Maltese are small, stately, and lovable little toy dogs that have a rich history and a popular fan base of dog lovers who can’t get enough of their gorgeous white coats and lively, endearing personalities. Small enough to cuddle in your arms but active enough to enjoy leisurely walks in the park, this dog breed is versatile for many different lifestyles and is a wonderful companion for those who want a toy dog with an endearing personality.
Originating from Malta, this dog breed has been historically associated with opulence and royalty. Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I were both known to have Maltese as palace dogs once upon a time. If you want a fancy dog who is more than just a lap dog, you’ll love the beautiful and regal Maltese.
It is said that Maltese first came to be around 29 centuries ago! As one of the oldest dog breeds, it is difficult to discern exactly when they were first bred, but it is known that they sold for thousands of dollars as early as the 1500s! Luckily for hopeful Maltese owners today, the breed has become more common and is a bit more affordable and accessible.
Characterized by their beautiful white coats, adorable black button noses and small size, Maltese are lovable, people-pleasing creatures that can make an ideal companion for dog owners in all walks of life.
The Maltese dog is gentle and trusting. They are sweet pets that love their families and get along fairly well with other dogs when socialised properly from a young age. They are also smart and obedient, making them a joy to train. Some of their more difficult traits include being picky eaters (it may take some time to find a dog food variety they enjoy) and frequent barking when they hear unfamiliar noises. Keep this in mind when deciding if your environment is suitable for a Maltese.
One of the most notable attributes of the Maltese is their affection for their humans. If you find yourself feeling lonely, a Maltese might be the perfect pet for you! They love to be close to their owners and can often be found lying right beneath your chair or cuddled up in your lap. Definite people pleasers, this charming dog breed is sure to make you feel special. The bond between a Maltese and their human is a special one indeed.
They crave a lot of attention and closeness which can be nice if you want to snuggle up on the sofa together at the end of the day but also means they can struggle with separation anxiety. You can help mitigate this problem by crate training your Maltese and giving them a comfortable “den” that they’ll feel safe in when you’re away.
As small dogs who enjoy spending time with their owners and don’t require large spaces or copious amounts of exercise, they are suitable for apartment living and urban environments, though they could also thrive in rural areas with large families in a home as well. Though they get along well with older children and adore their owners, they have been known to get snappy with younger children so be aware of that before bringing a Maltese into your life.
Maltese only need about 30 minutes of exercise each day. Whether it be a brisk walk, a lively game of tug, or both, it’s easy to tire them out. If you don’t have hours a day to commit to heavy exercise, the Maltese might be the perfect choice for your lifestyle. Some owners have even trained their Maltese to go to the bathroom indoors in the same way a cat would. Though this might not be ideal for you, it is an option for those living in tall buildings or with schedules that don’t allow for frequent potty breaks outside.
Maltese are also wonderful pets for those who are allergic to more furry dog breeds and want to own a dog without jeopardizing their health. They are beautiful, hypoallergenic dogs that will also not have a problem with any of your guests. That’s a win-win!
It will take some effort to maintain the beautiful white coat and silky hair of the Maltese. Luckily, they don’t shed much so you won’t have to hoover your home more frequently, but they will need regular brushing to keep their coats in good shape and to avoid frustrating matts. You will also need to bathe your Maltese every two to three weeks to keep them looking and feeling their best. With such a small size, it’ll be easy to give them a bath in your tub (or even a large sink) with a gentle, dog shampoo. Just remember to hold on to them tightly, as a jumpy and slippery dog can be a recipe for disaster!
Due to their white coats and eye type, Maltese are prone to tear staining which is when the area around their eyes gets darker and stained. To help mitigate this problem, it’s important to wipe clean that area daily with a soft washcloth or cotton ball. It will also be important to take your pet to a professional grooming appointment occasionally to have the hair in their ears trimmed. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, a groomer can also trim your dog’s nails. When you hear them clicking on the floor or see them curl around your puppy's paws, you’ll know it’s time for a trim.
It’s also important to know that Maltese are prone to dental problems and thus need regular tooth brushing to avoid bacteria and tartar build up. Brush your dog’s teeth a few times a week in addition to getting their teeth professional cleaned and examined yearly.
In general, Maltese are a fairly healthy dog breed but they still struggle with certain health concerns due to their coloring and genetic makeup. For example, they can struggle with White Dog Shaker Syndrome which causes tremors when they get over excited. It can also be easy to overfeed a small dog and because they are picky eaters, it is tempting for owners to feed their Maltese extra treats or table scraps. It’s important to resist the temptation to do that because obesity can cause a lot of health issues as well. If you want to learn more about what human food dogs can eat, check out our blog “Dangers of Feeding Food Scraps to Your Dog”.
Maltese are natural jumpers, especially when they get excited or are in a playful mood. Because of this, it’s important that you hold them securely when walking around to avoid them jumping out of your arms and getting hurt.
It’s important to have a solid Maltese pet insurance policy that you can trust whenever you need it. With reliable coverage, you can enjoy spending time with your pet stress-free and without fear of the financial burden that comes from massive vet bills and expensive medication.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina.
Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind, with the loss of sight during the day occurring as the disease progresses.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment, but it is known that the condition doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort and most dogs will adapt well to their limited or lost vision, so long as their surroundings and environment stay the same.
Patellar Luxation is a relatively common problem that occurs when the patella is not properly lined up. This causes the Femur (thigh bone), Patella (kneecap), and Tibia (calf) to slip out of place. When this happens, the dog will generally skip or hop.
There are four grades, ranging from I, an occasional luxation causing temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe, and patella cannot be realigned manually.
The constant rubbing caused by this issue can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease and severe levels of Patella luxation may require surgery to avoid further issues and pain.