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Malta•toy
Maltese
popularHypoallergenicApartment FriendlyGood with KidsGood with Pets
Gentle, playful, and charming. Maltese are elegant lap dogs with flowing white coats and affectionate personalities.
Weight2-3 kg4.5-6.5 lbs
Height20-25 cm8-10"
Lifespan12-15 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
GentlePlayfulCharmingFearlessAffectionate
Height
20-25 cm8-10"
Weight
2-3 kg4.5-6.5 lbs
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Tiny - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Balanced - enjoys play sessions and moderate activity
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
High maintenance - daily brushing
Barking
Barks when necessary
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Strongly bonds with family
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Maltese20-25 cm8-10"Compatibility
How well Maltese matches your lifestyle
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Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Colors & patterns
Maltese comes in 2 recognized colors
White
White with Lemon Markings
Lemon
Exercise
Activity requirements for Maltese
medium energy45-60 min/day
Malteses need regular daily exercise to stay fit and content. A mix of walks and play will keep them mentally and physically satisfied.
20-30 minutes daily of gentle exercise
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle toys and training games for mental exercise.
10-15 min
Moderate intensity
Daily Walks
Regular walks at a moderate pace, ideally twice daily.
20-30 min each
Moderate intensity
Fetch & Retrieval Games
Active play sessions with balls or toys.
15-20 min
Moderate intensity
Social Play
Playdates with other dogs or interactive games with family.
20-30 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Maltese
High Maintenancehair coat
Malteses require significant grooming commitment. Daily maintenance prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy and beautiful.
Daily Brushing
Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful matting and tangles. Use appropriate brushes for the coat type.
Daily
Regular Bathing
Bathe every 2-4 weeks with quality products. Proper drying is crucial to prevent skin issues.
Every 2-4 weeks
Professional Grooming
Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for thorough coat maintenance. Trimming needs vary by breed.
Every 4-6 weeks
Mat Prevention
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind ears, under legs, and around the collar.
Daily check
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with heavy ear furnishings.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Maltese
Eager to Please
The Maltese is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These dogs are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early puppyhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Maltese
Tiny Breed3-4 small meals$7-18/month
Tiny breeds have fast metabolisms and small stomachs. They need frequent, small meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Feeding Tips
Frequent Small Meals
Feed 3-4 small meals throughout the day to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Appropriately Sized Food
Choose small-breed or toy-breed formulas with smaller kibble sizes that are easier to chew.
Calorie-Dense Food
Tiny breeds need more calories per pound than larger dogs. Choose nutrient-dense formulas.
Monitor Weight Carefully
Even a small amount of extra weight puts strain on tiny frames. Keep them lean.
Important Considerations
- Risk of hypoglycemia if meals are skipped
- Prone to dental issues - consider dental-focused foods
- Small stomachs can lead to digestive upset if overfed
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Maltese
0
High Risk
4
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Maltese
Monthly costs
Food
$7-18
Insurance
$24-56
Supplies
$11-21
Grooming
$68-82
Monthly total
$110-177
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$372-612/yr
Parasite prevention
$216/yr
Annual total
$588-828/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Maltese's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
3 references for Maltese
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Canine Health Information Center - Maltese
Health·OFA-CHIC
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research