Maltese
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Group | Toy |
| Size | Toy (4-7 lbs) |
| Height | 7-9 inches |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Charming |
| Good with Kids | Good (older children best) |
| Good with Other Dogs | Very Good |
| Shedding | Very Low (hypoallergenic) |
| Exercise Needs | Low-Moderate (30 minutes daily) |
| Trainability | Good (can be stubborn) |
Recommended for Maltese
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Top Food Choices for Maltese
The Farmer's Dog - Fresh food in small breed portions | Ollie - Custom fresh food for toy breeds | Royal Canin - Maltese-specific formula available
White hair and a serious dental bill
Maltese are toy companions, often under 7 pounds, with a lifespan commonly quoted at 12 to 15 years. The coat is hair that mats against the skin if it is not combed. Many owners keep a puppy cut and still have to dry the beard and the sanitary area. Tear staining is housekeeping. Eye pain is not.
They are affectionate and can be sharp when startled. Other dogs are fine if the other dog understands "tiny." Exercise is indoor play plus a short walk. They chill easily. A sweater is reasonable in a cold apartment, and it does not fix a cough.
Shunt, knees, and a collapsing windpipe
Portosystemic shunts, patellar luxation, and tracheal collapse are the three to know by name. A puppy that seems drunk after eating needs a vet, not a theory about teething. Dental extractions are nearly a rite of passage if the mouth is ignored until age six. Merck covers portosystemic shunts. A honking cough on a walk is worth a visit before it becomes a crisis, and the checker helps you sort the night.
Maltese questions
How do you stop tear staining?
Wipe the face daily with a cloth and keep the hair short around the eyes. Staining itself is often cosmetic. A swollen eye or thick discharge is not staining. It is a corneal or a tear-duct problem.
Are they fragile?
Yes. Falls from sofas and rough play break legs. They belong with older children, or with adults who will not carry them on a staircase in socks.
Do they bark?
They alarm-bark. A Maltese that is never taught a quiet will narrate the hallway. The size does not make the noise small.
Decision Guides for Maltese
Use these only when comparing food, insurance, ownership budget, or beginner fit for this specific pet.