Maltese
With its snow-white silky coat and elegant bearing, the Maltese is a gentle, playful toy breed with thousands of years of history.
- Origin
- Malta
- Size
- Toy
- Adult weight
- 2–4 kg
- Typical lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Energy
- Grooming
- Shedding
- Trainability
The 1–5 scales are PetBondly editorial estimates based on breed-club descriptions and general references; every individual is different.
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy dog breeds of the Mediterranean. Known for its long, white, silky coat, it is an affectionate companion devoted to its owner.
Character and temperament
Gentle, playful and people-focused. It loves being with its family and dislikes being alone for long. Its alert nature means it may bark at new sounds.
Exercise and mental needs
Short daily walks and indoor play are enough. It is clever and enjoys short training sessions. Because of its small size, take care with falls and jumps from heights.
Coat care
It has a single-layer, silky coat without an undercoat; it sheds little but tangles easily. A long coat should be brushed every day. Many owners prefer a short clip for easier care. Keeping the area around the eyes clean is part of grooming too.
Who is it suited to?
Ideal for owners looking for a calm but lively companion suited to apartment life who can make regular time for coat care.
A short history
It takes its name from the island of Malta and is thought to descend from small dogs known in the Mediterranean for thousands of years.
Breed-specific health notes will be added after veterinary review. Please ask your veterinarian about health questions.