Dog breed · Toy
Maltese
Gentle, playful, affectionate
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 2–4 kg (4–9 lb)
- Height
- 20–25 cm (8–10 in)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Origin
- Malta (Mediterranean)
By Maya HartThe coat
Long
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Malteses right for you?
You will love
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Copes well in a flat
- Content with modest exercise
- Sheds little
Be ready for
- Coat needs regular grooming
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Malteses weigh 2–4 kg (4–9 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Maltese
Lap dogs since the days of ancient Rome, the Maltese is affectionate, playful and happiest close to its people. The silky white coat sheds very little, which makes the breed popular with allergy-conscious owners, although no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
The coat mats easily and needs daily care, or a shorter trim. Like many toy breeds, Maltese are prone to dental disease and can be difficult to house-train, so patience and a consistent routine help. They can be anxious when left alone for long periods.
Health to know about
- Dental disease
- Luxating patella
- Liver shunt
- Tear staining and eye irritation
- White dog shaker syndrome
Care in short
- Daily brushing, or a short "puppy cut" every 6–8 weeks
- Clean around the eyes daily
- Daily tooth brushing
- Short walks and indoor play
Kit for a Maltese
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Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for long coats
Pin brush and comb set
4.5Pins get through a thick coat; the comb finds the knots it missed.
- Gentle rounded pins
- Comb has two tooth widths
Best for walks
Padded no-pull harness
4.5Front clip discourages pulling without pressure on the throat.
- Four adjustment points
- Reflective trim
Similar breeds
| Trait | Maltese |  Shih TzuCompare |
 Yorkshire TerrierCompare |
Bichon FriseCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2–4 kg (4–9 lb) | 4–7.5 kg (9–17 lb) | 2–3.5 kg (4–8 lb) | 5–8 kg (11–18 lb) |
| Energy | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with children | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Grooming needs | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Maltese get?
Adults usually weigh 2–4 kg (4–9 lb) and stand 20–25 cm (8–10 in) tall.
How long do Malteses live?
Typically 12–15 years.
Are Malteses good with children?
Usually fine with supervision (3 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Malteses shed?
Very little.
What health problems are Malteses prone to?
Dental disease; Luxating patella; Liver shunt; Tear staining and eye irritation; White dog shaker syndrome.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts