All breeds › Maltese
Maltese
A tiny, white-coated toy dog long kept as a lap companion.
♥ Swipe on the MalteseQuick facts
- Origin
- Malta
- Size
- Small
- Energy
- Medium
- Bred for
- Companionship
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Temperament
- Gentle, playful, charming
- Exercise
- 30 min/day
- Grooming
- High
- Shedding
- Low
- Training
- Moderate
- With children
- Supervise
- Apartment
- Yes
Where the Maltese comes from
Maltese dogs have been companions for over two thousand years, with links to the Mediterranean island of Malta. Wealthy ladies in Rome and later in Europe kept them.
Personality and daily life
Gentle, playful and charming. Maltese love attention and can be sensitive, yappy and clingy.
Maltese are tiny white lap dogs that need daily coat care. They are affectionate but can be sensitive.
Exercise, grooming and health
Short walks and play. The long white coat needs daily brushing or a short clip, and tear staining needs cleaning. Dental and knee problems are common.
Is a Maltese right for you?
Apartments and owners who like grooming. Be careful with small children.
- Copes well with apartment living
- Best with older children, always supervised
- Sheds little
- Needs regular grooming
Similar breeds
Profiles are general guides. Individual dogs vary, so always meet the dog and talk to a breeder, shelter or vet.