Maltese (Dog)
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Maltese

Dog · tiny size
Lifespan12–15 yrs
Adult weight2–4 kg
Energy2 out of 5
Grooming5 out of 5
Trainability3 out of 5

Temperament

GentlePlayfulAffectionateFearlessCharming

Good with

Apartments First-time owners
TinyTypically a tiny dog — most adults weigh under roughly 5 kg. Individual dogs vary, so treat this as a starting point, not a guarantee.
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Energy & exercise

As a tiny dog, a Maltese does best with daily walks plus time to sniff, explore, and stretch their legs. Dogs are working animals at heart — a mix of physical exercise and light mental work (training games, food puzzles, new routes) keeps them settled at home. Match the intensity to the individual dog and your vet's guidance.

Temperament & playdates

Dogs are social by nature and most enjoy meeting other dogs when introductions are calm and on neutral ground. Good play tends to be loose, bouncy, and mutual, with plenty of breaks. A Maltese's manners come far more from socialization and training than from breed alone, so early, positive exposure to other pets and people pays off for life.

Everyday care

Plan for fresh water, a complete diet portioned to keep a healthy weight, routine grooming, and regular veterinary checkups including core vaccinations. Coat care varies with the individual coat rather than a single rule. This is general orientation, not medical advice — your vet knows your Maltese best.

Health — what owners watch for

Well-documented conditions the Maltese can be predisposed to. Responsible breeders screen for many of these, and plenty of Malteses never develop them — but they are worth knowing before you commit.

  • Patellar luxation
  • Portosystemic liver shunt
  • Tracheal collapse
  • Dental disease

General information, not veterinary advice — always talk to your vet.

Did you know? A companion breed for over two millennia; Greeks and Romans immortalised them in art and on tombs.

General, species-level orientation — not veterinary advice. Every animal is an individual; your vet knows yours best.

Maltese FAQ

How long do Malteses live?

A Maltese typically lives 12–15 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, dental care, and routine veterinary checkups — good day-to-day care genuinely moves the number.

How big does a Maltese get?

Most adult Malteses weigh around 2–4 kg. Individuals vary with sex, build, and diet, so treat this as a typical range rather than a guarantee.

Is a Maltese easy to train?

Malteses are generally trainable with consistency and patience. As with any dog, reward-based training and early, positive socialization matter far more than breed reputation alone.

What health issues affect Malteses?

Malteses can be predisposed to patellar luxation, portosystemic liver shunt, tracheal collapse, and dental disease. General information, not veterinary advice — always talk to your vet.

Is a Maltese good for playdates?

Dogs are social by nature and most enjoy meeting other dogs when introductions are calm and on neutral ground. Good play tends to be loose, bouncy, and mutual, with plenty of breaks. A Maltese's manners come far more from socialization and training than from breed alone, so early, positive exposure to other pets and people pays off for life.

How much space and activity does a Maltese need?

As a tiny dog, a Maltese does best with daily walks plus time to sniff, explore, and stretch their legs. Dogs are working animals at heart — a mix of physical exercise and light mental work (training games, food puzzles, new routes) keeps them settled at home. Match the intensity to the individual dog and your vet's guidance.

What does everyday Maltese care look like?

Plan for fresh water, a complete diet portioned to keep a healthy weight, routine grooming, and regular veterinary checkups including core vaccinations. Coat care varies with the individual coat rather than a single rule. This is general orientation, not medical advice — your vet knows your Maltese best.

Can I meet Malteses near me on Petpair?

Yes — Petpair matches dogs for playdates and pedigree matches, and discovery is location-aware from the first swipe. Build a free profile for your tiny dog and start meeting Malteses and other dogs in your area.

Breeds similar to the Maltese

Same species, matched on size, energy, and temperament — a natural next read if the Maltese caught your eye.

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