Daily play, short walks, and quality lap time do the trick. Big personalities, small needs.
Smart and sensitive. Learns well with kindness and treats.
Great with gentle kids and pets. Devoted to their person, thrives on companionship.
Long coat needs daily brushing or regular trims. Tear staining is common.
Can be yappy—early training helps. Loves to announce everything.
Hypoallergenic in coat type, but still produces some dander.
The Maltese is a toy breed known for its long, silky white coat and expressive dark eyes. Despite their delicate appearance, these little dogs are lively, bold, and surprisingly athletic. Originally bred as companion animals, they thrive on human interaction and are happiest when close to their people.
Playful and energetic, Maltese are known for spontaneous zoomies and bursts of joyful activity. Their small size makes them well-suited to apartment living, but they still need daily engagement and moderate exercise. They’re smart, eager to learn, and respond well to training—especially when it involves games or positive attention.
While typically affectionate and good-natured, some Maltese can be wary of other dogs or overly enthusiastic children. Early socialization helps, but due to their fragile size, they’re generally better suited to adult households or families with older kids who understand how to be gentle.
Maltese do not have an undercoat and shed very little, making them a popular choice for allergy-sensitive households. Their coat requires regular grooming to stay mat-free, though many pet owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to keep maintenance simple. Tear staining around the eyes is common but manageable with daily cleaning and a clean diet.
Similar Breeds: Havanese, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle
Living with a Maltese feels like being adored by a tiny royal who’s convinced you’re the best thing on Earth—and expects to be no more than six inches from you at all times. These little dogs are affectionate to their core, happiest when nestled in your lap, perched on your pillow, or tucked into the crook of your arm. They don’t just want to be with you—they need to be with you.
Their charm is magnetic. Guests will fawn, neighbors will smile, and you’ll find yourself scheduling your day around their grooming and cuddle breaks. Because yes, that luxurious white coat doesn’t maintain itself—but the upside is a companion so devoted, so gentle, and so full of personality that even the brushing starts to feel like bonding time.
If you want a dog who lives for closeness, radiates sweetness, and leaves a little trail of fluff (and love) behind wherever they go, the Maltese is your perfect match.
• Sweet, spunky, and stylish
• Needs grooming or regular haircuts
• Not a fan of being alone
• Great for apartments
• Can be feisty for their size
I’m fluff, love, and loyalty all in one lap-sized package. I thrive on closeness, compliments, and cozy places to nap—preferably on your lap. I’m charming, a little dramatic, and totally devoted. Just don’t leave me behind, darling—I’m not built for solitude. If your perfect day includes long cuddles, light grooming, and a forever companion who thinks you hung the moon, I’m ready to move in.
Maltese dogs are right at home wherever their people are—as long as there’s love, attention, and a cozy place to cuddle. They’re excellent fits for apartment dwellers, city slickers, or gentle families who can offer the time and care these little charmers thrive on. Whether your vibe is downtown chic or cottage-core cozy, they’ll adapt beautifully—as long as they’re included in your daily life.
These pups don’t need a big backyard, but they do need big love. Frequent grooming and even more frequent together-time are non-negotiables. They do best in households where someone’s around most of the day—retirees, work-from-homers, or families with staggered schedules make ideal matches.
In short: if your space is full of love and your lap is usually free, a Maltese will feel right at home.
Start with the Raising a Puppy Guide — a step-by-step roadmap covering every stage of puppy development, or jump into one of our other detailed guides.
And if you’re ready to go even deeper, grab a copy of the book: Help! I Got a Puppy. It’s everything you didn’t know you needed to know.
• Needs coat care or professional grooming
• Sensitive to being left alone
• Social and spunky with training
• Prone to tear stains
• Lives for pampering
• Detangling spray and fine comb
• Cozy travel bag or sling
• Hypoallergenic wipes for face
• Tear stain treatment
• Plush toys for indoor fetch
Small and hardy, but with a few breed-specific sensitivities:
• Dental disease (a major concern in small breeds)
• Collapsing trachea
• Luxating patella
• Tear staining and eye irritation
• Liver shunt (less common, but serious)
Regular vet visits help spot and manage these early.
All about the white:
• Pure white, silky, single-layer coat
• Hair, not fur—grows continuously and doesn’t shed
• Can be kept long and showy or clipped short for easy maintenance
• Daily brushing required for longer styles to prevent mats
• Tear staining is common and requires routine face cleaning
Their coat is a beauty statement—and a full-time job.
Tiny dog, tailored approach:
• Feed small-breed-specific food with attention to dental support
• Regular meal schedule is better than free-feeding
• Avoid table scraps—easy weight gain in such a small body
• Watch for picky eating and food sensitivities
• Use portion control to maintain ideal weight
Nutritional discipline equals longevity in petite pups.
Gentle care for a glamorous companion:
• Prioritize dental hygiene from a young age
• Use a harness to protect their delicate trachea
• Keep eyes clean and dry to prevent tear stains and irritation
• Regular grooming is essential—either DIY or professional
• Protect from rough play or falls—this is a very small dog
The Maltese thrives on love, gentleness, and a clean, cozy routine.
Maltese are cuddly, charming, and confident little companions who live to love and be loved. With their glamorous coats, expressive eyes, and heart-stealing devotion, they’re made for owners who want a constant, affectionate presence by their side. They don’t just tolerate attention—they thrive on it—making them perfect for those who enjoy doting, grooming, and bonding. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or entertaining guests, a Maltese brings sparkle, sweetness, and the softest paws imaginable right to your heart.
