Central Mediterranean Basin (FCI country of origin), with Italy as FCI country of patronage; the name links the breed to the island of Malta, which classical writers named as its home7146
A sweet-natured, trusting little companion that loves being near its people. It is playful and full of life yet can settle calmly indoors, and it seems to have no idea how small it is. Alert and quick to notice visitors, it will often announce arrivals. It is clever and enjoys learning tricks, and it is happiest with gentle handling and a calm household routine.12538
how to spot oneMaltese coat and colours
long, straight, silky single coat (no undercoat)
A tiny, long-bodied dog that carries its head high and proud. The body is longer than the dog is tall, and the tail arches over the back. Its hallmark is a pure white, glossy coat with no undercoat that hangs straight and heavy down each side, reaching close to the ground in a full show coat. The hair should have no waves or curls, and it moves like a cape as the dog trots along.1234
Colourspure whitepale ivory tinge allowed (FCI)light tan or lemon on the ears permitted but not preferred (AKC)123
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Maltese. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
how busy a day looksMaltese exercise needs
Low. Around 20-30 minutes of activity a day, such as short walks and indoor play, keeps it content. Energetic for its size but well suited to flats and small homes.65
where they are happiestMaltese at home
An indoor companion that adapts well to apartments and smaller spaces. Its small size means it should be supervised around boisterous play and protected from cold or wet weather with its light frame.56
who they like aroundMaltese with people and other pets
Very people-oriented and prefers company for much of the day. It does best with adults or gentle, older children and benefits from calm, early socialisation with new people and pets.523
the hands-on bitsMaltese grooming and care
High. The long single coat needs daily brushing and regular baths to stay tangle-free, and the hair around the eyes should be wiped clean every day. Many owners keep pets in a shorter trim for easier care. It sheds very little.654
what goes in the bowlMaltese food and feeding
A complete, good-quality food formulated for small or toy breeds, fed in small portions suited to its size and activity. Some individuals can be fussy eaters, so a consistent routine helps.5
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Maltese, and at what times?
Feed your Maltese at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four for puppies, to keep their energy steady. A consistent routine helps, especially since some can be fussy. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.59
What should a Maltese eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, good-quality food made for small or toy breeds is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always keep these out of reach.510
How often should I bathe a Maltese?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Maltese gets dirty or has skin issues, but avoid overbathing to protect their silky coat.11Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Maltese need brushing?
Brush your Maltese daily to prevent tangles and mats in their long, silky coat. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends every 2 days, but daily brushing is ideal for this breed. It also helps keep shedding very low.65411Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Maltese's nails, and how often?
Trim your Maltese's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every three weeks. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut small amounts to avoid the quick. If unsure, ask a vet or groomer for a demonstration.11Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Maltese need?
Your Maltese needs about 20 to 30 minutes of activity daily, like short walks and indoor play, to stay happy. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests up to 60 minutes, but adjust based on your dog's energy. They are playful yet content with less.65Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Maltese's teeth and ears?
Brush your Maltese's teeth daily with dog toothpaste and check their ears weekly for moisture or debris. Gently wipe around the eyes each day to keep them clean. Never push anything into the ear canal.11Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Maltese live?
A Maltese typically lives 12 to 14 years, bringing many happy years of companionship. With good care, they can enjoy a long, healthy life.564
Is a Maltese good with children and other pets?
Maltese are sweet and trusting, doing best with gentle, older children and calm socialisation. They can get along with other pets when introduced early and carefully. Always supervise play due to their small size.523
Can a Maltese be left alone?
Maltese are very people-oriented and prefer company, so they may struggle if left alone for long periods. With gradual training and a consistent routine, they can manage short absences. For specific advice, ask your vet or a professional trainer.523
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchMaltese health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Maltese. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Liver shunt and microvascular dysplasia (MVD)
Blood bypasses the liver, which can mean poor growth, odd behaviour after meals and slow recovery from sedatives; a bile acid blood test screens for it. American Maltese Association: a large majority of Maltese have MVD, almost all without symptoms; shunts are less common ↗
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of its groove, giving a skipping gait. Knee check recommended by the American Maltese Association (CHIC); no published rate ↗
A heart vessel fails to close after birth or a valve leaks; a vet hears a murmur and refers for a scan. Cardiac exam recommended by the American Maltese Association (CHIC); PDA listed by Science for Animal Welfare; no published rate ↗
Inherited eye disease
Cloudy lens or retinal problems dim sight; eye checks on the parents lower the risk. UK Kennel Club Best Practice eye testing; no published rate ↗
Bladder stones
Crystals form in the urine, often linked to a liver shunt, and can block the flow. Named by the American Maltese Association alongside shunts; no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Serum bile acids test American Maltese Association (CHIC) ↗
Patella evaluation CHIC / American Maltese Association ↗
Cardiac examination CHIC / American Maltese Association ↗
Eye examination (BVA/KC/ISDS) UK Kennel Club Best Practice ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Maltese costs
Running costs for a Maltese, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Maltese legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Maltese in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Maltese tip
Maltese can have sensitive tummies, so stick to high-quality, low-fat treats and avoid salty or fatty human foods. Because they are prone to dental disease, daily tooth brushing and vet-approved dental chews are a great way to keep their mouth healthy and reward them at the same time.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The FCI traces the name 'Maltese' to a Semitic word, 'malat', meaning a refuge or harbour, rather than directly to the island.1
2
A Greek amphora from about 500 BC found at Vulci shows a little pointed-nosed dog labelled 'melitaie'.4
3
The Roman poet Martial wrote verses about a pampered lapdog called Issa, often said to have been a Maltese.4
4
Queen Victoria commissioned Edwin Landseer to paint a Maltese named Quiz in 1837, in a picture titled 'The Lion Dog from Malta: The Last of his Tribe'.4
5
At the very first Westminster Kennel Club show in New York in 1877, the breed was entered as a 'Maltese Lion Dog'.4
6
Its coat has no undercoat at all, and the breed standard asks for hair that hangs almost to the ground.2
7
The Royal Kennel Club notes an 1805 account by a Knight of Malta describing the island's dogs with long silky hair.6
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The name 'Maltese' does not necessarily mean the breed originates from the island of Malta; it comes from the Semitic word 'màlat' meaning refuge or harbour, and was used for various Mediterranean port cities and islands.12
stars of the breedFamous ones
Maltese dog in Renaissance paintings Numerous Renaissance painters depicted Maltese dogs in their works, showing them as companions of elegant ladies.12
I wake up curled beside my human, feeling the gentle rise and fall of their breathing. When they stir, I give a tiny lick to say good morning. After breakfast, we go for a short walk, I trot proudly, though I know I'm small. I greet every dog with a wag, even the big ones. Back home, I play with my squeaky toy, then settle on the sofa for a snuggle. I love watching out the window; I bark softly when someone passes. In the evening, I learn a new trick for a treat. Life is sweet and simple, and I am always near my favorite person.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganMaltese history
Small white dogs of this type have lived around the central Mediterranean for well over two thousand years. The FCI explains that their ancestors worked in port towns catching mice and rats, and that the name probably comes from a Semitic word meaning refuge or harbour. Greek and Roman writers, including Aristotle and Strabo, described tiny dogs from Melita, generally taken to be Malta, and a Greek amphora from around 500 BC shows a small dog labelled melitaie. The Romans kept them as treasured lapdogs, and the poet Martial wrote verses about one named Issa. The type continued through the Renaissance as a favourite of noble households. In Victorian Britain the breed was shown as its own class at Islington in 1862, and Queen Victoria commissioned Edwin Landseer to paint one in 1837. Across the Atlantic a 'Maltese Lion Dog' appeared at the first Westminster show in 1877, the AKC accepted the breed in 1888, and the FCI gave it definitive recognition under Italian patronage in 1955.14653
Standard No. 65, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 1 (Bichons and related breeds); definitive acceptance 13 Apr 1955; current standard dated 13 Nov 2015; country of patronage Italy; no working trial7
The Royal Kennel Club
Toy Group; recognised breed, not on the vulnerable native breeds list6
AKC
Toy Group; recognised 1888; current standard approved 10 Mar 19642
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