01Summary
In a paragraph
If you only have 30 seconds.
The Maltese belongs to the oldest companion dogs of the Mediterranean region and has a pronounced bond with people. Its long, white coat requires daily care. Its temperament is sensitive and attentive, making it trainable but also susceptible to inconsistent handling. Those who bring time, structure, and closeness will receive an alert, long-lived companion with genuine character.
02Introduction
What makes the Maltese special
The Maltese is a small white companion dog from Malta, FCI Group 9, hypoallergenic and long-lived, height at withers 20–25 cm.
03Profile
Key facts and suitability
- Origin
- Malta/Südeuropa
- Original purpose
- Companion dog and lap pet
- FCI
- No. 65 · Group 9 · Sektion 1: Bichons und verwandte Rassen
- height at the withers
- 20–25 cm
- Weight
- 3–4 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–18 Years
- Coat type
- Long-haired
- Minimum exercise
- 20 min/day
- Puppy price
- 1'500–3'000 CHF
- Waiting period
- 9 months
- Sports
- Agility · Obedience · Tricks · Therapy dog
04Temperament
How the Maltese shows up in everyday life
When you come home, the Maltese greets its primary caregiver with visible joy, seeks physical contact, follows you through the flat and clearly signals that it wants to be included. This need for social contact is genetically anchored: the Maltese was bred over centuries as a close human companion, not as an independent working dog.
Internally (i.e. in what the dog itself needs), closeness to the primary caregiver comes first. A Maltese that is left alone for hours or is permanently ignored develops stress. This manifests itself in barking, restlessness or digestive problems. Three hours of being left alone daily are considered the upper limit; more is burdensome for most animals of this breed.
Externally, i.e. in its reaction to stimuli from the environment, the Maltese usually shows itself open to slightly reserved towards strangers. It barks at the door, but calms down quickly when the primary caregiver signals calmness. With other dogs it is compatible with good socialisation, but prefers quieter conspecifics of similar size.
In everyday life, it becomes apparent that the Maltese observes its surroundings attentively. It registers changes in human mood early and reacts to them, which makes it a sensitive companion but also means that prolonged tension in the household affects it.
On a walk, it explores curiously but generally stays within sight. It is not a dog that runs for hours; it enjoys structured walks with opportunities to sniff more than pure endurance exertion. Trick training or small search tasks after the walk provide meaningful enrichment.
05Needs
What this breed needs daily
The Maltese requires 30 to 60 minutes of active exercise daily. This does not need to be intense; structured walks with a sniffing component, free-running areas within safe limits, and short play sessions meet its physical needs. Pure endurance runs or intensive dog sports do not suit its profile.
Mental enrichment is more important than physical exercise. The Maltese is capable of learning and works attentively. Trick training, nose work, small search games, or structured training sessions of 10–15 minutes daily keep it mentally challenged and strengthen the bond with its primary caregiver. Without this enrichment, it tends to occupy itself by barking or becoming overly clingy.
The Maltese has a high need for social contact. It requires regular, active contact with its primary caregiver, not just physical presence in the same room. Joint activities, training moments, and quiet times of contact are part of its basic needs.
Being left alone must be trained consistently and step by step. Three hours daily are considered a realistic upper limit for a well-trained Maltese. Anyone who is regularly absent for longer periods needs a reliable care solution.
Grooming is an independent time factor: with long fur, brushing for 10–15 minutes daily, regular eye care (tear stains), dental care, and ear checks. Having the fur clipped short reduces the care effort but requires a visit to the dog groomer every 6–8 weeks. This effort is part of keeping this breed; it is not optional.
Exercise
Low
mental work
Medium
Social needs
High
training
Easy
07Quick Check
08Suitability
Who this breed is suitable for – and who it isn't
✓Matches
The Maltese suits individuals or households who spend several hours at home daily and wish to actively spend time with the dog. Specifically: owners with some home office work, retirees with a structured daily routine, or individuals who can integrate the dog into their working day.
A calm to moderately active lifestyle corresponds to the profile of this breed. Anyone who plans 30–60 minutes of exercise daily, appreciates trick training or nose work, and is willing to spend 10–15 minutes daily on grooming will find a dog that repays this investment with a close bond.
Families with children from about 8 years old, who can ensure calm and respectful handling of the animal, are also suitable. It is essential that children do not treat the dog as a toy and that retreat options are available.
Keeping in an apartment is possible without problems, provided exercise and structure are ensured. Urban and rural environments are equally suitable. First-time owners are welcome if they are willing to attend a dog training school and introduce consistent daily rules; the sensitivity of the Maltese requires clear communication from the start.
×Doesn't match
The Maltese does not suit individuals who are away from home for more than three hours daily and cannot organise a reliable care solution. Its high need for social contact is not a trait that can be trained away; it is part of its genetic profile.
Anyone looking for a dog that remains occupied independently, demands little attention, and tolerates being alone without problems will be permanently overwhelmed by a Maltese.
Households with very young children under 5 years old, where calm and predictable handling cannot be ensured, are also unsuitable. The Maltese is a small, sensitive dog; rough interactions burden it sustainably.
Anyone who considers daily grooming negligible or is not willing to regularly visit a dog groomer underestimates the care effort of this breed. Matted fur causes pain to the animal and is a frequent reason for surrendering it to animal welfare organisations.
Anyone who also expects that a small dog automatically means less training effort should review the profile of the Maltese again: its intelligence and sensitivity demand consistent guidance, regardless of its body size.
10Line reality
Show line, working line, breeder market
The Maltese does not show a pronounced differentiation into lines in the sense of working line versus show line, as is known with retriever or herding breeds. The breeding goal was historically never oriented towards performance or drive work, but towards temperament, appearance and ability to bond. A working test is expressly not provided for in the FCI standard.
In practice, differences between breeding lines nevertheless exist: some breeders focus on show success and optimise coat structure, body build and proportions according to the FCI standard. Other breeders prioritise temperament and health and accept minor deviations from the show standard.
For owners who are not looking for a show dog, the temperamental predisposition of the parent animals is more relevant than the show history of the line. A breeder who shows both parent animals and can describe their behaviour in everyday life provides more reliable indications of the expected temperament of the puppy than a long pedigree with show titles.
Regionally, there are traditionally strong breeding lines in Italy, the patron country of the breed, which are exported internationally. These lines are not fundamentally better or worse, but differ partly in body build and coat quality from Central European breeding lines.
11Health · Reality
What you need to plan for medically with your Maltese
The Maltese is considered a long-lived breed. According to figures from the German Maltese Club, life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years, with individual dogs reaching 17 years.
Breed-typical health risks include patellar luxation, dental problems, and eye diseases. Patellar luxation, the dislocation of the kneecap, occurs disproportionately frequently in small breeds. A study by the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) shows that around 15–20% of examined Maltese dogs exhibit patellar luxation (OFA database, status 2023). Reputable breeders have parent dogs examined before breeding and provide proof of results.
Dental problems arise due to the small jaw space: teeth are crowded, and tartar builds up quickly. Regular dental care at home (at least 3× a week) and annual veterinary dental check-ups significantly reduce the risk of periodontitis and tooth loss.
Eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts are known in the breed. Breeders using DNA tests for PRA mutations demonstrably reduce the risk of inheritance.
Tear stains under the eyes are not a medical condition but an anatomical feature; they require daily cleaning to avoid skin irritation.
Overweight is a real risk for Maltese dogs: their low exercise needs combined with frequent feeding of treats quickly lead to overweight, which strains joints and heart function. According to the FCI standard, ideal weight is 3–4 kg; every additional kilogram represents a considerable percentage of excess weight.
Preventive examinations: Patella (before breeding and in puppyhood), eyes (annually from the 3rd year of life), teeth (annually), heart auscultation (recommended from the 7th year of life).
12Structured data
Health by the numbers
Prone to diseases
Patellar luxation, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), liver diseases (portosystemic shunt), dental problems
Recommended health tests
Patella screening, liver values, dental check
13Myths ↔ Reality
What is often said incorrectly about this breed
Five myths, five realities, five sources.
"The Maltese is hypoallergenic and does not trigger allergies.
No dog is completely allergy-free. The Maltese loses comparatively little coat, but continues to produce saliva and skin flakes (dander), which are frequent sources of allergens. Allergy sufferers should carry out an allergy test before getting a dog and seek contact with the specific animal to check their individual reaction.
"Such a small dog requires hardly any training.
The Maltese is intelligent and trainable, but reacts sensitively to a lack of structure. Without clear daily rules, many Maltese develop undesirable behaviours such as excessive barking, resource guarding or separation anxiety. The body size does not reduce the need for training; it merely changes the physical impact of misbehaviour.
"The Maltese is a low-maintenance lapdog.
The long, silky coat of the Maltese tangles quickly and painfully without daily care. Anyone who keeps the coat long needs to brush it for at least 10–15 minutes daily. Anyone who has it clipped short saves time, but must visit the dog groomer every 6–8 weeks. Regular eye and dental care as well as ear checks are also required.
"Maltese are ideal for children of all ages.
The Maltese is a small, sensitive dog with a body weight of 3–4 kg. Rough handling, loud environments or unpredictable movements by young children can stress it or lead to defensive reactions. Respectful handling and clear rules for children are a prerequisite, not just a nice addition.
"Maltese can easily be left alone for long periods.
The Maltese has a high need for social contact. More than three hours of being left alone daily overwhelm many animals of this breed and encourage separation anxiety, vocalisation and stress behaviour. Being left alone must be trained step by step and consistently; it does not happen on its own.
14animal welfare
The animal welfare perspective
Breeder market, designer versions, animal shelter reality — what no one writes in the puppy ad.
The Maltese ends up in animal welfare more often than its image as a well-groomed companion dog suggests. The reasons are usually predictable: owners underestimate the daily grooming effort for the long coat, the breed's sensitivity to being left alone, or the training effort required, which does not disappear just because the dogs are small.
Backyard breeder market: The Maltese is a sought-after breed with stable demand. This makes it a target for backyard breeders and organised puppy trade from abroad. Puppies are offered at low prices without health checks, without socialisation, and without pedigree papers, often via classifieds platforms. These animals frequently exhibit behavioural problems and health issues that only become apparent weeks after acquisition. The low purchase price is offset by high veterinary costs.
Designer versions: Crossbreeds such as the "Maltipoo" (Maltese × Poodle) or "Morkie" (Maltese × Yorkshire Terrier) are marketed with the promise of combining the positive traits of both breeds. This promise is not scientifically proven. Health benefits from hybridisation do not occur automatically; they depend on specific breeding selection. Anyone acquiring such a dog should apply the same criteria as when getting a purebred dog.
Breeding and husbandry-related problems: Overweight is a frequently underestimated problem in Maltese dogs. Low exercise needs combined with generous feeding quickly lead to a body weight that strains joints and heart function. Separation anxiety as a result of insufficient alone-time training is also a widespread problem regularly documented in animal welfare practice.
Adoption as an equivalent option: Adult Maltese dogs from animal welfare organisations or breed-specific rescue centres come with a known temperament. Many are already house-trained, familiar with daily routines, and do not require puppy training from scratch. The adoption agencies support the handover and are available for questions. Those open to an adult dog will find a well-founded alternative to acquiring a puppy here.
15Costs · Transparency
What this breed realistically costs
The acquisition costs for a Maltese puppy from reputable breeding with FCI papers range between 1,500 and 2,500 EUR or CHF in Germany and Switzerland. Offers significantly below 1,000 EUR often come from backyard breeding or foreign trade; subsequent veterinary treatment costs regularly exceed the apparent savings.
Annual living costs break down as follows: High-quality food for a 3–4 kg dog costs between 300 and 600 EUR/year depending on quality. Professional grooming at the dog groomer (every 6–8 weeks) amounts to 400–700 EUR/year, depending on region and effort. Add care products for home use (brushes, eye care, dental care): approx. 50–100 EUR/year.
Basic veterinary care (vaccinations, parasite prevention, annual check-up) costs 200–400 EUR/year. Dental cleanings under anaesthesia, which occur more frequently in Maltese than in larger breeds, cost 300–600 EUR per procedure. A patellar luxation operation ranges between 800 and 2,500 EUR depending on severity.
Dog health insurance for a Maltese costs 40–90 EUR/month (480–1,080 EUR/year) depending on provider and coverage. Liability insurance is mandatory in many cantons and federal states and costs 50–100 EUR/year.
Total annual costs (realistic): 1,500–3,000 EUR, excluding extraordinary veterinary costs.
16Puppy search
What you need to consider when choosing a breeder
- A reputable breeder is a member of a recognised breed club, in Germany for example the Deutscher Malteser-Club e.V., in Switzerland the Kleinhunde Club Schweiz KCS.
- They allow puppies to be taken away only from the 8th week of life, show mother and puppies together in the rearing environment, and present health certificates (patella examination, eye examination).
- Anyone who is offered a puppy without viewing the parent animals, without a pedigree, or at a suspiciously low price should be cautious.
- Maltese from backyard breeding or foreign trade often show health and behavioural abnormalities that only become apparent after weeks.
- Adoption through animal welfare organisations or breed-specific rescue stations is an equally valid option.
- Maltese frequently end up in animal welfare because owners have underestimated the care or training effort.
- An adult Maltese from adoption comes with a known temperament and does not require puppy training from scratch.
- No reputable platform recommends individual breeders by name, but the breed clubs maintain lists of tested breeders that can serve as a starting point.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Maltese
Is Maltese suitable for beginners?
Maltese is considered suitable for first-time dog owners.
Is Maltese a family dog?
Maltese is considered suitable for families with good socialisation and species-appropriate care.
How much exercise does Maltese need?
At least around 20 minutes of exercise per day.
Does Maltese suit an apartment?
With enough exercise and enrichment, Maltese can also be kept in an apartment.
What is the size and weight of Maltese?
Fully grown, Maltese reaches about 20–25 cm at the withers and weighs around 3–4 kg.
What is the life expectancy of Maltese?
The life expectancy of Maltese is approximately 12–18 years.
Is Maltese suitable for allergy sufferers?
Maltese is considered relatively hypoallergenic. There’s never a guarantee — test direct contact beforehand.
Which diseases are common in Maltese?
Patellar luxation, hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), liver diseases (portosystemic shunt), dental problems
17Breed clubs
Official breed clubs in DACH
19Related
Similar breeds – and their differences
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Does this breed suit you?
White elegant dog from the Mediterranean region. Hypoallergenic, long-lived. Silky fur needs daily care.