Bred for thousands of years purely for companionship, the Maltese is a sweet, lively lapdog that bonds hard and wants to be with you constantly. The single silky coat barely sheds (good for allergies) but mats fast without daily brushing or a short trim. Fragile and small, they suit gentle homes; they can be wary of rough handling and prone to separation distress and yappiness if over-indulged.
Maltese
- Vet-reviewed by Dr. Amara Okafor, DVM
- Last updated June 2, 2026
Breed character
An ancient aristocrat of lapdogs — gentle, affectionate and playful, draped in a flowing white coat and devoted entirely to its person.
Temperament
- Affectionate
- Gentle
- Playful
- Lively
- Devoted
Likes
- Lap time and constant company
- Gentle play
- Being pampered and carried
- A warm, calm home
Dislikes
- Being left alone
- Rough handling
- Skipped grooming (mats)
- Cold, damp weather
Habits & quirks
- Following their person everywhere
- Alert, sometimes yappy barking
- Demanding laps and cuddles
- Daintily picking favourites
Great for
- Apartment and gentle homes
- Allergy-conscious owners (low-shed)
- People home often
- Adults and considerate older children
Think twice if…
- Homes with rough toddlers
- Owners away all day
- People unwilling to groom daily
- Busy, chaotic households
Is this the right breed for you?
Take the 3-minute Breed Match — a few honest questions about your home, time and energy, and a shortlist of dogs that genuinely fit your life.
Care, gear & guides
Guides for this breed are coming soon.
