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.
Start with our First 48 Hours Survival Guide to get your new pup set up for success from day one.
Then dive into the full Puppy 101 Series—your go-to hub for raising a happy, well-adjusted dog.
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.
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
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.
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.
• 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
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.
