Maltese
Quick facts
Size
Small
Weight
3 – 4 kg
Height
20 – 25 cm
Lifespan
12 – 15 years
Origin
Mediterranean (Malta)
Exercise
Low
Grooming
High
Shedding
Very Low
Temperament
Compatibility
Pros
- Tiny size perfect for apartment and unit living
- Very low shedding — one of the best breeds for allergy sufferers
- Gentle and affectionate companion ideal for singles and elderly owners
- Long lifespan and generally good health for a purebred toy breed
- Charming personality that is playful yet calm enough for small spaces
Cons
- Long coat requires daily grooming and regular professional maintenance
- Prone to separation anxiety and can be clingy
- Fragile due to tiny size — not suited to rough play with young children
- Can be difficult to housetrain due to small bladder capacity
Care guide
Exercise
Maltese need only 20 to 30 minutes of light exercise daily. A gentle walk around the neighbourhood and some indoor play is usually sufficient. They enjoy short, social outings where they can meet people. Despite their small size, they are surprisingly active and playful indoors. On the Gold Coast, walk during cooler parts of the day — their small body can overheat quickly in summer. They are content with apartment living as long as they receive attention and interaction.
Grooming
The Maltese's long, silky white coat is their crowning glory — and their biggest maintenance requirement. If kept long, it needs daily brushing and combing to prevent tangles and matting. Many owners keep the coat in a shorter "puppy cut" for easier maintenance, which still requires brushing every two to three days. Professional grooming every four to six weeks is essential. Keep the face clean — tear staining is common and requires daily wiping with a damp cloth. Clean ears weekly and brush teeth regularly, as toy breeds are very prone to dental disease.
Feeding
Feed one-quarter to half a cup of high-quality small-breed food per day, divided into two or three meals. Maltese can be fussy eaters, so find a food they enjoy and stick with it. Their tiny size means even small amounts of extra food cause weight gain. Choose a kibble size appropriate for their small mouth. Dental kibble can help manage tartar buildup. Fresh water should always be available. Avoid table scraps, which contribute to both weight gain and fussiness.
Training
Maltese are intelligent and can learn quickly, but housetraining is often a challenge due to their small bladder. Use a strict schedule with frequent outdoor trips or train with puppy pads as an interim step. Positive reinforcement works best — they are sensitive dogs that do not respond well to harsh corrections. Start socialisation early to prevent small-dog syndrome behaviours like excessive barking and guarding. Keep training sessions short and fun. They enjoy learning tricks and thrive on attention. Consistent, gentle training produces a well-behaved, confident companion.