A close-up of a white Maltese

The Maltese is one of the world's oldest toy breeds, adored for its silky, pure-white coat and sweet, clingy personality. Though tiny in stature, they possess remarkable courage and vitality, making them an ideal companion for many urban households.

Breed Origin and History

The Maltese's history stretches back more than two thousand years to the island of Malta in the central Mediterranean. Ancient Greek and Roman texts and artworks already featured these dogs, which were prized by nobility as status symbols and cherished companions. During the Middle Ages, European royalty — particularly during the reign of England's Elizabeth I — were especially enamored with the breed. Centuries of selective breeding gradually refined the Maltese into the look we know today.

The Tear Stain Challenge: Every Maltese Owner's Shared Battle

Virtually every Maltese owner will encounter tear staining — those reddish-brown streaks running down from the eyes that are especially conspicuous on a pure-white coat. Tear stains have multiple causes: excessive tear production, narrow or blocked tear ducts, food allergies, high mineral content in drinking water, or even hair irritating the eyes.

Managing tear stains requires a multi-pronged approach. Daily wiping around the eyes with warm water and a soft cotton cloth is basic maintenance. Keeping the fur trimmed short around the eyes reduces irritation. Some owners find that switching to natural, additive-free food noticeably improves staining. Using filtered or distilled water instead of tap water is also considered helpful.

If staining is severe and worsening, a vet visit to check for blocked tear ducts or other eye issues is recommended. Be aware that some over-the-counter "tear stain removers" contain antibiotics, and long-term use can lead to resistance — don't use them without veterinary guidance.

Physical Characteristics

An adult Maltese weighs about 4 to 7 pounds and stands roughly 8 to 10 inches at the shoulder. Their most striking feature is a pure-white, silky coat that reaches nearly to the ground, with no undercoat and an extraordinarily soft texture. Round, dark eyes and a black nose pop against the white fur, while low-set ears frame the face. The tail curls elegantly over the back. The overall impression is one of refinement, elegance, and spirited charm.

Temperament and Personality

Maltese are gentle, deeply affectionate, and extremely attached to their owners, preferring to be by your side or in your lap at all times. Despite their tiny frame, they are lively and bold, showing alertness to strangers and environmental changes — handy little "alarm systems." They are smart and trainable, though they share the typical small-dog stubborn streak and need patient, positive guidance. Interactions with small children require supervision, as their delicate frame isn't built for rough play.

Care and Grooming Essentials

  • Coat care: Long-coated Maltese need daily brushing to prevent tangles. Many owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" to reduce maintenance. Bathe at least once a month and keep the eye area clean to minimize tear staining.
  • Exercise: About 30 minutes of daily walking and indoor play is sufficient — no intense running or jumping required.
  • Diet: Small dogs have fast metabolisms, so small, frequent meals are best. Choose high-quality, small-kibble food and watch for weight gain.
  • Socialization: Early exposure to different people, environments, and sounds helps reduce timid barking later on.

Training and Bark Management

The Maltese ranks decently among small breeds for intelligence and picks up basic commands at a reasonable pace. Like many small dogs, however, they're easily "spoiled" — because they're small and cute, owners often tolerate misbehavior instead of correcting it, eventually fostering "small-dog syndrome."

Barking is the most common behavioral issue Maltese owners need to address. Their high alertness means doorbells, footsteps, or any environmental change can trigger a barking response. In an apartment setting, this quickly becomes a neighbor issue. Training a "quiet" command is essential — reward the dog the instant it stops barking so it learns that silence brings good things.

House training may take longer than average for a Maltese. Small bladders mean more frequent bathroom breaks. Many owners use indoor pee pads as a supplementary solution, especially during bad weather or when they can't take the dog out frequently. Patience and consistency are the keys to success.

Cost and Budget Considerations

Maltese ownership costs are moderate for a small breed. Puppy prices range from $500 to $1,700 depending on bloodline. Monthly food costs run about $20 to $40 given their tiny appetite. Coat care is the primary expense — maintaining a long coat runs $35 to $65 monthly for professional grooming; a shorter cut is slightly less but still requires regular appointments.

Annual check-ups and vaccines run $80 to $170. Dental care is an ongoing and non-negligible cost — annual cleanings run $100 to $270, and at-home dental products cost about $7 to $15 monthly. Tear-stain care products add another $7 to $15 monthly. Overall monthly basic costs run about $65 to $130.

Common Health Issues

The Maltese is generally a healthy breed, but watch for: patellar luxation (common in small breeds), tear duct issues causing severe staining, dental disease (small mouths mean crowded teeth and tartar buildup), hypoglycemia (especially in puppies), and collapsed trachea. Regular check-ups and dental cleanings are essential for maintaining health.

Ideal Family Types

The Maltese is perfectly suited for apartment living, requiring minimal space and shedding very little (a potentially hypoallergenic breed). They're ideal for owners who can be present most of the time — singles, retirees, or those who work from home. Homes with very young children should ensure supervised interactions. Leaving a Maltese alone for long periods is not recommended, as they are prone to separation anxiety.

Caring for a Senior Maltese

The Maltese has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, with some individuals reaching 18 — a notably long-lived breed. Entering their senior years (around age eight and beyond), they need some extra attention and care adjustments.

Declining vision and hearing are the most common changes in aging Maltese. They may start bumping into furniture in dim lighting or respond more slowly to your calls. Keeping household layouts consistent and avoiding frequent furniture rearrangement helps vision-impaired seniors navigate safely. Dental issues worsen with age — some Maltese may need most of their teeth extracted in later years, switching to softened kibble or canned food.

Heart valve disease is another condition to watch for in senior Maltese. If you notice a marked decrease in exercise tolerance, increased nighttime coughing, or rapid breathing, schedule a cardiac exam promptly.

Key reminder: The Maltese is a breed that depends deeply on human companionship. If your lifestyle requires long absences, seriously consider whether you can provide enough quality time — or arrange reliable daytime care.

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