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If you’re looking for a beautiful fluffy small dog with an elegant personality, the Maltese dog might be the perfect breed for you.
Known for their luxurious white coats and sweet, playful demeanor, Maltese dogs have been beloved companions for centuries.
Though small, they have big hearts and a loyal, affectionate nature that makes them wonderful companions for people of all ages.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about the Maltese breed, from their history to their grooming needs, personality traits, and more.
Brief History of Maltese Dogs
Maltese dogs have a rich history that can be traced to almost three thousand years back. Historians agree that the Spitz-type dogs are likely the original ancestors of Maltese dogs.
Some historians have however fronted the Tibetan Terrier from ancient Asia as the original ancestors of modern-day Maltese dogs.
Both ancestors are much larger than the modern-day Maltese breed. It’s therefore possible that extensive breeding was done to tone down the size and keep the coat all-white.
Regardless of true ancestors, historical evidence suggests that Maltese dogs inhabited the Mediterranean island of Malta, many years ago.
The name Maltese was derived from the Island of Malta. But before that, some of the breed’s former names include Maltese Lion Dog and Roman Ladies Dog.
Throughout history, the Maltese became known as lap dogs for noblewomen, often seen relaxing in the arms of European aristocracy.
The Maltese dog breed was established in Malta and soon enough, they became a commodity of trade across Egypt, Europe, and other parts of the world.
Some ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs suggest that the Hiram women were often awarded Maltese dogs to keep as companions.
Egyptians believed that Maltese dogs had the power to heal the sick. They would place a Maltese on the pillow of someone who was ill, hoping for a miraculous recovery.
Ancient records show Maltese dogs arrived in Britain around the 1500s. The Queens of England declared this breed to be royal, and they were treated accordingly.
During this period, owning a Maltese dog was a preserve for the wealthiest people in society, because this dog represented stature and power.
In the U.S., many Maltese dogs can trace their family tree back to dogs brought over from England, during the late 1800’s.
Maltese dogs were becoming popular every day. By 1888, the American Kennel Club had officially accepted this breed.
5 Interesting Facts About Maltese dogs
1. Hypoallergenic, but not allergen-free
One of the Maltese’s most prized perks is their ‘hypoallergenic’ coat. Unlike many other breeds, they have hair instead of fur, which means they shed far less.
While no dog is completely allergen-free, Maltese dogs produce fewer allergens than most, making them a great option for people with mild allergies.
Their silky white coat, though beautiful, requires regular maintenance to prevent matting, but it’s well worth it for those seeking a cuddly companion that won’t trigger sneezes.
2. Maltese have a long lifespan for a small dog
Maltese dogs have an impressive lifespan, often living between 12 – 15 years, with some even reaching 17 or more with proper care.
This means when you welcome a Maltese dog into your home, you’re in for many years of true companionship.
Regular vet visits, a balanced diet, and proper dental care will help ensure your Maltese enjoys a healthy, happy life into their senior years.
3. They have a big personality in a small package
Don’t judge these dogs by their petite package, because they are full of confidence and personality. They are often described as playful, bold, and sometimes even a bit feisty.
Despite their pretty appearance, they have a fearless spirit, ready to stand their ground even when faced with much larger pets.
4. Perfect lap dogs and companions
Historically bred to be companions, Maltese dogs are natural lap dogs. They love nothing more than curling up on their owner’s lap for hours, content to simply be in your presence.
This breed thrives on affection and attention, which helps form close bonds with their human family members.
If you’re someone who enjoys a dog that is always by your side (or on your lap), the Maltese is a perfect match.
5. Maltese dogs have a royal heritage
Maltese dogs have been royalty and nobility companions for centuries. From the ancient Romans to European royalty, these little dogs were often a symbol of wealth and status.
Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, and Mary Queen of Scots were all known to have loved keeping their Maltese dogs.
Do you want to learn more fascinating facts about these lovely lap dogs? Feel free to check our comprehensive article about Maltese dog facts.
Maltese Physical Characteristics
The AKC standard for Maltese states that these dogs can tip the scale anywhere between 4 – 7 pounds, although under 10 pounds is still acceptable.
Maltese dogs have a pure solid white coat, although some may sport a coat with a touch of tan or lemon markings.
The coat is soft, silky, and straight, but may appear to have a slight wave. Maltese puppies start with short, curly hair, while adults can grow a long coat that flows to the floor.
Just like many other breeds that shed minimally, Maltese dogs don’t have an undercoat. One con is that Maltese coats can become knotted and tangled easily.
Many Maltese owners prefer to keep their dogs in a shorter, clipped, or trimmed ‘puppy cut.’ This is easier to manage than a show-style coat because it doesn’t get tangled as easily.
The other distinctive feature of Maltese apart from their silky coat is their all-black eyes, which can sometimes appear solid brown to others.
Science has shown these lovely lapdogs don’t have the genes for light-colored eyes such as blue, hazel, light brown, or green.
Maltese Temperament and Personality
The temperament of Maltese dogs can be described as happy and active for their size. These dogs are people-oriented, meaning they can make good additions to any family.
This good disposition makes them assume every human or animal they meet to be equally good to them.
Despite their open attitude to family, Maltese dogs can lose patience when playing with kids, so we suggest supervision.
It’s enough to say that Maltese dogs already consider themselves lap dogs because they are always eager to get petted.
Maltese dogs tend to get along well with other dogs, especially if they are raised together from puppyhood into adulthood.
However, like many small dogs, they may not always realize their size, so they might show a bit of boldness when encountering larger dogs.
This combination of good behavior, loyalty, and easiness of handling makes Maltese dogs a wonderful option for people trying out pet parenting.
Though Maltese dogs are loving and sweet, they can be a little stubborn at times if they don’t get proper training from a young age.
When it comes to vocalization, many Maltese owners will describe their dogs as being ‘yappers’ because they tend to bark.
This vocal strength comes in handy for those who want a descent by petite watchdog, to alert them whenever there is a stranger.
Maltese Intelligence
The Maltese is an eager-to-please, intelligent dog breed with a somewhat wicked sense of humor to keep you entertained.
Their impressive canine IQ means you can train them for command and obedience without too many hurdles.
Expect your Maltese dog to learn new habits quickly and express themselves in interactive games, thanks to their smart brains.
Common Maltese Health Problems
Maltese are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of about 12 – 15 years, but they are not exempted from some common health problems.
Ethical breeders can reduce the chances of these conditions by breeding healthy purebred dogs after comprehensive health screening.
Compared to other breeds, Maltese are much more likely to develop a liver shunt, a condition that can lead to behavioral changes and progressively get worse if not addressed.
Maltese dogs are predisposed to certain congenital heart defects, like patent ductus arteriosus. As they age, they’re also more likely to develop heart disease.
Fragile Maltese who get too much exercise are at a higher risk of developing joint problems, such as luxating patella, or arthritis and dysplasia in their hips or elbows.
Some of the other conditions to watch out for include; thyroid disease, liver problems, obesity, tracheal collapse, etc.
Preventative Measures for Good Health
One of the most important steps in ensuring your dog’s well-being is scheduling routine health check-ups at your vet’s office.
Regular veterinary visits allow for early detection of potential health issues, such as dental problems or genetic disorders common to the breed, like patellar luxation.
Annual canine vaccinations and parasite prevention are also essential in keeping your Maltese protected from communicable illnesses and infections.
A balanced diet tailored to small breeds is another key element of preventative care. Feeding your Maltese high-quality dog food will support their immune system.
Regular exercise, even light daily activity, is also crucial in keeping them fit and preventing obesity, which can lead to joint problems.
Maltese Grooming Needs
Maltese dogs are far from being low maintenance when it comes to the grooming department. Their long silky white coat needs daily combing and regular brushing to stay presentable.
Even if you trim your Maltese to a puppy cut, you will still need a weekly brushing session to keep everything neat.
One of the best parts about having a Maltese dog is that you can go crazy with grooming styles and haircuts.
It’s a good idea to lightly mist your Maltese coat with water during grooming sessions to prevent it from becoming dry or frizzy.
Aim to bathe your Maltese every 2 or 3 weeks, using a gentle dog shampoo that’s mild to their sensitive skin.
Even though Maltese experience minimal shedding, they also blow out their coats two times a year during seasonal changes.
During shedding season, you’ll want to brush your Maltese more often to remove all loose hair. Investing in a good vacuum with a HEPA filter can help remove allergens floating around too.
Maltese dogs are prone to dental infections, so it’s a welcome move to brush their teeth daily using canine toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
Regular ear cleaning should also not be neglected. Make sure to use a soft cotton ball dipped in a vet-approved ear cleaner to rub in your dog’s ears and keep them free from infections.
Aim to trim or grind your dog’s nails monthly to keep their paws in good condition and maintain a normal gait when walking.
Maltese Exercise and Activity Levels
Maltese dogs need about 20 – 60 minutes of daily exercise to be happy. You can split their exercise regime into brisk walks, indoor games, and evening runs.
Occasional interactive activities at a nearby dog-friendly park will also improve your dog’s exercise intake by a mile.
Remember to keep your dog leashed whenever outdoors and keep the activities short to prevent overheating.
When fulfilling your dog’s physical exercise needs, it’s a good idea to mind their mental stimulation needs as well.
We recommend interactive activities such as hide & seek, dog tricks, obstacle courses, and puzzle toys to keep your dog’s mind sharp and engaged.
Maltese Training and Socialization
Because of their impressive intelligence and eagerness to please, training a Maltese dog can be easy with the right approach.
Some individual dogs might be stubborn when they don’t want to do something, but you need to incentivize them and be patient.
The best approach for training a Maltese dog is positive reinforcement methods. You can do this by rewarding your pup when they respond positively to a lesson.
Make the training simple by starting with the basics like teaching your dog to come when called and progress to basic commands like sit and stay.
On top of the normal training, extensive socialization is very important to transform your Maltese into a well-rounded canine citizen.
You can start socialization by taking your leashed Maltese in outdoor settings and observing how they react to strangers and other pets.
If they start barking or pulling on the leash near another dog, stay completely still and calm. Reward them once they settle down.
Maltese Living Conditions
Maltese dogs can thrive in multiple living conditions, but apartment dwellers may find it easier to keep this dog.
These tiny lap dogs don’t need a large fenced yard to stay happy. An indoor setting with sufficient doggy accessories is just fine.
With moderate energy levels, you can rely on a few indoor games and morning/evening walks to keep your Maltese fit.
Maltese dogs are people-oriented, so they may find it difficult when left alone for long periods without an attendant.
If kept for long hours, Maltese dogs can become bored and resort to destructive habits like chewing and digging.
Maltese Diet & Nutrition
Maltese are finicky eaters, but they still need high-quality kibbles, homemade foods, and water to stay healthier and happier.
A Maltese adult can subsist on foods with about 24% proteins, but puppies may need about 32% proteins to promote their growing bodies.
On their own, most dogs would choose wet foods over kibbles, but it’s always advisable to include dry foods in their diet too.
A wet food-only diet can cause your dog to have runny bowels, plus we love the texture of dry foods because it’s good for the dog’s teeth.
When purchasing dog food, always go for the small kibble made for toy breeds because chunky kibbles could harm your pup’s teeth.
Small breeds like Maltese need to eat small meals but more frequently than their larger counterparts. Your Maltese will therefore appreciate three small meals throughout the day.
Maltese dogs weighing 2 to 4 pounds typically eat about ¼ to ½ cup of food per day, while those weighing 5 pounds or more usually consume around ½ to ¾ cup daily.
Maltese Pregnancy & Litter Size
Just like other small breeds, Maltese dogs are likely to have relatively small litters, usually ranging from 2 to 5 puppies.
However, it’s not uncommon for some Maltese dogs to have up to 6 puppies, though this is a less frequent occurrence.
The gestation period for Maltese is typically around 63 days, and it’s necessary to provide extra care during this time.
Due to their petite size, pregnancy can be more challenging for Maltese, so it’s crucial to work with a vet throughout the process to ensure safe delivery.
Maltese females can become pregnant after their first heat cycle, but it is recommended to wait for the second or third cycle which is typically at 2 years old.
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to know about Maltese dogs! Their irresistible all-white beauty and personality are some of the good traits responsible for their popularity.
They may require extra effort in the grooming department, but they are some of the best lap dogs you can own.
If you’re still on the fence about this breed, our article on the 15 top reasons to own a Maltese might just tip the scales.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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