Maltese dog breed
Ready to welcome a curly bundle of joy into your life? Discover what makes the Maltese breed so special in our guide.
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Maltese dog breed information and advice
Maltese dogs are part of the toy dog family and make wonderful companions. They’re small, cute and enjoy learning new tricks. Their long white coat may set them apart from other dogs, but underneath that glamourous exterior the Maltese breed is very playful.
Their irresistible face hides the fact they’re alert watchdogs and keen athletes on an agility course.
This dog breed guide covers all you need to know about Maltese dogs, including information on their behaviour, the Maltese personality and potential health problems.
Maltese facts
| Lifespan | 12 – 15 years |
| How much | Around £1,500 to £3,500 |
| Size | 18 – 25 cm |
| Weight | 2 – 4 kg |
| Colours | Pure white, white and lemon, white and tan |
| Grooming | Daily, gentle brushing and regular baths |
| Temperament | Gentle, affectionate, playful |
| Exercise | 30 minutes per day |
Insurance for your Maltese
Accidents can happen to any dog when you least expect it so having insurance is important. Health problems in Maltese dogs can occur at any age, so it’s wise to take out puppy insurance so you’re covered from the get-go.
Having Maltese insurance can help you with the unexpected cost of vet bills for treatment, medication and even surgery.
Common health conditions that Maltese dogs can suffer from include:
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance
Sainsbury’s Bank pet insurance covers your Maltese’s health care needs from as young as 8 weeks old. A new dog insurance policy can be taken out anytime from 8 weeks up until your dog’s 8th birthday. And once you have cover in place, we’ll insure your Maltese for their entire life – just as long as you renew your policy year after year. Giving you one less thing to think about.
We have three types of cover to choose from:
- Lifetime – the most comprehensive cover option, offering up to £10,000 towards vet costs every year.
- Maximum benefit – offers cover for illnesses, accidents and conditions up to £6,000.
- Time limited – with this option you’ll get cover for your dog for different treatments up to £3,000 during the year.
Please note that we don't cover pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply.
How to care for a Maltese
Your Maltese is going to need the correct diet, exercise, grooming and training to be happy and healthy. But most importantly, they’re going to need lots of love and attention.
Feeding and nutrition
If you have a Maltese puppy, you’ll need to feed them between three and four times a day. They have small tummies so shouldn’t be fed a big meal at once. As your Maltese puppy grows, slowly decrease the number of meals to two a day.
You should continue feeding your puppy the same food as the breeder. If you decide to change their diet, you’ll need to do it slowly while your dog adjusts.
Maltese dogs can be fussy eaters and generally prefer wet food to dry. Either type of food is fine, but make sure your dog is getting the correct nutrition in their diet. Speak to your vet if you’re unsure.
Grooming
Maltese grooming needs are high due to their very long and heavy coat that easily tangles and becomes matted. To stop this from happening, you’ll have to brush your dog daily. Regular haircuts will also be needed – and you can keep their fur short if you want. If you’re unsure how to trim your dog’s coat, you can take them to a professional dog groomer.
Their adult coat will start coming in from around 10 to 14 months. It’s important to try to get your dog used to being brushed and washed from a young age. Reward them with treats so that they learn that being groomed is a good thing.
Exercise
The Maltese is a small, lively breed but they’re not particularly active. This means they don’t need much exercise. A 30 minute walk every day will keep your dog fit and happy. You should also give your dog toys to play with to keep them entertained.
Small dogs that don’t get much exercise can become overweight easily. So, it’s important to make sure your dog has the chance to run around and play outside. If you notice your dog is putting on weight, increase the number of daily walks or slightly reduce the amount of food you give them.
Training
Maltese puppies are easier to housetrain than most toy breeds. If you start with puppy toilet training your dog will learn to listen to you. This will make other commands easier to teach. The number one training tip is to reward your dog for positive behaviour.
They are alert and will bark at any unfamiliar noise. This makes them great watchdogs, but the barking should be managed through training.
Temperament and behaviour
Maltese characteristics include their gentle and affectionate nature. They love to be around people and other animals. But their playful temperament can lead to mischief if they get bored and they can be yappy when they want attention.
Your pet needs to spend time with other dogs through socialisation, so they learn not to fear them.
Despite having a gentle temperament, they can be snappy with other dogs and loud children. They’re better suited to quiet homes.
Common health problems
It’s common for the Maltese breed to suffer from dental problems. But there are also other Maltese health issues that you should keep an eye out for.
If your dog does suffer from a medical condition, having dog insurance could help cover the cost of surgery.
It's important to take out pet insurance early though, as pre-existing conditions are not covered.
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance has dental cover as standard.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a gum disease caused by a build-up of plaque. This can cause pain and discomfort. Your pet may also struggle to eat and have bad breath.
To remove the plaque, your dog will need to go to the vet for a dental scale and polish. Some teeth may have to be removed if they're in poor condition, which will mean your dog will need a general anaesthetic.
To prevent gum disease, you should brush your dog’s teeth every day. Speak to your vet about dog toothbrushes and toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste as this is poisonous to dogs.
Luxating patella
This condition causes your Maltese’s kneecap to become unstable and pop out of the groove where it’s supposed to sit. This will be painful for your pet and make moving difficult. If your dog is suffering from a luxating patella, they won’t want to use that leg. You’ll notice them hopping and they’ll struggle to jump.
Your dog is likely to need surgery to correct the alignment of the kneecap. Physiotherapy will help your dog recover, but normal exercise will be restricted for six to eight weeks. Most dogs resume normal activity around three months after surgery.
Deafness
Deafness is most common in dogs with white fur. It can be hereditary or caused by ear infections or growths. Some dogs are born deaf, while others become deaf as they get older.
If your dog is suffering from hearing loss, you’ll notice their lack of response to noises. This includes speaking to them, opening doors and loud bangs such as fireworks. Deaf dogs do sleep well though – as noises won't wake them.
Deaf dogs can still live long, happy lives and you can train your pet using hand signals. You just need to be careful when you take them for a walk. If you let them off the lead and they run off, they won’t be able to hear you calling them.
So, is a Maltese right for you?
Your Maltese dog will be your best friend forever. Brushing their smooth, glossy coat will help you relax on an evening – and during the day they’ll keep you entertained with their loveable Maltese personality.
Frequently asked questions
Are Maltese dogs hypoallergenic?
While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, the Maltese is considered one of more hypoallergenic breeds as it doesn’t shed much fur.
However, allergies are related to the dog’s saliva and skin that is shed, not their fur. So, it’s possible for any dog breed to cause allergic reactions.
How many walks does a Maltese need?
Due to their small size, Maltese dogs have relatively low exercise needs – around 30 minutes a day. Short daily walks or exercise in the garden is usually enough.
Do Maltese dogs bark a lot?
Yes, Maltese dogs can be prone to bark. But they bark no more than other toy breeds. The good news is, you may be able to train them out of it using a distract and reward method.
What’s a Maltese dog’s lifespan?
You can expect your dog to live between 12 and 15 years. But their life expectancy can be affected by health issues and a poor diet – an overweight Maltese is more prone to health problems and a shortened lifespan. So, make sure you aren’t overfeeding your dog.
What’s a teacup Maltese dog?
A teacup Maltese is a miniature Maltese. They only weigh about 2 kg and are 10cm tall. You’ll only ever see a white teacup Maltese dog. Other colours will have been crossed with another breed. Teacup breeds are more prone to health conditions – particularly heart defects and respiratory problems.
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