Maltese Dog Breed Guide: Temperament, Care, Lifespan, and Traits

The Maltese dog is a small toy breed known for its silky white coat, affectionate temperament, long lifespan, and strong attachment to people. This breed is best suited for owners who want a close companion dog that fits well in apartments, calm homes, and indoor lifestyles.

This Maltese dog breed guide explains the breed’s temperament, personality, size, care needs, grooming requirements, lifespan, health risks, behavior problems, and ownership suitability so you can decide whether this small companion dog is the right match for your home.

Quick answer: The Maltese dog is a small, affectionate toy breed that usually weighs 4–7 pounds, stands 8–10 inches tall, and lives around 12–15 years. Maltese dogs are loving, alert, low-shedding, and people-focused, but they need regular grooming, gentle training, and consistent companionship.

Maltese Dog Breed Overview: Size, Origin, Appearance, and Traits

Trait	Maltese Dog Details
Breed Group	Toy / Companion dog
Adult Height	8–10 inches
Adult Weight	4–7 pounds
Average Lifespan	12–15 years
Coat Type	Single, long, silky coat
Coat Color	White
Shedding Level	Very low
Temperament	Affectionate, alert, gentle, playful, attached
Best For	Apartments, seniors, first-time owners, calm families
Main Care Need	Regular grooming and daily companionship

The Maltese dog is a small companion breed known for its elegant white coat, expressive dark eyes, and people-centered personality. The Maltese belongs to the toy breed group and has been recognized for centuries as a companion-focused dog rather than a working breed.

Despite its refined appearance, the Maltese is not simply a decorative lapdog. This breed was developed to live closely with people, which explains its affectionate nature, strong emotional bond, and desire to stay near its owner throughout the day.

Historically, the Maltese is one of the oldest known toy breeds. Small white companion dogs resembling the modern Maltese appeared in ancient Mediterranean culture and were often associated with wealthy households and nobility. Their original purpose was companionship, and that role still defines the breed today.

In appearance, the Maltese dog is compact, balanced, and graceful. The breed has a level topline, dark eyes, black nose, and a long white coat that falls evenly along both sides of the body. Because the Maltese has a single coat without a dense undercoat, shedding is minimal compared with many double-coated dog breeds.

Adult Maltese dogs typically stand between 8 and 10 inches tall and weigh between 4 and 7 pounds. Some pet Maltese may fall slightly outside this range, but the breed is generally considered a very small toy dog. Its small size makes it easy to manage indoors, but it also means the breed should be handled gently.

How Big Is a Maltese Dog?

A Maltese dog typically stands 8–10 inches tall and weighs 4–7 pounds as an adult. This small size makes the breed well suited for apartments, smaller homes, seniors, and owners who want a portable companion dog.

One distinctive feature of the Maltese is its pure white coat paired with dark pigmentation around the eyes, nose, and lips. This contrast gives the breed its soft but alert expression. Tear staining is common in Maltese dogs and is often linked to genetics, grooming habits, diet, and eye moisture.

Overall, the Maltese dog combines ancient companion-breed history, a recognizable white coat, small size, and affectionate temperament into a breed that is small in body but deeply connected to human life.

Maltese Dog Temperament and Personality

Maltese dog temperament is usually affectionate, playful, alert, sensitive, and deeply people-focused. The Maltese temperament is one of the breed’s biggest strengths, but it also explains why this dog needs daily attention and does not enjoy being left alone for long periods.

Temperament Trait	Level	What This Means
Affection	Very high	Loves staying close to owners
Energy	Moderate	Playful indoors but not a high-endurance dog
Intelligence	Moderate–high	Learns well with rewards and patience
Sensitivity	High	Responds poorly to harsh correction
Barking	Moderate–high	Often alerts to sounds, visitors, and changes
Independence	Low	Prefers company over being alone

The Maltese dog is best known for its loving and people-focused personality. Many Maltese dogs follow their owners from room to room, enjoy lap time, and prefer being included in daily routines. This makes the breed an excellent companion for people who want an emotionally connected dog.

With family members, Maltese dogs are gentle, loyal, and playful. They often bond strongly with one favorite person but can still be affectionate with everyone in the household. Because they are small and sensitive, they do best in homes where people handle them carefully and avoid rough play.

Around strangers, Maltese dogs are often alert at first. They may bark when someone enters the home or when they hear unfamiliar sounds. With early socialization, most Maltese dogs become more confident and friendly rather than shy or reactive.

With children, the Maltese temperament depends heavily on the child’s behavior. This breed is usually better with older children who understand gentle handling. Loud play, grabbing, or rough treatment can make a Maltese anxious or defensive because the dog is physically small and emotionally sensitive.

With other pets, Maltese dogs usually do well when introductions are slow and positive. They can live with other small dogs and calm cats, but supervision is important because a Maltese may act braver than its size allows.

Common Maltese Behavior Problems

Most Maltese behavior problems come from boredom, fear, inconsistent training, or too much time alone. These issues are manageable, but owners should understand them before choosing the breed.

Behavior Problem	Why It Happens	Best Fix
Excessive barking	Alert nature, boredom, or attention-seeking	Reward quiet behavior and provide mental activity
Separation anxiety	Strong attachment to owners	Build alone-time gradually and keep routines predictable
Clinginess	Companion-breed background	Encourage independence with calm boundaries
House training difficulty	Small bladder and dislike of cold or wet weather	Use a strict potty schedule and positive reinforcement
Nervousness	Lack of socialization or harsh handling	Use gentle exposure and avoid punishment-based training

These behaviors do not mean the Maltese dog has a bad temperament. They usually happen because the breed was developed for close companionship and may struggle when ignored, isolated, or handled harshly.

When raised with patience, socialization, routine, and positive training, the Maltese is usually cheerful, affectionate, confident, and deeply bonded with its family.

Maltese Dog Pros and Cons

Before choosing a Maltese dog, it helps to compare the breed’s strongest advantages with the responsibilities that come with ownership.

Pros	Cons
Very affectionate and loyal companion	Can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long
Small size works well for apartments	Fragile around rough handling or very young children
Low-shedding single coat	High grooming needs
Usually good for first-time owners	Can bark frequently without training
Long average lifespan	Dental care and regular vet care are important
Does not need heavy exercise	May be difficult to house train without consistency

The biggest benefits of the Maltese dog are its affectionate personality, small size, low shedding, and long companionship. The biggest challenges are grooming, barking, house training, and the breed’s need for regular human attention.

Is the Maltese Dog Right for You? Lifestyle and Suitability

Lifestyle	Good Match?	Simple Explanation
Families with young kids	⚠️ Sometimes	Best with calm, gentle children
First-time dog owners	✅ Yes	Good choice if grooming and training are consistent
Apartment living	✅ Yes	Small size fits indoor life well
Seniors	✅ Very good	Light, affectionate, and not too physically demanding
Very active owners	⚠️ Limited	Not ideal for running, hiking, or intense outdoor activity
Homes with other pets	✅ Usually	Works well with slow introductions and supervision
Busy owners away all day	❌ Often poor match	May struggle with loneliness and separation anxiety

The Maltese dog is a great choice for many people, but it is not the right dog for every lifestyle. Because this breed is small, affectionate, sensitive, and people-focused, daily routine matters more than house size.

For families, Maltese dogs do best with older children who know how to be gentle. They are not ideal for rough play, grabbing, or loud handling. When treated kindly, they become loving and playful family companions.

First-time dog owners often do well with a Maltese because the breed is small, manageable, and eager to bond. However, new owners must be ready for regular grooming, patient training, and daily attention.

Maltese dogs are excellent apartment pets. They do not need a yard and are usually happy with short walks, indoor play, and companionship. Barking can be a problem in apartments, but training, routine, and mental stimulation can reduce it.

For seniors, the Maltese is often a very good companion. The breed is light, easy to carry, affectionate, and does not require intense physical exercise. Many older owners enjoy the emotional comfort and close bond this dog provides.

Very active owners who want a running or hiking partner may feel limited with a Maltese. This breed enjoys play and short walks but tires quickly and prefers comfort and closeness over intense activity.

In homes with other pets, Maltese dogs usually adjust well when introductions are slow and positive. Because the breed is very small, early supervision is important around larger dogs.

If you want a dog that stays close, enjoys affection, fits indoor life, and offers long-term companionship, the Maltese can be a wonderful choice. If you want an independent dog, a rugged outdoor companion, or a dog that can be left alone most of the day, this may not be the right breed.

How to Care for a Maltese Dog: Exercise, Training, Grooming, and Daily Needs

Maltese dog care is centered on regular grooming, gentle training, short daily exercise, dental care, and companionship. The breed is easy to manage in terms of size, but it is not a low-maintenance dog because its coat, teeth, and emotional needs require consistent attention.

Care Area	What to Expect
Daily exercise	Short walks and indoor play
Mental activity	Puzzle toys, short training sessions, and attention
Training level	Moderate; best with positive reinforcement
Grooming needs	High; coat needs frequent brushing and regular trims
Shedding	Very low, but coat maintenance is still high
Dental care	Very important because small breeds are prone to dental issues
Alone time	Limited; Maltese dogs prefer regular companionship

Caring for a Maltese dog is not difficult, but it does require daily consistency. This breed does best when grooming, training, exercise, feeding, dental care, and companionship are handled as part of a predictable routine.

Exercise needs for a Maltese are simple. Most Maltese dogs do well with short daily walks, indoor play, and light activity throughout the day. They do not need long runs or heavy workouts, and too much intense exercise can be uncomfortable because of their small size.

Mental activity is just as important as physical movement. Maltese dogs enjoy puzzle toys, short training sessions, gentle games, and attention from their owners. When bored, under-stimulated, or ignored, they may bark more, become clingy, or seek attention in unwanted ways.

Training a Maltese takes patience because the breed is smart but sensitive. Harsh words or punishment can make a Maltese nervous or stubborn. Calm voices, rewards, routine, and short lessons work best. House training may take longer with this breed because Maltese dogs have small bladders and may dislike going outside in cold or rainy weather.

If you want a step-by-step breakdown of house training, socialization, barking control, and obedience basics, read our detailed guide on Maltese dog training tips and techniques.

Grooming is the biggest care challenge for most Maltese owners. The long white coat can tangle and mat if it is not brushed often. Daily brushing is best for long coats, while shorter pet cuts still need regular brushing, bathing, face cleaning, and trimming.

Maltese dogs shed very little, which makes them appealing to people who dislike dog hair around the home. However, low shedding does not mean low maintenance. The coat still needs regular grooming, and tear stains around the eyes should be cleaned often to keep the face comfortable and neat.

For coat maintenance routines, tear stain cleaning, brushing techniques, and pet-cut care, see our full guide to Maltese dog grooming basics.

Feeding also matters because the Maltese is a very small dog with limited room for extra weight. Meals should be portion-controlled, consistent, and suitable for the dog’s age, activity level, and body condition.

For feeding schedules, portion guidance, and diet considerations, read our guide to Maltese dog nutrition and feeding.

Because they are small, Maltese dogs can feel cold easily. In cooler weather, shorter outdoor time or light clothing may help. In hot weather, shade, water, and avoiding intense midday heat are important.

With steady Maltese dog care, this breed can stay clean, comfortable, healthy, and emotionally secure inside the home.

Maltese Dog Lifespan, Health Problems, and Ownership Costs

The Maltese dog lifespan is usually 12–15 years, making this breed one of the longer-living small companion dogs. Many Maltese dogs live longer when they receive good dental care, regular vet checkups, proper grooming, healthy food, and safe weight management.

If you want to understand your Maltese dog’s current life stage, use our Maltese Dog Age Calculator to compare your dog’s age in human years and estimate aging milestones.

Topic	Simple Details
Average lifespan	12–15 years
Human-age comparison	Best checked using a Maltese-specific dog age calculator
Common health issues	Dental disease, knee problems, tracheal issues, tear staining
Routine care	Regular vet visits, dental care, grooming, and weight control
Grooming costs	Higher than average because coat care is frequent
Ownership cost	Moderate to high depending on grooming and medical needs

This long lifespan makes the Maltese one of the longer-living toy breeds when compared with many medium, large, and giant dog breeds. However, lifespan is not only about breed size. Dental health, weight, diet, exercise, genetics, and early treatment of health problems all affect how long a Maltese dog may live.

For a more detailed age-by-age breakdown, review our Maltese Dog Age Chart after using the calculator.

Common Maltese Dog Health Problems

Maltese dogs are generally long-lived, but they can be prone to several small-breed health issues. Owners should pay special attention to teeth, knees, breathing, eyes, and body weight.

Health Problem	What It Means	Owner Tip
Dental disease	Plaque and tartar build up easily in small mouths	Brush teeth regularly and schedule vet dental checks
Patellar luxation	The kneecap may slip out of place and cause limping	Watch for skipping, limping, or sudden leg lifting
Tracheal collapse	The windpipe can weaken and cause coughing	Use a harness instead of pulling on a collar
Tear staining	Dark staining can appear around the eyes	Clean the face regularly and monitor eye irritation
Weight gain	Extra weight stresses joints and breathing	Control portions and avoid too many treats

The most common health issue in Maltese dogs is often dental disease. Because their mouths are small, plaque and tartar can build up quickly. Regular tooth brushing, dental chews when appropriate, and professional dental care can help protect long-term health.

Knee problems, especially patellar luxation, are also seen in small breeds. This may cause limping, skipping, or holding up one back leg. Some cases are mild, while others need veterinary treatment.

Some Maltese dogs may develop breathing issues related to the windpipe, often noticed as coughing or a honking sound. Using a harness instead of a neck collar can reduce pressure on the throat during walks.

Tear staining is common in Maltese dogs because of the white coat and eye moisture. It is often cosmetic, but redness, discharge, odor, or eye discomfort should be checked by a vet.

What Do Maltese Usually Die From?

Maltese dogs most commonly die from age-related illness, chronic small-breed health problems, heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, or complications linked to dental and organ health in senior years. Exact causes vary by individual dog, genetics, veterinary care, and overall lifestyle.

The best way to support a Maltese dog’s lifespan is to maintain a healthy weight, protect dental health, schedule routine vet visits, use safe exercise, and treat health problems early instead of waiting until symptoms become severe.

Estimated Annual Cost of Owning a Maltese Dog

The cost of owning a Maltese dog is usually moderate to high because grooming is frequent and small-breed dental care can become expensive over time. Costs vary based on location, grooming style, vet needs, food quality, and whether you use pet insurance.

Expense	Estimated Yearly Cost
Food	$250–$400
Professional grooming	$600–$1,200
Routine vet care	$300–$800
Pet insurance	$200–$500
Basic supplies and maintenance	$100–$300

Total estimated yearly ownership cost: $1,450–$3,200 depending on grooming style, dental needs, medical care, and local pricing.

The price of a Maltese puppy can vary widely. Puppies from responsible breeders usually cost more because of health screening, early care, and better socialization. Very cheap puppies may come from poor breeding conditions and can have higher long-term health risks.

For a deeper breakdown of breeder pricing, grooming frequency, medical costs, and long-term budgeting, read our complete guide on the cost of owning a Maltese dog.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Maltese Dog

Are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic?

Maltese dogs are often considered hypoallergenic because they shed very little and have a single coat without a dense undercoat. No dog is completely allergy-free, but many people with mild dog allergies tolerate Maltese dogs better than heavy-shedding breeds.

Do Maltese dogs bark a lot?

Yes, Maltese dogs can bark a lot if they are bored, under-trained, anxious, or reacting to sounds. Their alert nature makes them good small watchdogs, but barking should be managed with routine, socialization, quiet rewards, and daily mental activity.

Are Maltese dogs easy to train?

Maltese dogs are intelligent and can learn quickly with positive reinforcement. However, they are sensitive and may shut down with harsh correction. House training can take patience because of the breed’s small bladder and dislike of cold or wet weather.

How long do Maltese dogs live?

The average Maltese dog lifespan is 12–15 years. Some Maltese dogs live longer with good dental care, healthy weight control, regular vet checkups, proper grooming, and a consistent daily routine.

How long do Maltese live in human years?

A Maltese dog’s age in human years depends on its exact age and life stage. Because small dogs age differently from large dogs, the easiest way to estimate this is to use our Maltese Dog Age Calculator.

Is a Maltese dog good for first-time owners?

Yes, a Maltese dog can be good for first-time owners because it is small, affectionate, and manageable indoors. However, first-time owners must be ready for grooming, dental care, barking control, house training, and daily companionship.

Is a Maltese high maintenance?

Yes, the Maltese is high maintenance for grooming, coat care, tear stain cleaning, and companionship needs. It is not high maintenance for exercise because it only needs short walks and indoor play, but its coat and emotional needs require regular attention.

Can a Maltese be left alone all day?

A Maltese should not be left alone all day on a regular basis. This breed bonds closely with people and may develop separation anxiety, barking, or stress-related behaviors if left alone for long hours without training and gradual independence building.

What personality does a Maltese have?

A Maltese usually has an affectionate, playful, alert, gentle, and people-focused personality. Many Maltese dogs are confident for their size, but they are also sensitive and do best with calm handling and positive training.