreciate a covered, heated bed. They are also prone to tear staining, which requires regular attention to keep the white face looking its best.
Training Tips
Maltese are intelligent and can be trained to a high standard using positive reinforcement methods. They are eager to please their owners and respond well to gentle encouragement, treats, and praise. However, like many toy breeds, they can be stubborn about house training, so patience and consistency are essential.
Early socialisation is important to prevent shyness or timidity. Expose your Maltese puppy to a range of people, sounds, environments, and other animals to build their confidence. Puppy classes are an excellent starting point and provide valuable social interaction.
- Use gentle, positive methods exclusively
- Keep training sessions short and enjoyable
- Prioritise house training with a strict schedule and plenty of praise for success
- Socialise early and continuously throughout their life
- Teach them to accept grooming as part of their daily routine
Temperament
The Maltese possesses a gentle, affectionate temperament that has made them a treasured companion for over two millennia. These dogs are devoted to their owners, forming deep, loyal bonds and offering unwavering companionship. They are intuitive and sensitive, quick to pick up on their owner's mood and responsive to emotional cues.
Despite their delicate appearance, Maltese dogs have a lively, playful side. They enjoy gentle games, short bursts of energetic play, and the occasional bout of silliness that catches their owners off guard. They can be surprisingly bold and will stand their ground when confronted, though they are not aggressive by nature.
Maltese are generally friendly with people, though they can be reserved with strangers until they have had time to assess the situation. Once comfortable, they are charming and engaging. They tend to get along well with other dogs and pets, particularly if raised together, though their small size means care should be taken around larger, boisterous animals.
The main behavioural consideration with Maltese is their strong attachment to their owners, which can develop into separation anxiety if not managed carefully. They do best in households where someone is home for most of the day, and they may struggle if regularly left alone for extended periods.
Exercise Needs
The Maltese has modest exercise needs compared to most breeds, requiring around 20 to 30 minutes of daily activity. This makes them one of the most manageable breeds for owners with limited mobility or those who prefer a quieter lifestyle. A couple of short walks around the neighbourhood, combined with some indoor play, is typically sufficient.
They enjoy gentle walks and will trot along merrily on their lead, but they are not built for vigorous exercise or long hikes. Their small size and single coat mean they feel the cold quickly, so keep walks shorter during winter and invest in a warm, waterproof coat for your Maltese.
Indoor play is an important part of a Maltese's routine. They enjoy playing with small toys, gentle games of fetch, and interactive puzzles. Mental stimulation through trick training and food puzzles will help keep their intelligent minds engaged and prevent boredom-related behaviours.
Grooming
The Maltese coat is one of the most beautiful in the canine world, but it demands significant grooming effort. A full-length show coat requires daily brushing and combing to prevent tangles and matting, using a pin brush and steel comb. The hair is fine and silky, and it mats readily if neglected.
Most pet owners keep their Maltese in a shorter puppy clip or teddy bear trim, which is much easier to manage and still looks charming. Even in a short clip, regular brushing every two to three days is recommended, and professional grooming every four to six weeks keeps the coat in top condition.
Bathing is needed every one to two weeks for dogs in full coat, or every two to three weeks for shorter clips, using a gentle whitening shampoo. Tear staining is a common issue in Maltese, creating reddish-brown marks beneath the eyes. Daily cleaning with a damp cotton pad and regular trimming of the facial hair will help manage this.
Dental care is particularly important for this breed, as small dogs are prone to periodontal disease. Daily teeth brushing, dental chews, and regular professional cleaning will help maintain oral health. Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming complete the grooming routine.
Health
Maltese are generally healthy dogs with a reasonable lifespan, but there are several conditions to be aware of. Dental disease is extremely common in the breed due to their small mouths and crowded teeth. Daily dental care is essential, and professional cleanings may be needed more frequently than for larger breeds.
Luxating patella (slipping kneecaps) is a common orthopaedic issue in Maltese, ranging from mild intermittent lameness to more severe cases requiring surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce stress on the joints and slows the progression of the condition.
Other health concerns include liver shunt (portosystemic shunt), a condition where blood bypasses the liver, and white dog shaker syndrome, which causes tremors in young Maltese and usually responds well to treatment. Heart disease, particularly mitral valve disease, can develop in later life.
Eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy and glaucoma, can occur. Responsible breeders will test for eye conditions and patella luxation. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, dental care, and maintaining a healthy weight will give your Maltese the best chance of a long, comfortable life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Maltese dogs shed?
Maltese have a single-layered coat that sheds very little, making them one of the lowest-shedding breeds. This can make them more suitable for people with mild allergies, though no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Regular grooming is still essential to prevent matting.
How do you prevent tear staining on a Maltese?
Daily cleaning around the eyes with a damp cotton pad or specialised tear stain remover helps manage staining. Keeping facial hair trimmed, ensuring clean drinking water, and ruling out any underlying eye or ear infections with your vet are also important steps.
Are Maltese good for allergy sufferers?
Maltese are often recommended for people with mild dog allergies because they have a single coat that sheds very little and produces less dander. However, no breed is truly hypoallergenic, and individual reactions vary. Spending time with a Maltese before committing is advisable.
How much exercise does a Maltese need?
Maltese need around 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can be split between short walks and indoor play. They are not a high-energy breed and are content with gentle activity and companionship.
Are Maltese hard to house train?
Yes, Maltese can be challenging to house train, which is common among toy breeds. A strict routine, frequent trips outside, and plenty of praise for successful outings are key. Crate training can also help establish good habits.
Can Maltese be left alone during the day?
Maltese do not cope well with being left alone for long periods. They are a companionship breed and can develop separation anxiety, leading to barking, destructive behaviour, or distress. If you are out for more than a few hours, arrange for a dog walker or companion.
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