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
Maltese: quick answers
How big does the Maltese get?
An adult Maltese typically weighs 2–4 kg and stands around 20–25 cm at the shoulder — a small breed.
How long does the Maltese live?
12–15 years is typical for the Maltese. Weight, genetics and routine veterinary care all move the needle — regular check-ups matter at every age.
Is the Maltese good with kids?
The Maltese rates a middling 3/5 on our family-friendliness scale. With early socialisation, training and supervision many do fine with children — the individual dog matters more than the breed.
Does the Maltese shed a lot?
Not much — the Maltese is a light shedder (1/5 on our scale), one of the easier breeds for keeping hair under control.
Is the Maltese easy to train?
Reasonably — the Maltese rates 3/5 for trainability. Consistency, patience and positive reinforcement get you there.
Can the Maltese live in an apartment?
Yes — the Maltese can do well in an apartment as long as its exercise needs are met with daily walks and play.
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.
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Care, gear & guides
Guides for this breed are coming soon.
