Maltese
Also known as Bichon Maltais, Maltais
- Height at the withers
- 20 to 25 cm
- Weight
- 3 to 4 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 30 minutes
- Origin
- Malta, Mediterranean basin
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
An ancient Mediterranean toy breed with a long, silky white coat and a charming, playful personality, combined with a fearless temperament despite its small size.
History and origins
One of the oldest known breeds in the world, going back more than 2,000 years, it comes from the island of Malta. Historically known as “the ancient little dog of Malta,” it was prized as a companion by royalty and the aristocracy.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Dental disease (tartar, tooth loss)
- Portosystemic shunt
- Excessive tearing (epiphora)
- Tracheal collapse
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, silky coat. Almost no shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Maltese FAQ
How big does the Maltese get?
The Maltese stands 20 to 25 cm at the withers and weighs 3 to 4 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Maltese shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a great deal of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Maltese live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Maltese need each day?
Allow about 30 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Maltese good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Maltese live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and dental disease.
