Maltese Breed Information & Characteristics

The Maltese is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Malteses are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Active
Easygoing
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Playful
Sweet
Tempered

Maltese will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

The Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Malta

terrier

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

ancient times

Toy (AKC:1888)
Companion Breed & Show Breed (UKC)

Brown

Black

White

The coat of a Maltese dog is generally known for its length.

Straight

A Maltese can have a litter of 15-18 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Malteses are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

The Maltese is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Obesity

Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism
Hydrocephalus
Dental Disease
Portosystemic Shunt
Shaker Dog Syndrome

Eye
Knee
Liver Ultrasound
CT Scan
Dental Examination
Physical Examination

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Malteses may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Maltese have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

The Maltese is a breed that requires minimal physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Maltese breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

The Maltese is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Maltese dogs bark and howl frequently, they are not a good fit for quiet homes.

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Walk, Cuddle, Sleep, Walking, Petting, Sniffing, Exploring, Playing, Running, Snuggle, Chasing, Wrestling, Being cute, Playdate, Go to Park, Frisbee, Swim, Chase, Bath time, Hide & Seek, Off-leash, Eating Snacks, Tag

Malteses are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Maltese, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Malteses usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Maltese is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Ideally, Maltese should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
Nail Clipper

For an average 4-7 pound (2 - 3 kg) Maltese feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Maltese is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Maltese is between $42 - $53. This makes an average of $504 - $636 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The Maltese have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Malteses lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Malteses are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Malteses are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Malteses are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Malteses are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Malteses are very friendly around strangers.

Malteses have an average level of playfulness. The Malteses, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Maltese dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.