Maltese Dog: A Complete Guide to Maltese Puppies & Terrier

Don't let their dainty size fool you. While the Maltese, with their shoe-button eyes framed by a glistening coat of silky white, may be able to fit in your purse, they possess a surprisingly bold and bright personality. These little dogs, typically under ten pounds, are more than just a lapdog; they're lively companions known for their enduring puppy-like enthusiasm.  

What Does a Maltese Dog Look Like? 

The Maltese dog is immediately recognizable by its distinctive appearance. These small dogs typically stand 8-10 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 4-7 pounds when fully grown. Their most notable feature is their straight, silky white coat that, when left long, reaches all the way to the ground. Their tail is plumed and curves gracefully over their back.  

People sometimes misspell the breed as Maltise or Malteese, but regardless of spelling, they're unmistakable in appearance! 

Maltese or Maltese Terrier? 

While often incorrectly called "Maltese terrier," these dogs are not actually terriers at all. This common misnomer likely stems from their spirited personality and small stature, which may resemble terriers. However, Maltese belong to the Toy Group in kennel club classifications, not the Terrier Group. 

True terriers were developed to hunt and kill vermin, while the Maltese was bred exclusively as a companion animal throughout its long history. Understanding this distinction helps set appropriate expectations for your Maltese dog's temperament and behavior. 

Maltese Breed History 

The Maltese is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with a prestigious history spanning at least 2,800 years. Originally bred in the central Mediterranean area, specifically on the island of Malta (hence their name), these dogs were cherished companions to ancient civilizations. 

Archaeological evidence shows Maltese-type dogs in Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Asian artifacts. Aristotle referred to the breed as "perfectly proportioned" despite their small size, while Roman matrons carried these elegant dogs in their sleeves. 

The breed nearly disappeared during the Dark Ages when attempts were made to breed them to be extremely small. By crossbreeding with Poodles and Spaniels, the Maltese was saved from extinction. The modern Maltese as we know it today began taking shape in the 1800s in England and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888. 

Maltese Temperament 

The Maltese temperament is defined by their role as companion dogs. They are specifically designed to love and be loved. If you want a smart little dog to run you and your home, then the Maltese is your breed. They pack a lot of love into their tiny bodies, and are never happier than when cuddling in their owners' laps. 

Known for their affectionate and gentle temperament, Maltese dogs form incredibly strong bonds with their human families. They thrive on attention and interaction, making them perfect for owners who want a constant companion. Despite their small size, the Maltese displays a fearless and confident demeanor—they're often unaware of just how tiny they actually are! 

Resist the impulse to simply carry your Maltese puppy everywhere and pluck them out of trouble, and let your dog be a dog. In particular, the Maltese excels at learning tricks and loves to show off. 

Separation Anxiety and Barking in Maltese Dogs 

Maltese form extraordinarily strong bonds with their owners, which can lead to significant separation anxiety when left alone. This breed thrives on human companionship and can become distressed without it. Signs of separation anxiety include excessive barking or howling, destructive behavior, and inappropriate elimination. 

Despite their small size, Maltese have big voices and aren't afraid to use them. They tend to be alert and responsive to environmental changes, often barking to announce visitors, passing cars, or unfamiliar sounds. Early, consistent training using positive reinforcement techniques can help manage barking, but potential owners should be prepared for a more vocal pet. 

Is a Maltese Right for Your Family? 

While the Maltese temperament makes them wonderful pets for many, this may not be the right dog for families with young children. Maltese puppies are tiny and can easily be injured if play is too rough, or they may snap at a child in self-defense if frightened or hurt. 

The ideal home for a Maltese is one where they'll receive plenty of attention and gentle handling.  

Maltese Weather Sensitivity 

The Maltese dog's small size and single-layer coat make them extremely vulnerable to temperature extremes. In cold weather, they can quickly become chilled even in temperatures that seem mild to humans. In hot weather, they risk overheating and sunburn. 

Maltese owners should invest in appropriate doggy clothing for winter, including sweaters for cold conditions. During summer, walks should be limited to cooler morning or evening hours. Never leave your Maltese in a car regardless of weather, as temperatures can become dangerous within minutes. 

Maltese Dog Training Tips 

Training a Maltese requires understanding their unique personality traits. These intelligent dogs learn quickly but can be stubborn if training isn't engaging. The most effective approaches include positive reinforcement, short sessions, consistency, and patience – especially with housetraining. 

For successful potty training specifically, consider indoor options like pee pads for inclement weather, create a consistent schedule, and praise enthusiastically for successful outdoor elimination. Never punish accidents; simply clean thoroughly and adjust your schedule. 

Maltese Grooming Needs 

This is the wrong breed for someone who wants the look of a show dog with little effort. Those gorgeous creatures floating around the show ring with their gleaming white coats and perfect topknots are the product of endless hours of washing and combing. Most pet Maltese are kept clipped short, which means frequent professional grooming. Neglected coats become tangled and matted, which is painful and can lead to serious skin infections. 

Maintaining a Maltese's beautiful coat requires dedicated care. You have two main grooming options: 

• Show coat: Long, floor-length coat requiring daily brushing and regular bathing 

• Puppy cut: Shorter, more manageable trim that still requires regular maintenance 

For most pet parents, the "puppy cut" offers the best balance between the characteristic look and manageable grooming requirements. 

Those button eyes may look adorable against the white coat, but that look requires time spent cleaning away tear stains, which cause a rust discoloration that most people find unsightly even though it's harmless. Tear staining is common in Maltese dogs due to their facial structure and light coloring. 

Are Maltese Hypoallergenic? 

Maltese are considered to be one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds.  While no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, including the Maltese, many people with allergies report fewer symptoms with this breed. 

The Maltese's advantage comes from their single-layer coat that sheds minimally compared to double-coated breeds. Their small size also means they produce less dander overall. However, they can still trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. 

Maltese Health Issues 

Like many small breeds, Maltese can be predisposed to certain health conditions, and it's important for potential owners to be aware of these. However, with diligent care, proactive veterinary attention, and a healthy lifestyle, many Maltese live long and happy lives. Here are some common issues seen in the breed: 

• Dental Disease: Due to their small mouths, they are prone to dental problems. However, regular brushing and professional cleanings can significantly mitigate these risks. 

• Luxating Patella: While this condition (slipping kneecap) is common in small breeds, its impact can often be managed with weight control and, in some cases, surgical intervention. 

• Portosystemic Shunt (PSS): This liver defect requires veterinary intervention, often surgery, but with successful treatment, affected dogs can still lead fulfilling lives. 

• Hypoglycemia in Puppies: This risk for young Maltese can be managed with frequent feeding schedules and close monitoring during their early months. 

• White Shaker Syndrome (Idiopathic Tremor Syndrome): While requiring lifelong medication, many Maltese with this condition can live comfortably and happily with proper management. 

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): While PRA can lead to vision loss, it's not always a rapid process, and affected dogs can often adapt well with the support of their loving families. 

• Tracheal Collapse: This condition can cause breathing difficulties, but its severity varies, and management strategies, including medication and lifestyle adjustments, can help. 

Remember, being aware of these potential health issues empowers you to provide the best possible care for your Maltese. By working closely with a veterinarian and being attentive to your dog's needs, you can significantly contribute to their overall well-being and enjoy many wonderful years together. A healthy Maltese can often live 12-15 years or even longer. 

Protecting Your Maltese with Pet Insurance 

Given the potential for breed-specific health concerns in Maltese, having full coverage pet insurance is a cornerstone of responsible ownership. Some insurance companies dictate coverage from afar, but Embrace empowers you to work directly with your veterinarian to determine the best course of care for your Maltese. 

Embrace offers a range of customizable plans, allowing you to choose a plan that aligns with your budget and your dog's potential healthcare needs. Treating conditions like portosystemic shunt can easily reach $5,000-$10,000 or more! Getting pet insurance early ensures that your Maltese dog receives the best possible care without compromising your financial well-being. 

Budgeting for Routine Care for Your Maltese Dog 

Planning for the predictable costs of routine care is key to ensuring your Maltese enjoys a healthy and happy life. These regular expenses contribute significantly to their overall well-being. Here's a breakdown of common routine care needs: 

• Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Annual wellness exams are vital for monitoring your Maltese's health and staying up-to-date on vaccinations. These visits typically range from $75 to $200 per visit. 

• Vaccinations: Keeping your Maltese current on their necessary vaccinations protects them from preventable diseases. Expect annual costs of $100-$300 for core and recommended vaccines. 

• Grooming: Maintaining your Maltese's beautiful coat requires regular attention. Professional grooming, including bathing, trimming, and nail care, is generally needed every 4-6 weeks, costing $50-$100 per session, which can add up to $400-$800 or more annually. 

• Preventative Medications: Protecting your Maltese from parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworms is an important part of their routine care, with annual costs typically ranging from $100 to $300. 

• Dental Care: Given their predisposition to dental issues, regular professional dental cleanings, costing between $300 and $800 annually, are essential for your Maltese's long-term health. 

When budgeting for these routine expenses, consider adding an optional, non-insurance wellness plan. Unlike many plans that dictate coverage, Embrace lets you choose how to allocate your wellness funds – whether focusing on grooming, spreading it across check-ups and vaccinations, or prioritizing dental care. This control allows you to tailor the plan to your Maltese's specific needs and your budget. 

Finding a Healthy Maltese Puppy or Adult 

Don't buy a Maltese puppy from a pet store. You're more likely to get an unhealthy, unsocialized puppy and will be supporting high-volume puppy mills. Find a breeder who is a member of the American Maltese Association and has agreed to abide by the AMA's Code of Ethics. 

When searching for a reputable Maltese breeder, look for someone who health tests their breeding dogs, raises puppies in a clean home environment, welcomes questions and visits, and provides health guarantees. 

Consider an adult Maltese from a shelter or rescue group. Many health and behavior problems aren't apparent in puppyhood, but by adopting an older dog, most can be ruled out. Plus, Maltese can live 15+ years, so an adult dog will still be part of your family for years. 

Is the Maltese Right for You? A Quiz 

For each question, select the answer that best describes you: 

1. How much time can you dedicate to grooming?  

   1. I enjoy grooming and can commit to daily brushing and regular maintenance  

   2. I can handle weekly grooming but prefer lower-maintenance pets  

   3. I have minimal time for pet grooming 

2. What's your living situation?  

   1. I live in an apartment or smaller home without a yard  

   2. I have a house with a fenced yard  

   3. I have a large property with lots of outdoor space 

3. Who makes up your household?  

   1. Adults only or adults with older children  

   2. Family with gentle, supervised younger children  

   3. Very active household with multiple young children 

4. How much time will your dog spend alone?  

   1. Rarely more than a few hours  

   2. Regular 8-hour workdays  

   3. Frequently gone for long periods 

5. What are your financial expectations for pet care?  

   1. I'm prepared for regular grooming costs and potential health expenses  

      1. I can handle routine care but would be strained by major health issues  

6. I'm looking for a low-cost, low-maintenance pet 

Results: 

Mostly A's: A Maltese would be perfect for you! Your lifestyle aligns well with their needs. 

Mostly B's: A Maltese could work for you with some adjustments. Consider pet insurance and arrangements for companionship. 

Mostly C's: A Maltese may not be your ideal match. Consider a more independent, lower-maintenance breed. 

Maltese Dog 

While a Maltese might be small enough to tuck under your arm, their personality and the joy they bring to a home are anything but diminutive. From their glistening white coat and captivating dark eyes to their lively spirit and enduring puppy-like zest, the Maltese proves that the biggest love can indeed come in the smallest packages, offering years of devoted companionship.