Size
Toy
Weight
4-7 lbs
Height
8-10 in
Lifespan
12-15 years
Overview
One of the oldest toy breeds in existence, with a documented lineage tracing back over 2,000 years to the ancient Mediterranean, the Maltese was bred purely for companionship from the very beginning, prized by Roman nobility and later throughout European royal courts for its beauty and gentle temperament. Its pure white, silky coat and affectionate, trusting nature have made it a favorite lapdog across cultures and centuries in a way few breeds can claim. Despite its long history among aristocracy, the Maltese today remains a genuinely down-to-earth, people-focused companion, happiest when close to its owner and generally eager to please. This breed tends to form especially strong bonds with its primary caregiver and can be somewhat wary of unfamiliar people or boisterous handling, making it better suited to calmer households than ones with very young, energetic children.
A day in the life
Day to day, the Maltese is content with shorter, more relaxed walks and plenty of downtime, making it a good match for a quieter daily pace. On the grooming front, the coat needs real, regular attention, expect frequent brushing between professional grooming sessions to keep things comfortable and mat-free. When it comes to family life, this breed tends to do better in a calmer household, or one where interactions with young children are closely supervised, and on the training side, training takes real patience and consistency, since this breed's independent streak means results come more gradually than with a more naturally biddable breed.
At a glance
Estimated monthly cost: $80-140
Pros
- ✓Low daily exercise needs
- ✓Minimal shedding
- ✓Well suited to first-time owners
- ✓Adapts well to apartment living
- ✓Lower-allergen coat
Cons
- ✕Needs frequent grooming or professional trims
Temperament
- Affectionate
- Gentle
- Playful
- Trusting
Health notes
Maltese are prone to dental crowding given their small jaw structure, luxating patella affecting the kneecap, and a tear-staining tendency around the eyes that needs regular cleaning to prevent the coat's white fur from discoloring and to avoid skin irritation around the eye area.
Grooming
The long white coat mats easily and needs genuine daily brushing to stay tangle-free, or regular professional trims to a shorter, meaningfully lower-maintenance cut that many pet owners find more practical for daily life.
Exercise needs
Short walks and indoor play fully meet this breed's genuinely low exercise needs; the Maltese is content with a relatively sedentary lifestyle centered around companionship rather than physical activity.
Is the Maltese right for your situation?
Frequently asked questions
How long do Malteses live?
The typical lifespan of a Maltese is 12-15 years, though genetics, diet, and veterinary care all influence individual longevity.
Is a Maltese good for apartment living?
Yes, the Maltese generally adapts well to apartment living thanks to its manageable energy level and size, as long as it still gets regular walks.
Is a Maltese a good choice for first-time owners?
Yes, the Maltese's temperament and trainability make it a reasonable choice for someone owning a dog for the first time.
How much does it cost to own a Maltese?
Beyond the initial adoption or purchase cost, owners typically budget around $80-140 per month for food, routine care, and grooming, not including unexpected veterinary expenses.
