We're an affiliate
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!
If you’ve ever thought about adding a new puppy to your home, then you know how hard it can be to narrow down on a specific breed.
If you’re here reading this article, you’re likely thinking about getting a Maltese and wondering if they’d be the right fit for you and your lifestyle.
These are valid questions that you need to answer before committing your emotions, time, and money to these tiny canines.
But to answer your question, YES! There’s no harm in owning a Maltese dog, especially if you’re a first-time pet parent.
Here’s a breakdown of the 15 reasons to own Maltese dogs, and why they can make wonderful additions to any family.
15 Reasons to Own Maltese Dogs
1. They have a beautiful appearance
One of the standout features of the Maltese breed is their gorgeous, silky white coat. It’s hard not to be thrilled by their pristine fur.
Their long, flowing hair can be groomed into various styles, but even when kept simple, their appearance remains effortlessly elegant.
Maltese fur isn’t just beautiful to look at, it’s also incredibly soft and luxurious to the touch, making cuddling a Maltese a must-do activity.
We strongly recommend daily combing and regular brushing to prevent the beautiful coat from forming painful mats or tangles.
2. They have a low-shedding coat
Maltese dogs are known for their low-shedding coat. This good perk makes them an excellent choice for people who want a cleaner home and fewer stray hairs.
All dogs shed fur, but breeds with humanlike hair (like Maltese) only experience minimal hair fall because of the less prominent hair regrowth cycle.
This feature also makes them a popular choice for people with allergies, because their ‘hypoallergenic’ coat can reduce the risk of negative reactions.
If you’re looking for a dog that’s both beautiful and easy to maintain, the Maltese’s minimal shedding feature is a major benefit.
3. Maltese dogs are good for small living spaces
Once you welcome a Maltese dog into your home, you’ll soon appreciate the saying ‘Big things come in a small package’.
Maltese dogs are tiny and compact, with an average weight of between 4 – 7 pounds, and a maximum of 10 pounds.
With such a petite stature, Maltese dogs are highly favorable for city dwellers living in small spaces such as apartments.
These cute canines don’t require a huge backyard to burn off excess energy during workouts. An indoor game of fetch and daily brisk walks are just fine to keep them happy.
4. They are gentle and loving
The personality of Maltese dogs will make everyone in your family happy about this breed. They are always gentle and affectionate to their favorite humans.
This wonderful demeanor makes them wonderful choices for families with children and senior members too.
5. Maltese dogs are playful and energetic
Maltese dogs might be small, but they are packed with enough energy to play with their owners and other pets too.
Ask any Maltese dog parent about this and they will tell you how their dog loves to be in the middle of every intensive action at home.
Their active, playful, and energetic spirits also make them decent therapy dogs for people who may feel a bit low.
6. They are intelligent
Beneath the fluffy fur covering the Maltese heads lies a very sharp brain with sufficient canine IQ to make quick decisions.
Maltese dogs are known to be smart and eager to please their humans. This combination is ideal for training your Maltese on obedience and command.
Their smart brains also make them able to read human emotions, which is why they make good therapy dogs in hospices.
7. Maltese dogs are compact and adaptable
If you’re looking for a canine friend who will stick by your side in different living conditions and settings, then a Maltese can be a perfect start.
These all-white dogs will naturally fit in a carrier or snuggle up in a dog seat cover during car rides on your outdoor trips.
8. They are loyal and devoted
The love from a Maltese dog knows no bounds. They form deep and meaningful bonds with their humans, with steadfast loyalty and friendship.
They’ll be your shadow, following you from room to room, eager to be by your side. Their devotion is ideal for people looking for an affectionate lap dog.
No matter what life throws your way, good times or bad, your Maltese dog will always be right by your side.
9. Maltese dogs don’t need a ton of exercise
With exercise needs of about 20 minutes per day, Maltese dogs are perfect for people who prefer a more lenient routine.
A short playtime in your house and occasional runs in a dog-friendly park will usually satisfy their activity needs.
Seniors or individuals with limited mobility will also find joy in owning a Maltese dog, thanks to their moderate exercise regime.
10. Maltese dogs have a long lifespan
One of the best benefits of owning a Maltese dog is their relatively longer lifespan, compared to other popular breeds.
A healthy Maltese dog can live for an average of 12 – 15 years depending on other factors. It’s not uncommon to see these white canines going past 15 years.
11. They are ideal lap dogs
You can hardly go wrong with a Maltese dog, especially if you aim to find a furry companion to keep on your lap for extended periods.
Thanks to their petite size and gentle nature, Maltese dogs are considered by many to be ideal lap dogs who can provide the right warmth and comfort when needed.
You can have a shot at reducing anxiety and depression while stroking your Maltese dogs as they comfortably lounge on your lap.
12. Friendly and Sociable with other dogs
If you’re considering adding another pet to your furry collection, the Maltese could be a great option, because they generally get along well with other animals.
Their gentle, non-aggressive temperament allows them to easily socialize with other dogs, cats, and even smaller pets.
They tend to be curious but not overly dominant, which helps them adapt quickly to living alongside different species.
13. They have a small appetite
Well, this could be a pro or a con depending on how you look at it. Maltese are known to be finicky eaters, but we choose to look at this attribute from a positive perspective.
Unlike some breeds who are constantly on the lookout for food, Maltese dogs tend to eat what they need and aren’t prone to overeating.
This not only helps with maintaining a healthy weight but also makes meal planning and budgeting for their food easy and affordable.
14. Maltese can rock different hairstyles
One of the fun perks of owning a Maltese dog is the endless possibilities when it comes to grooming and styling.
With many other popular breeds, your styling options are limited due to coat length or potential damage from close shaving.
With their long silky white hair, you have numerous grooming patterns and haircuts with which you can style your Maltese dog.
You can go for a simple trim if you want easy maintenance, but feel free to experiment with fancy grooming styles on special occasions.
Do you need some inspiration for your Maltese’s next haircut? Check out our article on Maltese grooming styles and haircuts for your next trim.
15. Maltese have minimal body odor
One often overlooked perk of owning a Maltese is their naturally low body odor. Unlike some breeds that can develop a distinct ‘doggy’ smell, Maltese dogs tend to stay fresh and clean.
This is partly due to their single-layered coat, which doesn’t trap moisture and bacteria as easily as double-coated breeds.
Additionally, Maltese typically have a much smaller number of sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing the oils that can contribute to body odor in dogs.
Combined with their ‘hypoallergenic’, low-shedding coat, this helps keep them smelling fresh with minimal effort.
Maltese typically require less frequent baths to stay clean and pleasant, unlike some breeds that can develop strong odors.
Conclusion
In a world filled with dog breeds of all shapes and sizes, 15 reasons to own Maltese dogs outline why this breed stands out as a special companion.
The Maltese dog’s blend of beauty, intelligence, and adaptable nature makes them an exceptional choice for many people.
Their solid white coat with minimal shedding combined with their friendly and sociable demeanor, ensure that they seamlessly fit into various lifestyles and living situations.
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.
No responses yet