Toy group · Toy

Maltese

Ancient white toy companion — sweet, low-shed, high grooming.

Apartment FriendlyLow SheddingHypoallergenic-ishFamily DogGentlePlayfulCharming

Puppy.College Rating77/ 100

Weight

under 7 lbs

Height

7–9 in

Lifespan

12–15 years

Exercise

30–60 minutes/day

Origin

Multiple regions historically

First-time owner

4/5

Overview

Ancient white toy companion — sweet, low-shed, high grooming.

The Maltese is a toy breed in the Toy group, typically standing 7–9 in and weighing under 7 lbs. Expect a lifespan of 12–15 years with good preventive care. Personality is best described as gentle, playful, charming.

Breed history & origin

The Maltese traces its origins to Multiple regions historically. Its original purpose — lap companion and household charmer — shaped almost every physical and temperamental trait still visible in the breed today.

As a toy member of the Toy group, the Maltese was selectively bred for independent decision-making, steady temperament and an even pace. Modern owners describe them as gentle, playful, charming — qualities deeply rooted in that working heritage.

The breed is recognised by all major kennel clubs in the Toy group, with a written standard codifying its silhouette, gait, and temperament.

Today the Maltese thrives as a travel-friendly companion. It remains one of the more recognisable breeds at North American dog shows and in homes across Canada and the United States, where its combination of gentle and family-suitability continues to draw new owners every year.

Like every purebred, the Maltese carries genetic risks tied to its small founding gene pool. Conscientious modern breeders screen for the conditions listed in the health section below and breed for longevity, structural soundness, and stable temperament — the three pillars of a responsibly preserved breed.

Origin snapshot

Country of origin: Multiple regions historically
Era: Historic
Original purpose: Lap companion and household charmer
Modern purpose: Travel-friendly companion

Breed timeline

Historic
Maltese develops in Multiple regions historically
20th century
Formal kennel club recognition in the Toy group
Today
Established as a travel-friendly companion

Appearance

Male

Height

7–9 in

Weight

under 7 lbs

Female

Height

6–8 in

Weight

under 7 lbs

Coat length: Long
Coat texture: Tight single coat
Undercoat: None / minimal
Body: Compact, agile build

Temperament

Malteses are gentle, playful, charming. With early socialization and positive-reinforcement training in the critical 8–16 week window, they grow into well-adjusted adults that fit a wide range of households.

Exercise & activity

Adult Malteses need 30–60 minutes/day, split between leashed walks and off-leash play. Under-exercised dogs of this breed are the #1 source of behaviour complaints — chewing, barking, and pulling.

Grooming & shedding

Malteses are high-maintenance coats. Plan on daily brushing and a professional groom every 4–6 weeks.

Minimal shedding — one of the cleaner breeds to live with.

Nutrition guide

Feed a high-quality small-breed puppy formula with calorie-dense kibble in tiny pieces. Maltese puppies thrive on 3 measured meals per day until 6 months, then 2 meals. Look for AAFCO statements naming "growth" or "all life stages," and skip filler-heavy grocery brands.

Puppy nutrition

Feed an AAFCO-approved small-breed puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.

Adult nutrition

Adult Malteses do well on a high-quality kibble (≥ 25% protein, ≤ 15% fat) split into two meals. Free-feeding is the #1 cause of obesity in this breed.

Senior nutrition

From age 8, transition to a senior formula with glucosamine/chondroitin and reduced calories.

Daily calories (adult)

200–350 kcal/day

Common allergies: Most common triggers in this breed: chicken, beef, dairy, wheat. A novel-protein diet (duck, salmon, venison) helps if itching or GI issues persist.

Never feed:

• Grapes & raisins
• Chocolate
• Onions & garlic
• Xylitol (peanut butter labels!)
• Cooked bones
• Macadamia nuts

Training guide

Housebreaking

Crate-train from day 1. Maltese puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.

Crate training

Use a crate just large enough to stand and turn around. Never use it as punishment. Most Malteses accept the crate within 2 weeks with kong-and-meal pairing.

Obedience

Malteses have an independent streak. Keep sessions ≤ 5 minutes, very high-value rewards, and end on a win.

Socialisation

Critical window is 8–16 weeks. Aim for 100 new people, 50 new dogs, and 25 new environments before 4 months — vaccinated, controlled, positive exposures only.

Advanced training

Focus on rock-solid basics first; advanced sports work best from 18+ months with this breed.

Common mistakes to avoid

×Skipping puppy class because the dog ‘seems fine’
×Using punishment for fear-based behaviour (escalates it)
×Repeating the cue word — say it once, then enforce
×Free-feeding (kills food motivation for training)

Health database

Lifespan: 12–15 years. Below are the conditions vets most commonly screen for in this breed — for education only, always consult your veterinarian.

Hip dysplasia risk

Lower than average

Elbow dysplasia risk

Low

Eye disease risk

Standard screening recommended

Cancer risk

Average

Dental risk

Elevated — small breeds prone to crowding and tartar

Annual vet cost

$400–$700 CAD

Common health concerns

▸Dental disease
▸Obesity (over-feeding)
▸Patellar luxation

Recommended screening

▸Patella evaluation
▸CERF / OFA eye exam
▸Cardiac auscultation
▸Skin & coat dermatology check

Educational only — always consult your veterinarian.

Living requirements

Apartment: Excellent
House: Yes — ideal
Urban: Strong
Rural / farm: Strong
Cold weather: Average — needs a jacket below freezing
Hot weather: Tolerant
Barking level: Average
Separation anxiety: Above average — bred for human company
Escape risk: Average
Space: Apartment-friendly

Cost of ownership (Canada)

Reputable Canadian breeders typically charge $1,200–$2,200 for a Maltese puppy. Plan for $1,400–$2,200 in annual cost of ownership covering food, vet visits, insurance, training, and grooming.

Puppy purchase

$1,200–$2,200

Annual all-in

$1,400–$2,200

Insurance

$45–$90 / month CAD

Pros & cons

Pros

+Excellent with children and other family pets
+Adapts well to apartments and condo living
+Low shedding — easier on furniture and allergies
+Travel-friendly size; fits under airline seats and in small homes

Cons

−High grooming costs — professional groom every 4–6 weeks

Ideal owner profile

First-time ownersFamilies with kidsApartment & condo dwellers

Fun facts

1.Malteses live 12–15 years on average with good preventive care.
2.Adults stand 7–9 in and weigh under 7 lbs.
3.Daily exercise needs: 30–60 minutes/day.
4.Classified in the Toy group.

Maltese vs popular breeds

Trait	Maltese	Labrador Retriever	Golden Retriever	German Shepherd	French Bulldog	Poodle (Standard)
Size	Toy	Large	Large	Large	Small	Large
Lifespan	12–15 years	11–13 years	10–12 years	9–13 years	10–12 years	10–18 years
Energy	3/5	5/5	4/5	5/5	2/5	4/5
Trainability	3/5	5/5	5/5	5/5	3/5	5/5
Family-friendly	4/5	5/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	5/5
Apartment	5/5	2/5	2/5	2/5	5/5	3/5
Shedding	1/5	4/5	4/5	5/5	3/5	1/5
Exercise	30–60 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	20–40 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day

Frequently asked

Maltese — 30 questions answered.

Are Malteses good family dogs?+

Yes — Malteses score 4/5 for family friendliness and are widely considered one of the better breeds for households with children.

Are Malteses good for first-time owners?+

Yes — they rank 4/5 for first-time suitability.

How much exercise does a Maltese need?+

How much does a Maltese puppy cost in Canada?+

Reputable Canadian breeders charge $1,200–$2,200 for a well-bred Maltese puppy. Adoption through breed-specific rescues runs $400–$900.

What's the annual cost of owning a Maltese?+

Plan for $1,400–$2,200 CAD per year covering food, vet care, insurance, training, and grooming.

Do Malteses shed a lot?+

Minimal shedding — one of the cleaner breeds to live with.

Are Malteses hypoallergenic?+

Malteses are among the lower-allergen breeds, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

How long do Malteses live?+

Typical lifespan is 12–15 years. Lean body weight and routine vet care add years.

What health problems are Malteses prone to?+

Most commonly: Dental disease, Obesity (over-feeding), Patellar luxation. Buy from a breeder who screens for these and provides documentation.

Are Malteses good apartment dogs?+

Yes — they adapt well to apartments when exercised daily.

How often should I groom my Maltese?+

Malteses are high-maintenance coats. Plan on daily brushing and a professional groom every 4–6 weeks.

How smart is a Maltese?+

Malteses rank 3/5 for trainability — in the average range. They learn best with short, motivated sessions.

Are Malteses good with kids?+

Yes — patient and tolerant with children, especially when raised together. Always supervise toddler interactions.

Are Malteses good with cats and other dogs?+

Generally yes, when socialised from puppyhood.

Can Malteses be left alone?+

Malteses bond closely with their people; 4 hours alone is a reasonable maximum for adults. Build alone-time slowly to prevent separation anxiety.

Do Malteses bark a lot?+

Average barking. Most Malteses alert to strangers but settle quickly.

How big do Malteses get?+

Adults typically stand 7–9 in and weigh under 7 lbs.

What should I feed a Maltese puppy?+

Feed an AAFCO-approved small-breed puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.

How many calories does an adult Maltese need?+

Roughly 200–350 kcal/day for an average-activity adult. Active or working dogs need 20–40% more.

When does a Maltese stop growing?+

By 9–12 months.

How do I housebreak a Maltese?+

Crate-train from day 1. Maltese puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.

Do Malteses do well in cold weather?+

Average — needs a jacket below freezing

Do Malteses tolerate hot weather?+

Tolerant

Are Malteses good guard dogs?+

No — most Malteses are too friendly to make true guard dogs but will alert-bark at strangers.

Do Malteses like water and swimming?+

Variable — small breeds are at higher risk in water; use a life jacket.

Can Malteses do agility or dog sports?+

Possible, but recall and focus take longer to develop in this breed.

Are male or female Malteses better?+

No meaningful temperament difference at the breed level — individual personality, socialisation, and training matter far more than sex.

Should I get pet insurance for a Maltese?+

Strongly recommended. Expect $45–$90 / month CAD for accident & illness coverage.

What questions should I ask a Maltese breeder?+

Health clearances on both parents (hips, elbows, eyes, cardiac as applicable), the right to return the dog at any age, contract terms, references from previous puppy buyers, and a meet-and-greet with the dam.

Where can I adopt a Maltese in Canada?+

Start with breed-specific rescues on Petfinder.ca and the Canadian Kennel Club's breed club referrals, then check provincial humane societies.

What's the difference between Canadian, American, and European Maltese lines?+

Bloodlines differ in size, structure, and working drive. North American show lines are typically larger and calmer; European working lines are leaner and drivier. Ask the breeder which lines they breed and why.

Maltese curriculum