The Maltese Dog: Everything you need to know!

​The Maltese is a small, adorable lap dog that loves to cuddle and be with its human as much as possible. With the popularity of cross-breeding these days, many people don't know much about the purebred Maltese.

Fifi, the Maltese, our January Dog of the Month 2026

---

​📜 Origin of the Maltese

The Maltese is an ancient breed believed to have originated in the central Mediterranean region, with its development heavily associated with the island of Malta, which is how it got its name. The breed was well established in Malta long before it was formally recognized by kennel clubs.

👑 Purpose

The Maltese was seen as a symbol of high status in society and was owned by the wealthy and royalty. They were kept purely as pets and companion dogs and were often carried around in women’s sleeves, found sitting on their owner’s laps, and sleeping in their beds with them. This aristocratic companion role has been consistent throughout history.

​🐕 Appearance of the Maltese

The Maltese is a small breed of dog that typically reaches a height of 18–23 cm at the shoulder and weighs under 3–4 kg.
Pure white is considered the only acceptable colour standard in most major kennel clubs (like the AKC and FCI), although different standards around the world may allow very light cream or tan markings in parts of the coat.

✂️ Coat Care

Grooming is a daily requirement for the Maltese, especially if they are kept in a full, long coat. Gentle brushing is required daily as their coat is very soft and prone to tangling. Pay extra attention behind their ears, under their "armpits," and on their belly to avoid matting and to remove any debris they may pick up when out and about.

Their eyes should be wiped clean, gently with a warm cloth or an appropriate cleanser, daily to avoid the famous tear staining around the eyes. Their ears also require weekly checking and cleaning, and should have hair plucked out as needed by a groomer or vet to prevent infections.
Regular professional grooming and coat clipping can help to keep their coat easier to maintain. A full-coated Maltese will also require the hair from the top of their head kept out of their eyes, often secured in a topknot or a similar style.
​
They are a breed that sheds very little and can be a good fit for allergy sufferers.

💖 Temperament of the Maltese

A happy, playful, and loving dog, the Maltese is a great companion. They enjoy a daily walk to get out and explore and are generally a very friendly dog if well-socialized. They love to play, and with a short walk, plenty of cuddles, and play time, they are perfectly suitable for apartment living and can manage well with just a small yard.

They are a very loyal breed that is intelligent and easy to train with consistent and calm leadership. They are brave for their size and will happily alert their family to any strange noises or intruders. They can be picky eaters, especially if offered too much human food, which can cause them to reject their regular dog food.

They can suffer from "Small Dog Syndrome" if they are allowed to be treated too much like a baby and not a dog, which can be very confusing for them. A dog that begins to think it is a human in charge can develop behavioural issues that can make them unsafe around small children and other animals, so calm leadership from the beginning is essential.

The Maltese is very happy to sit on your lap and follow you around the house all day long and is an ideal fit for many different homes, from busy families to laid-back, calm, and relaxed homes with only one or two humans.

🩺 Health

The Maltese is considered a generally healthy breed of dog. Depending on their coat length and the places where their fur parts, they can be prone to sunburn, and dog-safe sunscreen should be applied as needed.
Their coat can hold water and dampness, so they should be checked after being outside in wet weather to ensure that they are completely dry, which helps to avoid hot spots. The breed can be prone to dental, eye, and respiratory issues, so health checks of breeding parents are essential.
​
A healthy Maltese can live on average between 12–15 years, although some live as long as 18 years!