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Dog · FCI group 9

Maltese

The Maltese is a small companion dog covered in a long, silky white coat. The breed combines a lively, affectionate nature with an alert and fearless demeanor. Its compact size makes it well suited for indoor and apartment living.

  • Affectionate
  • Lively
  • Intelligent
  • Alert
  • Calm
  • Bold
Maltese
OriginCentral Mediterranean Basin
Size
Toy
Adult weight
3 to 4 kg
Height at the withers
20 to 25 cm
Lifespan
12 to 15 years

This is general guidance. Always ask your vet.

How big does a Maltese get?

An adult Maltese weighs 3 to 4 kg and stands 20 to 25 cm at the withers.

FCI standards specify 21 to 25 cm for males, 20 to 23 cm for females, and a weight of 3 to 4 kg for both sexes. AKC guidelines prefer weights under 3.18 kg, ideally between 1.81 kg and 2.72 kg, while UK standards specify height should not exceed 25 cm.

[S1][S4][S5][S6][S7]

How long does a Maltese live?

A Maltese lives 12 to 15 years.

Large companion dog studies report a median lifespan of 13.1 years, while kennel clubs and veterinary sources record a general range of 12 to 15 years.

[S8][S9][S10]

What health problems are common in the Maltese?

The most common in the Maltese are: Patellar Luxation, Portosystemic Shunt (PSS) and Microvascular Dysplasia (MVD), Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), Periodontal Disease, Tracheal Collapse, White Shaker Dog Syndrome (Idiopathic Cerebellitis), Hypoglycemia.

6 months to 2 years of age

Patellar Luxation [S20][S21][S22]

The kneecap slips out of its normal anatomical groove in the knee joint.

Ask your vet about:

  • Physical knee palpation exam
  • OFA Patellar Evaluation certification
Under 1 year of age for PSS; variable or mature adulthood for MVD

Portosystemic Shunt (PSS) and Microvascular Dysplasia (MVD) [S7][S22][S23][S24]

Abnormal blood vessels bypass the liver, reducing normal blood processing and body growth.

Ask your vet about:

  • Pre- and post-prandial serum bile acid tests
  • Blood ammonia level test
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Portal CT angiography
First weeks to 6 months of life

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) [S7][S22][S24]

A congenital heart vessel fails to close after birth, altering normal blood circulation through the heart.

Ask your vet about:

  • Cardiac auscultation for heart murmurs
  • Echocardiogram
  • OFA Congenital Cardiac evaluation
1 to 2 years of age

Periodontal Disease [S7][S14][S25]

Bacterial plaque accumulates around crowded teeth, causing inflammation of the gums and supporting structures.

Ask your vet about:

  • Veterinary oral examination
  • Full-mouth dental radiographs under anesthesia
  • Routine professional dental cleaning
4 to 8 years of age

Tracheal Collapse [S16][S22]

The cartilage rings supporting the airway weaken and flatten, producing a dry, honking cough.

Ask your vet about:

  • Inspiratory and expiratory thoracic radiographs
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Tracheoscopy
1 to 2 years of age

White Shaker Dog Syndrome (Idiopathic Cerebellitis) [S26]

An inflammatory condition of the central nervous system that causes generalized body tremors.

Ask your vet about:

  • Neurological examination
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
6 to 16 weeks of age

Hypoglycemia [S24][S25][S27]

Blood glucose levels drop abruptly, leading to sudden weakness, lethargy, or tremors.

Ask your vet about:

  • Blood glucose monitoring during routine wellness visits
  • Emergency blood sugar evaluation during episodes of weakness

What is a Maltese's temperament like?

The Maltese is lively, affectionate, intelligent, and alert. It displays a bold disposition despite its diminutive build and serves as a vigilant alarm barker.

[S1][S11][S12][S13]

How much exercise does a Maltese need?

A Maltese needs 20 to 30 minutes of exercise a day.

The breed needs moderate daily exercise, fulfilled by short walks or interactive indoor games. Mental stimulation with puzzle toys helps satisfy its active mind.

  • Energy3 / 5
[S7][S14]

How does a Maltese handle heat and cold?

Because the Maltese lacks an insulating undercoat, it chills easily in low temperatures and wet weather. It benefits from protective coats or sweaters during cool outings.

  • Handles heat3 / 5
  • Handles cold1 / 5
[S14][S15]

How much does a Maltese shed, and how do you groom it?

Requires daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats, alongside daily cleaning of the face to manage tear stains. Professional clipping every 4 to 6 weeks helps maintain a shorter pet style.

Single coat with long, flat, silky white hair

  • Shedding1 / 5
[S4][S11][S13][S14][S16]

Is a Maltese good with children and other pets?

This dog adapts well to apartment homes. Its fragile skeleton requires careful handling around very young children. Close attachment to owners makes the breed prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

  • With children3 / 5
  • With other pets4 / 5
  • In an apartment5 / 5
[S14][S17][S18][S19]

Is a Maltese easy to train?

The breed learns quickly with reward-based positive reinforcement using praise and treats. House training can require patience due to a small bladder capacity.

  • Ease of training4 / 5
[S13][S14]

What does a Maltese eat at each life stage?

  • PuppyProvide an AAFCO-formulated growth diet designed for small-breed puppies, split into 3 to 4 scheduled daily meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
  • AdultOffer a balanced adult maintenance food featuring small-sized kibble suited for petite jaws, serving two scheduled meals per day to prevent unwanted weight gain.
  • SeniorTransition aging dogs around 9 to 10 years of age to a senior diet adjusted for lower energy needs, containing added fiber, controlled phosphorus, and omega fatty acids.

Where does the Maltese come from?

Ancestors of the breed worked along coastal ports hunting mice and rats on ships and docks. Aristotle documented these small canines under the name canes melitenses, and Roman aristocrats kept them as status symbols and lapdogs. The FCI lists the Central Mediterranean Basin as the breed origin under Italian patronage, while the AKC recognized the Maltese in 1888.

Country of origin: Central Mediterranean Basin.

[S1][S2][S3]

Fun facts about the Maltese

  • Roman noblewomen carried these dogs inside the folds of their clothing and sleeves, creating the historic nickname 'Roman Ladies' Dog.' [S30][S31]
  • Renaissance masters like Titian and Veronese included early Maltese dogs in paintings alongside European royalty and nobles. [S1][S33]
  • Christian tradition states that Governor Publius presented a Maltese dog to the Apostle Paul after his shipwreck on Malta as thanks for healing his father. [S32]
  • The dog's dark nose can fade to pink or brown when deprived of sunlight, a shift known colloquially as 'winter nose.' [S34]
  • Royal figures who kept Maltese companions include King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I of England. [S3][S33]

Tips by life stage and weather

  • PuppyFeed your puppy on a strict 3 to 4 meal daily schedule to guard against sudden drops in blood sugar.
  • PuppyEstablish a consistent indoor pee-pad or crate schedule early to help with tiny bladder house-training.
  • AdultWipe the fur around your dog's eyes and muzzle daily to clear away moisture and tear staining.
  • AdultDivide daily walking into two short sessions of 10 to 15 minutes each to meet energy needs without joint fatigue.
  • SeniorSchedule frequent veterinary dental checks and cleanings to maintain oral health in crowded jaws.
  • SeniorConsult your veterinarian about adjusting dietary phosphorus and adding joint support around 9 to 10 years of age.
  • Hot seasonSchedule your outdoor walks during the early morning or evening hours to avoid intense midday heat.
  • Hot seasonOpt for a shorter clipped coat style to keep your dog comfortable during high-temperature months.
  • Cold seasonDress your dog in a fitted sweater or coat before stepping outside because the single coat offers very little warmth.
  • Cold seasonEngage your dog with indoor fetch and puzzle games on chilly days rather than taking extended walks.
  • Rainy seasonDry your dog's paws and belly thoroughly after wet walks to prevent chills and matting in the long coat.
  • Rainy seasonUse a waterproof dog jacket during rainy outings to shield the single coat from becoming waterlogged.

In the Kiba Vet app, your pet's breed profile shows a tip of the day based on its age and the weather where you live.

This is general guidance. Always ask your vet.

Checked against sources; veterinary review pending. Updated on September 29, 2026.

Written with the help of AI from the cited sources and checked fact by fact against them by a second model.

Sources

Every health fact and every number on this page comes from these sources. Identifiers from Wikidata (CC0).